Brake Or Clutch Patents (Class 415/123)
  • Patent number: 11767821
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for responding to a friction coefficient signal of a pitch bearing of a pitch drive mechanism of a wind turbine and/or for controlling the pitch drive mechanism(s) and/or a bank of ultracapacitors. The method and system include: accessing high-frequency measurement data of the at least one pitch bearing; estimating, via a torque balance model implemented by a controller, a frictional torque of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the high-frequency measurement data; estimating, via the controller, a friction coefficient signal of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the frictional torque; comparing the friction coefficient signal with a friction threshold; determining whether the friction coefficient signal deviates from the friction threshold based, at least in part, on the comparison; and, if so, acting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: Vidya Sagar Meesala, Misha Gupta, Pranav Agarwal, Manthram Sivasubramaniam, Justin Edwin Barton, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
  • Patent number: 11286811
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan, the fan including a plurality of fan blades, a diameter of the fan having a dimension D that is based on a dimension of the fan blades, each fan blade having a leading edge, and a forward most portion on the leading edges of the fan blades in a first reference plane, a geared architecture, a turbine section including a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine, the low pressure turbine driving the fan through the geared architecture, a nacelle surrounding the fan, the nacelle including an inlet portion forward of the fan, a forward edge on the inlet portion in a second reference plane, and a length of the inlet portion having a dimension L measured along an engine axis between the first reference plane and the second reference plane. A dimensional relationship of L/D is between 0.20 and 0.40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wesley K. Lord, Robert E. Malecki, Yuan J. Qiu, Becky E. Rose, Jonathan Gilson
  • Patent number: 10634057
    Abstract: An example arrangement for cooling a gas turbine engine includes an air turbine starter, a starter air valve, and an airflow adjustment device. The air turbine starter includes a turbine section for rotationally driving a compressor of a gas turbine engine through rotation of a shaft that connects the turbine section to the compressor. The starter air valve is configured to control a flow of pressurized air along a flow path from a source to turbine blades of the turbine section. The starter air valve includes a manual override feature that allows manual opening of the starter air valve. The airflow adjustment device is configured to adjust the flow of pressurized air along the flow path when the manual override feature is engaged based on a rotational speed of one of the shaft and an additional shaft that is driven by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Myles R. Kelly, James S. Elder
  • Patent number: 10519866
    Abstract: An air turbine starter for starting an engine, comprising a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet for communicating a flow of gas there through. A turbine member is journaled within the housing and disposed within the flow path for rotatably extracting mechanical power from the flow of gas. A gear train is drivingly coupled with the turbine member, a drive shaft is operably coupled with the gear train, and an output shaft is selectively operably coupled to rotate with the engine via a decoupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Unison Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Subrata Nayak, Eliel Fresco Rodriguez, David Allan Dranschak, Shiloh Montgomery Emerson Meyers, Pallavi Tripathi
  • Patent number: 10514023
    Abstract: A pinion of an output portion meshes with a ring gear of a wind turbine. A first friction plate is coupled to an output shaft of an electric motor at an end of the output shaft situated further from a speed reducer. A second friction plate contacts with the first friction plate and serves as a brake on the output shaft. Elastic members bias the second friction plate toward the first friction plate. Electromagnet biases the second friction plate in the direction in which the second friction plate is separated from the first friction plate. A detector detects a position and a displacement of a detection target portion fixed on the second friction plate. Based on a result of detection performed by the detector, operation of the second friction plate is detected and checked, and the wear amount of the first friction plate and the second friction plate is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haruna Osako
  • Patent number: 10301952
    Abstract: A product for use in a turbocharger system. A turbine housing may define a center core that is circular in shape with a circumference. The turbine housing may define a first volute that extends for a length around only a part of the circumference of the center core, and a second volute that may be positioned radially outside the first volute and that may extend entirely around the circumference of the center core. The first volute and the second volute may define first and second exhaust gas passages through the turbine housing that may be asymmetric. All points of the second volute may be radially outside the first volute from the center core over the entire length of the first volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Ausbrooks
  • Patent number: 10060550
