Brake Or Clutch Patents (Class 415/123)
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Publication number: 20130098057Abstract: A gas turbine engine that includes at least one component geared to a spool to control a speed of the low spool during a “windmilling” condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Michael E. McCune
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Publication number: 20130101388Abstract: The invention concerns a compression device fitted with a drive unit; with a compressor driven by the drive unit, which compresses a gaseous compression medium; with a cooling device, comprising at least one fan wheel, which cools the compression medium; the fan wheel is in drive connection with the drive unit or a second drive unit additionally provided, in order to be thereby driven in rotation. The invention is characterised in that a hydrodynamic clutch is arranged in the drive connection, via which the fan wheel is driven hydrodynamically, and the drive power transmission of the hydrodynamic clutch can be modified in operation by pressurising the hydrodynamic clutch with a control pressure medium, wherein the compression medium is the control pressure medium at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBHInventors: Jan Scherrle, Stefan Hutzenlaub, Bernhard Schust, Harald Hoffeld, Nick Jackson Breese
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Publication number: 20130101398Abstract: An impulse wind machine comprises the following: A funnel configured to capture air from the wind. A turbine housing configured to direct the air to the center (eye) of the housing where the air passes through directional vanes. A rotor configured to rotate within the eye of the turbine housing and configured with impulse blades along the longitudinal periphery. Air from the directional vanes impinges the impulse blades to cause rotor rotation. An exhaust deflector configured inside the cavity of the rotor to deflect exhaust air from the impulse blades axially out the ends of the rotor. Spokes on the rotor configured to provide a fan action during rotor rotation aiding removal of the exhaust air. A generator and a gearbox driven by a shaft connected to the rotor for generating electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Loyd Dale Perry
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Patent number: 8419351Abstract: A selective rotation arrangement for a shaft, the arrangement including a housing mountable spaced from the shaft and an engagement member with distal and proximal ends which is selectively movable relative to the housing towards or away from the shaft between an operating position towards the shaft and a rest position clear of the shaft, the engagement member having a gear member at the distal end thereof which is engageable with the shaft in the operating position to permit turning of the shaft by the engagement member, but is disengaged from the shaft in the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Martyn Richards
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Publication number: 20130051975Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a shaft, vent plug and oil guide sleeve. The shaft includes an internal cavity, first passages for allowing oil to lubricate clutch components, and second passages for allowing excess oil to drain from the internal cavity. The vent plug has a radial passage in communication with the internal cavity for venting the cavity with an external source of air. The oil guide sleeve directs oil into the internal cavity. A method for lubricating and venting an air turbine starter includes delivering lubricating oil to an internal cavity of a clutch via an oil guide sleeve. The oil guide sleeve prevents oil from exiting the cavity through excess oil drainage passages before it lubricates the clutch components. The method also includes draining excess oil from the cavity through excess oil drainage passages so that excess oil does not substantially impede air flow through a vent plug passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey M. Makulec, Marc Westen
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Publication number: 20130022449Abstract: A turbomachine that includes a radial-flow impeller and one or more of a variety of features that enhance the performance of machinery in which the turbomachine is used. For example, when the turbomachine is used in a dynamometer, the features enhance the useful shaft horsepower range of the dynamometer. One of the features is a variable-restriction intake that allows for adjusting flow rate to the impeller. Other features include a unique impeller shroud and a shroud guide each movable relative to the impeller. Yet another feature is an exhaust diffuser that facilitates an increase in the range of shaft power and the reduction of deleterious vibration and noise. The turbomachine can also include a unique impeller blade configuration that cooperates with the adjustable intake and the exhaust diffuser to enhance flow through the turbomachine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CONCEPTS ETI, INC.Inventors: David Japikse, Kevin D. Fairman, Tsuguji Nakano, Douglas M. DeBenedictis, Frederick L. Zink, Daniel V. Hinch
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Publication number: 20130011241Abstract: An apparatus for a gas turbine engine comprises a spool lock for locking a compressor spool and a lift for removing a rotor from the compressor spool. The spool lock comprises an outer ring configured for attachment to a compressor case of the gas turbine engine, an inner ring configured to support a compressor spool within the compressor case, and a web extending between the outer ring and the inner ring. The lift comprises a beam configured for attachment to a flange of the gas turbine engine, a support strut configured to support the beam above the compressor spool, and a hoist configured to support the rotor for removal from the compressor spool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Torgrim Skaustein, Jorgen Albriksten
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Patent number: 8328502Abstract: A method for manufacturing a torque converter includes providing an outer race of a one way clutch, contacting the outer race with a side plate, and casting a stator housing together with the outer race and the side plate. A torque converter is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Eric Krusinski, David Avins
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Patent number: 8317462Abstract: A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey Michael Daniels, Ulrich Neumann
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Publication number: 20120237337Abstract: An example method of reducing loads on a connection shaft includes disengaging a connection shaft from a motor-generator such that the connection shaft is not rotatably coupled to the motor-generator. The method communicates a fluid away from the motor-generator through a communication path established within the connection shaft. An example turbomachine connection shaft is configured to selectively rotatably couple a turbomachine rotor and a motor-generator. The connection shaft establishes a communication path that selectively vents the motor-generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, JR., David S. Behling, Luke Wagner