    Abstract: The valve operator assembly is provided for a valve and includes a housing, an input member rotatably mounted, and a transmission mechanism including a translating element and a rotating element connected to the input member, said transmission mechanism being adapted to convert applied rotation of the input member into axial translation of said translating element. The assembly further includes at least one locking mechanism radially interposed between the transmission mechanism and the housing, and provided with friction means in radial contact with the housing, and with at least one pre-stressing element acting on said friction means to maintain said radial contact. The pre-stressing element and the friction means cooperate together to lock the transmission mechanism with the housing in a static position of said assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Jérôme Dubus, Christian Boch
  • Patent number: 9915246
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor shaft arrangement, e.g. of horizontal type, comprising a rotor shaft for supporting wind turbine blades, a non-rotating first housing structure for supporting the rotor shaft, and a first rolling bearing arranged to support, in a first axial direction, the rotor shaft in relation to the first housing structure at a first support point. The first rolling bearing is a single row self-aligning bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a set of rolling elements formed of rollers arranged in an intermediate configuration between the inner and outer rings. Each roller is a symmetrical bearing roller having a curved raceway-contacting surface arranged contacting a curved inner raceway of the inner ring and a curved outer raceway of the outer ring. A contact angle between each roller and the inner and/or outer raceway is inclined in relation to the radial direction of the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Hans Wendeberg, Håkan Leander, Jürgen Reichert
  • Patent number: 9841741
    Abstract: A process control device includes an interface configured to communicate with other devices in a process control system. The process control device also includes a primary power source, the primary power source configured to provide power to at least one component of the process control device, which component, if not powered, would result in disruption to the control of the process. The process control device still further includes a terminal configured to electrically couple the process control device to an auxiliary power source such that the auxiliary power source provides sufficient power to the at least one component when the auxiliary power source is connected to the terminal such that the process control device remains operable to control the process in the absence of the primary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Perry K. Carter
  • Patent number: 9777641
    Abstract: A gas turbine system includes a compressor. The compressor has a plurality of inlet guide vanes disposed at an inlet of the compressor. Furthermore, the compressor may have at least one unison ring coupled to a plurality of variable stator vanes disposed between the inlet and an outlet of the compressor. The gas turbine system includes a first actuator that may adjust a first pitch of the plurality of inlet guide vanes and a second actuator that may adjust a second pitch of the plurality of variable stator vanes. A first electric motor may drive the first actuator, while a second electric motor may drive the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Cyron Frank Kay, John Carver Maters
  • Patent number: 9677535
    Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a pump turbine plant including a turbine with a turbine impeller and a turbine spiral casing having a first pressure pipe, and a pump with a pump impeller and a pump spiral casing having a second pressure pipe; an electrical machine dynamically in a drive connection with a shaft, the pump turbine plant further including a hydraulic short-circuit that can be created between the turbine and the pump, wherein the turbine has a greater rated power than the pump, and wherein the turbine and the pump operate under partial load at least temporarily in the hydraulic short-circuit. The method further includes operating the turbine or the pump in the hydraulic short-circuit when a degree of efficiency of the pump and of the turbine in the hydraulic short-circuit is greater than a degree of efficiency of the turbine on its own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Stummer
  • Patent number: 9668752
    Abstract: Methods for controlling and/or regulating of a compressed-gas-operable medical or dental drive device and a control and/or regulating device for performing such methods are described. In one method according to a first embodiment, a rotor of the drive device is operated at an essentially constant rotational speed (n1) by adjusting the gas pressure and/or the flow rate of the compressed gas through a valve and the rotational speed is reduced on reaching a pressure value (p2) of the compressed gas which is lower than the maximum gas pressure (pmax) of the compressed gas. In the case of a method according to a second embodiment, the gas pressure of the compressed gas and the rotational speed of the rotor are altered on reaching a rotational speed limit value (n2, n3) of the rotor by adjusting the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rothenwaender, Karlheinz Eder, Christian Pruckner
  • Patent number: 9464639
    Abstract: A turbocharger having a cooling structure may include a center housing on which a shaft is rotatably fitted, a turbine impeller disposed at one end of the shaft, a compressor impeller disposed at the other end of the shaft, a turbine housing fastened to the center housing and covering the turbine impeller such that an exhaust gas flows into the turbine impeller, a compressor housing fastened to the center housing and covering the compressor impeller such that an intake air flows into the compressor impeller, and a coil type heat exchanger formed in a rotational direction of the shaft and in a space between the center housing and the turbine impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-jin Yang, Seung Yeon Lee, Kwang Hwan Kim, Kyung-wook Jin, Ui yeon Park, Jun gwan Park, Gil-beom Lee, Kyung-jae Jung
  • Patent number: 9404470
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydraulic machine includes a runner including a plurality of blades arranged in a ring shape, a crown connected to the blades from an upper side and having a lower end surface at a position surrounded by the blades, and a band connected to the blades from a lower side, the runner being configured to convert energy of pressured water into rotational energy. The machine further includes a main shaft configured to transmit the rotational energy of the runner to a generator, and a draft pipe located downstream of the runner, and configured so that the water used to drive the runner flows into the draft pipe. The machine further includes a columnar member disposed on a rotation axis of the main shaft below the crown, and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lower end surface of the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Sadao Kurosawa, Toshifumi Kurokawa, Takashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 9388825
    Abstract: The ventilation fan with automatic blade closure mechanism can include pivotable fan blades extending radially from a central hub. The fan blades pivot on their spars to allow the blades to assume positive pitch angles during operation. The fan blades are urged to a flat, substantially coplanar configuration when the fan is not in operation. A mechanism drives a motor shaft, the fan hub, and the blades axially outward for operation, and retracts the shaft, hub, and blades when the fan is not in operation. The tips of the blades seat in a groove of the surrounding rim when the fan is not in operation, with the outer surfaces of the blades, hub, and surrounding rim forming a substantially flat, continuous surface. This surface can be embellished with a decorative display, providing the fan with an attractive appearance when the fan is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Fawzi Q. M. A. O. A. Behbehani
  • Patent number: 9359995
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the controlled rotation of a nacelle of a wind turbine, which includes a control device and n of yaw brakes. In standstill operation, the n yaw brakes are actuated to impart a standstill holding moment M1 for holding the nacelle, and the n yaw brakes impart a substantially equal first holding moment. In tracking operation, the n yaw brakes are actuated to impart a tracking holding moment, M2, which is lower than the standstill holding moment M1 (M1>M2). The control device, in tracking operation, actuates a number m of the n yaw brakes to generate substantially the same constant holding moment M3, where M1/n>M3>M2/n, and where the other (n?m) yaw brakes are actuated to generate substantially the same constant holding moment M4, where m*M3+(n?m)*M4˜=M2, and M1/n>M2/n>M4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SENVION SE
    Inventors: Alf Trede, Matthias Bruckner
  • Patent number: 9260980
    Abstract: A mechanism such as a rotor of an open rotor gas turbine engine comprises a rotor assembly 100 rotatable about a rotational axis A. The rotor assembly 100 has a fluid pathway 110 including a pump 114 carried by the first rotor assembly 100 for driving fluid along the fluid pathway 110. The fluid may be oil for lubricating components of the mechanism. The fluid is collected by an annular channel-shaped collector 111 and pumped through surface coolers 116 to an outlet pipe 119. From the pipe 119 the fluid migrates along a path 500 under centrifugal force, returning to the collector 111.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Robert E. Leese
  • Patent number: 9151218
    Abstract: A variable capacity exhaust gas turbocharger having a small thermal capacity and enabling the structure to be simplified. A exhaust gas inlet hardware (13) having an exhaust gas inlet body (11) in which an inner side flow passage (U1) communicating with an inner scroll passage (T1) and an outer side flow passage (U2) communicating with an outer scroll flow passage (T2) are formed and a flap valve (12) for opening and closing the outer side flow passage (U2) are formed at the exhaust gas inlet part of a turbine housing body (14) in which the inner scroll passage (T1) and the outer scroll flow passage (T2) are formed. A valve recess (11a) for disposing the flap valve (12) along the outer side flow passage (U2) and a seat (11b) for the flap valve for closing the outer side flow passage (U2) are formed in the exhaust gas inlet body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Motoki Ebisu
  • Publication number: 20150118026
    Abstract: A combustion engine (E) for a motorcycle includes a crankshaft (26) extending in a widthwise direction of the motorcycle and a supercharger (42) which pressurizes intake air (I). A clutch gear (72) to which a clutch is connected is provided at the right side of the crankshaft (26), and a supercharger gear (80) which drives the supercharger (42) is provided at the left side of the clutch gear (72). The supercharger gear (80) is formed on a crank web (75) disposed such that a journal (68) is located between the clutch gear (72) and the crank web (75).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Shohei Naruoka, Hisatoyo Arima, Yoshiharu Matsuda, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150118025