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Patent number: 8257026Abstract: A braking mechanism is provided that is suitable for an expansion turbine that rotates at high speed. Upper end salient poles 26a and 26b are formed in two opposite places on the outer peripheral upper end of a rotating shaft 12, and lower end salient poles 28a and 28b are formed in two opposite places on the outer peripheral lower end of the rotating shaft 12 such that they are staggered in the vertical direction with respect to the upper end salient poles 26a and 26b. A casing 22 is provided in a location facing an outer periphery of the rotating shaft 12, and an excitation coil 30 is provided on the casing 22 for forming a magnetic path between the upper end salient poles 26a and 26b and the lower end salient poles 28a and 28b. By rotation of the rotating shaft 12, and by the magnetic path formed by the excitation coil 30, eddy currents are generated in the casing 22.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Toshio Takahashi, Seiichiro Yoshinaga, Hirohisa Wakisaka
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Publication number: 20120201658Abstract: A method to prevent blockage of air passages in curvic couplings between drive parts and to prevent potential damage to the drive parts during weakening of protective elements. To this end, axial abutments are formed by ring gears of the curvic couplings. A coupling includes two rings, each ring being on the end of one drive part and engaged with the other so as to transmit to the drive part a rotation around a central axis while allowing air to pass between male and female portions of the teeth of the rings behind a bearing area. The rings are extended in an at least partially radial manner relative to each other to form an outer ring extension and an inner ring extension respectively facing elements surrounding the drive part that are mounted onto the other ring. The rotor lines can be used in turbine engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: TURBOMECAInventors: Pascal Pierre Le Brusq, Jean-Philippe Ousty, Lionel Scuiller
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Publication number: 20120201657Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an engine braking system, especially for vehicles powered by a gas turbine. The engine braking system allows for control of engine braking force; control of over-speed of the power turbine and further includes means of recovering some or all of the braking energy of the engine braking system. Dissipative engine braking devices include an auxiliary compressor, or electrical generator, or an eddy current clutch or an eddy current brake, or fluid pump. Several methods of controlling the engine braking force of a dissipative braking device are disclosed and include (1) a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”); (2) an electrical generator and an optional thermal storage device; (3) an eddy current clutch; and (4) a fluid pump system. The various control devices may be operated automatically by appropriate algorithms. One of these control methods utilizes an eddy current clutch assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENGINE CORPORATIONInventors: Frank Wegner Donnelly, David William Dewis
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Patent number: 8206111Abstract: Wind turbine having a rotor, a nacelle frame (13) housing with electrical generation means coupled to the rotor hub (11), braking means and control means of the drive train rotational position, the nacelle frame (13) and the rotor hub (11) having an arrangement for preventing the rotor hub (11) rotation when certain maintenance or assembly activities should be carried out, the arrangement including at least one sliding pin (21) in the nacelle (13), first actuating means (31) for pushing/pulling it axially into/from at least one corresponding hole (23) in the rotor hub (11) and means for allowing vertical and lateral adjustment displacements of the sliding pin (21) so that it can remain concentrically aligned with the hole (23) when it is inserted into it.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.Inventors: Karl Aarhus, Javier Cerrada Garate
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Publication number: 20120148385Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train (1) for a hydraulic drive where a friction coupling (3) is arranged between a hydraulic machine (2) and a consumer (5). The coupling (3) has two parts (20A, 20B) which are displaceable towards each other in the axial direction (18) and are connected to the hydraulic machine (2) or to the consumer (5). Hydraulic fluid is introduced by means of a pressure line (28) into a pressure chamber (27) formed between the parts (20A, 20B), as a result of which the complementarily formed friction surfaces (9A, 9B) become frictionally locked together and a torque is able to be transmitted between the hydraulic machine (2) and the consumer (5). The friction surfaces (9A, 9B) are each fixedly connected at least radially to the shaft of the hydraulic machine (2) or of the consumer (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Axel Widemann
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Patent number: 8161727Abstract: A device for, in a gas turbine engine, braking a turbine including a rotor driving a shaft capable of rotating with respect to a stator in the event of said shaft breaking is disclosed. The device includes a first braking member provided with at least one abrasive element and a second braking member including a ring-shaped element (120A) made of a material capable of being eroded by the abrasive element. One of the two braking members being secured to the rotor and the other of the two braking members being secured to the stator. The braking members come into contact with one another through axial displacement of the rotor once the shaft has broken. The abrasive element of the first braking member eroding the ring-shaped element of the second braking member.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Claude Marcel Mons, Stephane Rousselin
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Patent number: 8162596Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for supporting and adapting high pressure pumping apparatus for use on or in a marine vessel subject to direct dynamic motions imparted to the marine vessel without damaging the pumping apparatus to thereby extend the useful life of the pumping apparatus. For this purpose the method and apparatus is designed to prevent the deflection of the bearings by providing an axial support and radial damping to vibrations resulting from the motions imparted to the marine vessel. In addition, the pumping shaft is protected when inoperative by preventing the pumping shaft from rotation. Specifically the method and apparatus provide the suction vessel housing the high pressure pumping apparatus to be secured to the marine vessel's deck at all times along with the provision for absorbing the vibrations and stresses due to the marine vessel's movements imparted thereto by being subjected to the direct dynamic motions.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: EBARA International Corp.Inventor: Keijun Kamio
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Publication number: 20120063879Abstract: According to the invention a method and apparatus relating to a blower that is used in an environment of particle contaminated air, as with a helicopter engine, is disclosed. The blower has a power input, a fan, a power output attaching to the fan, and a clutch disposed between the power input and the power output whereby the power input may be selectively coupled to the power output to move the fan to vent the particle contaminated air. The clutch, which may be electrically, mechanically or hydraulically engaged, is activated by a user, a particle or altitude sensor, or by a full authority digital electronic controller (“FADEC”).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: Leo J. Veilleux, JR.