    Abstract: An impeller for pressurizing an intake air of an engine is provided on a left side end portion in a supercharger rotary shaft of the supercharger. The power from the engine is transmitted to a second sprocket, which is provided on a right side end portion of an input shaft of a speed increaser, through a chain to thereby allow the supercharger to drive. The second sprocket is removably fitted to the input shaft by means of a bolt. The supercharger rotary shaft, the input shaft, the second sprocket and the bolt are all accommodated in a supercharger casing. The supercharger casing has a right side end face formed with an access opening through which access can be made to the second sprocket and the bolt from an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Shohei Naruoka, Hisatoyo Arima, Yoshiharu Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20150078888
    Abstract: In one aspect a propulsion system comprises an engine and a drive assembly coupled to the engine, comprising a first driveshaft rotatable in a first direction about a first axis, a first fan coupled to the first driveshaft to rotate in the first direction, and a clutch assembly to selectively disengage the first fan from the first driveshaft. Other aspects may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sina S. Golshany, David Miles Huntly, Adriana W. Blom, Todd R. Erickson, Paul R. Tretow
  • Publication number: 20150071764
    Abstract: A turbocompound bearing for attaching a turbocompound system to an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas turbine having a turbine shaft mounted in a turbine bearing housing, a hydrodynamic clutch having a clutch shaft mounted in a clutch bearing housing, and having a connector for attachment of the internal combustion engine. The invention is characterized in that the connector is formed by a plate-shaped base support which has at least one first centering surface on which the clutch bearing housing is oriented, and the plate-shaped base support and/or the clutch bearing housing has at least one second centering surface on which the turbine bearing housing is oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Eugen Morgunov, Ralf Hirzel, Thomas Figler
  • Patent number: 8958959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling construction machine which has a chassis 1 which has wheels or crawler track units 1A, 1B. The construction machine according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the gear mechanism system 6 for transmitting the drive power from the drive unit 5, which comprises at least one internal combustion engine 5A, to the working unit 4, which comprises at least one working assembly 4A, does not have a conventional clutch with which the working unit can be activated but instead has a hydrodynamic gear mechanism 10 which has a drive shaft 10A and an output shaft 10B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schönebeck, Sascha Schwippert, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8932017
    Abstract: A wind turbine power generating system includes a wind turbine connected to a speed increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. An asymmetrical coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a first torque limiting clutch in series connection with a one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. A second torque limiting clutch is provided in parallel connection with the one-way clutch between the input and output shafts. The first and second torque limiting clutches have different characteristic slip torques. The interconnection of the clutches, and the implementation of the one-way clutch, provides for effective operation of the first and second torque limiting clutches in opposite rotational directions of the input and output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: EBO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Erik L. Olson, Gregg W. Cullings, David A. Peterman
  • Publication number: 20140341716
    Abstract: A cryogenic liquid turbine is provided, wherein, an impeller end of the rotor and a nozzle assembly are received into a cavity of a volute (1), and a main part of the volute (1) is put into a perlite cold box (3); an insulation pad (2) is used between the volute (1) and a machine housing (9) to insulate heat; an impeller outlet is connected to a diffuser pipe (20). A nozzle assembly is connected to the machine housing (9) by a nozzle compression flange (27); a nozzle compression plate adjusts a compactness of nozzle vanes (18) by a disc spring (25); a nozzle turntable (14) is axially and rotatably connected on a nozzle chassis (17), and adjusts the nozzle vane stagger angle by a adjusting mechanism passing through the volute (1); impeller shroud side seal is axially fixed on the nozzle compression flange (27), and a shaft seal (5) is axially fixed on a seal gas part (4); the seal gas part (4) and an oil seal (6) are axially fixed on the machine housing (9) by a bolt (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinju Sun, Ke Wang, Peng Song
  • Patent number: 8887485
    Abstract: An adaptive cycle gas turbine engine is disclosed having a number of features. A fan arrangement is provided having counter-rotating fan stages, one fan stage is operable to be clutched and decoupled from the other stage. A high pressure compressor bypass is also provided. A clutch is provided to at least partially drive an intermediate pressure compressor with a high pressure turbine when the high pressure compressor is bypassed. A partial bypass of the high pressure turbine may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Ress, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140321966
    Abstract: A packaged vacuum pump and oil pump for use in a vehicle generally includes an oil pump module and a vacuum pump module. The oil pump module is configured to circulate oil, and is fitted to a first drive shaft configured to transmit torque to the oil pump module. The vacuum pump module is configured to generate a vacuum, and is fitted to a second drive shaft configured to transmit torque to the vacuum pump module. The packaged vacuum pump and oil pump also includes a clutch. The clutch connects the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft when the clutch is engaged. The clutch may be a hydraulic clutch configured to receive a pressurized fluid, which may be oil received from the oil pump module, to engage the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan K. Pryor, Michael B. Fleck, Scott A. Kavanagh
  • Publication number: 20140321975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power station (1) for energy generation with an axial-flow, rotating, vortex-generating wind concentrator (2) pivot-mounted on a shaft (3), covered by a ring-shaped outer jacket (4) which on its outside features flow channels distributed over 360° and which is equipped concentrator blades (7) in a circular arrangement between the shaft (3) and the ring-shaped outer jacket (4). To create favourable conditions, it is proposed to include sawtooth-shaped, curved edge-vortex-generating guide profiles (5) producing a downstream vortex coil across the entire cross-section of the ring-shaped outer jacket (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Gudrun WIESER
  • Publication number: 20140271136
    Abstract: A supercharger includes a supercharger housing, a primary rotor having a primary rotor shaft fixed to rotate therewith. A ring gear with internal teeth is attached to a transmission housing portion of the supercharger housing. A sun gear is fixed to the primary rotor shaft. A planetary gear carrier has a plurality of planetary gear shafts. A plurality of planetary gears rotate about corresponding planetary gear shafts and are meshingly engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear and are substantially equally spaced about the sun gear. A rotatable input shaft is connectable to the planetary gear carrier. The input shaft is connectable to receive rotational motion and power from an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Creager, Daniel R. Ouwenga, Christopher Suhocki
  • Patent number: 8814504
    Abstract: A fan brake for a fan system. The fan system may include a fan assembly configured for seating into a cassette housing. The fan assembly may include a fan having a plurality of blades connected with a fan hub. The fan brake may be connected to the fan assembly, wherein the fan brake engages the fan hub when the fan housing is not fully seated within the cassette housing, and the fan brake disengages the fan hub when the fan assembly is fully seated into the cassette housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Langgood, Thomas F. Lewis, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. D. Vernon
  • Patent number: 8794909
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle, may include a first shaft fixed to a pulley to be rotated thereby, a second shaft fixed to an impeller for pumping, and clutch that is disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft to selectively connect the first and second shafts to transfer a rotation torque of the first shaft to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bong Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 8777557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable compound rotor system for the WECS, with a pilot rotor working under low wind speed conditions and a main rotor working under high speed conditions. By proper switching of the clutch, the WECS can not only achieve a greater starting torque under low wind speed conditions, as well as to capture and utilize the low wind-speed wind energy after being started, but also give full play to the advantage of the main rotor having the excellent wind capturing efficiency under high wind speed and high turning speed conditions. Thus the WECS can capture and utilize wind energy under both low and high wind speed conditions, which greatly expands the speed and zone range wherein the WECS can be applied, facilitating wide application of the WECS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Shanghai Forevoo Windpower Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Powerfood Energy System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunlong Zhang, Hongying Zhang
  • Patent number: 8740566
    Abstract: A brake system for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock, generator and wind turbine are disclosed. The brake system includes a rotor lock system which is integrated in the brake system. One embodiment includes an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. Another embodiment includes a rotor assembly with a brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uffe Eriksen, Jens Anton Agerskov Veng
  • Publication number: 20140133966
    Abstract: Solutions for clutching turbine wheels are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a turbine rotor shaft; a plurality of turbine wheels affixed to the turbine rotor shaft; an independent turbine wheel engagably attached to the turbine rotor shaft; and a clutch operably connected to the turbine rotor shaft, the clutch configured to couple and decouple the independent turbine wheel from the turbine rotor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Parry, Nestor Hernandez Sanchez, Michael Alan Davi
  • Patent number: 8721267
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to a motor. At least one control structure is mounted on the shaft, and at least one impeller is carried by the shaft. The impeller is adapted to rotate independently of the shaft so as to pump a fluid. The apparatus also comprises a magnetic coupling between the control structure and the impeller. Further, the impeller is adapted to translate axially along the shaft in response to a change in downstream pressure to alter the strength of the magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Moss, Jeremy R. Baillargeon, Joseph Tessitore
  • Publication number: 20140119893
    Abstract: A dual-flow turbine engine including: a fan rotatably mounted on a fan shaft and a stationary structural element, the fan shaft and the structural element being connected to one another at an upstream bearing and at a downstream bearing via an upstream bearing bracket and a downstream bearing bracket, respectively; and a decoupling device surrounding the fan shaft, and including a set of attachment screws joining the downstream bearing bracket to the structural element and a set of fusible screws joining the upstream bearing bracket to the downstream bearing bracket. At least some of the fusible screws are arranged between at least some of the attachment screws over a single circumference surrounding the fan shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Regis Eugene, Henri Servant
  • Patent number: 8690526
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor within the stator on at least one set of bearings, the turbine having a brake which becomes operational following a predetermined level of bearing wear in order to avoid damage to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: OpenHydro IP Limited
    Inventors: Paul Dunne, James Ives
  • Patent number: 8684672
    Abstract: A brake system comprising a brake disc is disclosed. The brake system comprises at least one flexible portion. The at least one flexible portion is configured for compensating expansion of the brake disc and/or absorbing the expansion of the brake disc. The brake system is especially for a wind turbine generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Soeren Oemann Lind
  • Patent number: 8657566
    Abstract: A turbine engine, for example for a helicopter, the engine including a gas generator and a free turbine driven in rotation by a gas stream generated by the gas generator, the turbine engine further including a reversible electric machine for coupling to the gas generator, the reversible electric machine configured to set the gas generator into rotation during a stage of starting the turbine engine. To generate electricity, the reversible electric machine is also configured to be coupled to the free turbine after the turbine engine has started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Olivier Bedrine, Monique Fos, Jean-Luc Frealle, Gerald Senger
  • Patent number: 8641360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for braking a rotor of a turbine engine, comprising a turning gear, with a drive supplied from an energy source, having an input shaft to which the rotor may be coupled, whereby, during a cooling phase for the turbine, the rotor may be driven by the drive using the coupled input shaft. According to the invention, a method for braking a rotor of a turbine engine can be achieved, in which the rotation of a rotor, caused by the airflow through the turbine, is slowed until the rotor stops, whereby after the end of the cooling phase, the drive drives the rotor in the reverse sense by means of the input shaft in order to brake the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Antje Noack
  • Patent number: 8622712
    Abstract: In the event of a fire, in some examples, a ceiling fan stops its fan blades at a predetermined position so as to avoid obstructing the spray from an overhead sprinkler head. The fan can be stopped by various apparatus including, but not limited to, a spring loaded roller engaging a lobed member to urge the fan to a chosen stop position, an electromechanical brake that grips a rotating member at certain locations, a stationary magnet attracted to one or more iron pads that rotate to certain locations, and a motor controller responsive to a rotational position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Donald P. Grant, Jason Dondlinger, Joe Korman, Mark G. Petri, Matthew C. McNeill, Ronald P. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140003914
    Abstract: A lockable drive assembly includes an input member rotatable about the axis and having opposing axial ends and a clutch member fixed relative to the axis. An output member with opposing axial ends is slidably coupled with the driven member such that the output member is displaceable along the axis relative to the driven member and angular displacement of the output member angularly displaces the driven member. The output member is engageable with the clutch member to prevent angular displacement of the output member and has at least one drive surface proximal to an inner end and extending circumferentially and axially about the axis. An input member inner end is engageable with the output member drive surface such that angular displacement of the input member displaces the output member out of engagement with the clutch member and then displaces the output member about the axis to rotate the driven member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Ali A. Namous
  • Publication number: 20130343877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatable coolant pump for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, comprising a hollow bearing shaft (1) carrying a drive wheel (2) on one end thereof and being secured to an impeller (18) on the opposite end thereof. The impeller (18) includes an abutment surface (19) on the front side, and the space between the impeller (18) and the abutment surface (19) is embodied as a conveying cross-section (22). The drive wheel (2) can be uncoupled from the bearing shaft (1) via a draw key (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Weiss, Klaus Hahn
  • Publication number: 20130330174
    Abstract: A wind power generation system includes a wind power generation system with turbofans. The system includes an air supply funnel, composed structure of turbofan, several generator components, a control device and an air passage well. The air supply funnel is configured to rise the wind which enters into the wind power generation system, and further wind which is risen drives the composed structure of turbofan to rotate, the operating gear ring connected to the composite structure of turbofan rotating with it; and then drives small gear in generator component which engages with the operating gear ring to rotate in high speed. The generator begins to generate electricity when required rotary speed of the electric generating sets is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Dengrong Zhou, Jian Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130309068
    Abstract: A ceiling fan with oscillating mechanism includes a clutch member for adjusting the angle of oscillation according to user's need. When the motor is actuated, the rotating torque induced by the motor and the transmission mechanism is smaller than the rotational resistance of the clutch member such that the motor may drive the fan to oscillate. Further, when the user applies an external rotational force greater than the rotational resistance of the clutch member, the user can swing the fan to any angle as desired without rotating or shifting other members except the fan and the fan suspension tube. In this manner, undesired damage of the mechanism or motor due to inappropriately applied external force can be avoided efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: PAN AIR ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shin-Yuan Liu
  • Publication number: 20130266422
    Abstract: A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger includes a first shaft supported for rotation within a clutch housing. A pulley is mounted on the first shaft. A clutch rotor is also mounted on the first shaft at a location that is axially spaced from the pulley. A clutch coil is supported within the clutch housing and positioned adjacent to a first face of the clutch rotor. A second shaft is supported for rotation relative to the first shaft and is coaxially aligned with the first shaft. A clutch armature is mounted on the second shaft and positioned adjacent to a second face of the clutch rotor. A supercharger system including the clutch assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Ouwenga, Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 8550769
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a tower and a nacelle which is rotatably mounted on the tower and whose alignment is adjustable by way of a yaw system, wherein the yaw system has at least one adjusting drive, a rotatable yaw bearing, at least one brake disk and at least two brake units which can exert a braking torque on the brake disk, wherein the at least one of the brake units has a first brake pad with a first coefficient of friction, and at least one of the brake units has a second brake pad with a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first and the second coefficient of friction are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Merten Behnke, Andre Sievers
  • Patent number: 8517671
    Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine generator in which, the specifications of the gears can be designed for the level of a maximum load during driving without decreasing the necessary strength and durability. A wind turbine generator in which a nacelle is installed at an upper end of a tower that is vertically erected on a foundation includes a yaw driving unit that yaws the nacelle and/or a pitch driving unit that controls pitch angles of the wind turbine blades, wherein a drive mechanism of the yaw driving unit and/or the pitch driving unit, which are equipped with an engaging portion of a slewing bearing (20) having internal teeth or external teeth and a pinion gear is equipped with a clutch mechanism, at the engaging portion, that slides when receiving an input larger than a maximum load during driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Noda, Seita Seki, Akihiko Yano
  • Publication number: 20130195626
    Abstract: A clutch bearing (34) for a transportation refrigeration unit includes one or more rolling elements (38) supportive of one or more components of an electromagnetic clutch for a transportation refrigeration unit, and a plurality of bearing races (36) configured to retain the one or more rolling elements. The bearing races include a coating of thin dense chromium to reduce corrosion and/or damage of the clutch bearing. A transportation refrigeration unit includes a power source (12) and a blower (32) of the transportation refrigeration unit. An electromagnetic clutch (14) is operably connected to the power source and the blower (132) and includes a rotor (16) positioned at a central axis and an armature (18) positioned at the central axis and having an axial air gap (22) to the rotor when the clutch is in a disengaged position. A clutch bearing is located at the central axis and is supportive of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Tyler White, David R. Torlai
  • Publication number: 20130129530
    Abstract: A refrigerant compressor system including a prime mover, a compressor, and an unloader device that couples the compressor to the prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Herman H. Viegas