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Patent number: 8128340Abstract: A stacked pump arrangement for mixed-media flow includes a first, self-priming, centrifugal pump with a volute having an inlet and an outlet and a second straight centrifugal pump mounted to an upper portion of the first centrifugal pump, the second straight centrifugal pump also having a volute with an inlet and an outlet. A transition chamber is connected, at one end, to the first centrifugal pump volute outlet and is connected, at another end, to the second straight centrifugal pump volute inlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Gorman-Rupp, Co.Inventors: Donald W. Racer, Michael L. Keith
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Patent number: 8123458Abstract: A stacked pump arrangement for mixed-media flow includes a first, self-priming, centrifugal pump with a volute having an inlet and an outlet and a second straight centrifugal pump mounted to an upper portion of the first centrifugal pump, the second straight centrifugal pump also having a volute with an inlet and an outlet. A transition chamber is connected, at one end, to the first centrifugal pump volute outlet and is connected, at another end, to the second straight centrifugal pump volute inlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: The Gormann-Rupp Co.Inventors: Donald Racer, Michael L. Keith
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Patent number: 8118542Abstract: Methods of moving a rotating device of a wind turbine during transportation or standstill are provided. The methods include securing at least one auxiliary device to a position and connecting the device to one or more shafts of the rotating device at transportation or standstill. The auxiliary device is able to store, generate and/or convert energy during transportation, transferring energy continuously from at least one auxiliary device to one or more shafts of the rotating device during transportation or standstill, and moving one or more shafts of the rotating device continuously or discontinuously from a position to another. Also provided is a nacelle for a wind turbine, an auxiliary device, a control system for controlling moving of a rotating device of a wind turbine nacelle during transportation of the nacelle and use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Søren Damgaard, Arne Haarh, Nils Bjørn Jensen
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Publication number: 20120037473Abstract: A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger comprises a first shaft having a longitudinal axis; a pulley connected to the first shaft; a clutch rotor connected to the first shaft; a clutch armature unconnected to the first shaft; and a clutch coil spaced along the longitudinal axis from the pulley. The clutch rotor rotates around the longitudinal axis. The clutch armature also rotates around the longitudinal axis. The diameter of the pulley is independent of the diameters of the clutch rotor, the clutch armature, and the clutch coil. A supercharger including the clutch assembly is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Daniel Robert Ouwenga
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Publication number: 20110299975Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for a wind turbine having a machine house rotatably mounted in horizontal plane on a tower, at least one stop brake (60) for locking the machine house and an electrical azimuth drive (40), wherein the stop brake (60) is connected to the azimuth drive (40) via means (50) for transferring moments and/or forces and/or movements in such a way that it can be actuated by means of a torsional moment generated by the azimuth drive (40) in order to yaw the machine house and/or a force and/or movement generated for this reason.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: SUZLON ENERGY GMBHInventor: Georgios Pechlivanoglou
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Publication number: 20110293399Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITEDInventors: Paul Dunne, James Ives
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Patent number: 8061448Abstract: The hydraulic braking device (10) to be installed in a turbine (2) provided with a turbine shaft (4) comprising at least one body (12) connected to the said turbine shaft (4). When the said hydraulic braking device (10) is immersed in a fluid medium, axial rotation of the turbine shaft (4) about its axis causes a movement of the said at least one body (12) with respect to the said fluid medium, this movement generating a resisting torque (T) related to the rotation speed of the turbine shaft (4) through a non-linear relation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Philippe Hocquet, Huy-Van Nguyen, Andrew Parry
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Patent number: 8061999Abstract: A simple and safe means is provided to gain entry into the rotor hub of a wind turbine for maintenance operations within the hub. A ladder-like structure is mounted onto the rotor hub using the same bolts attaching a fixed outer race of the pitch bearing for the rotor blades. The ladder-like structure has integral with it a protective cage to the front, forming a basket. Structural elements for grasping are provided to a worker over the full path traversed from the nacelle to the entry hatch of the hub. An expanded area between rungs may be provided to facilitate entry by a service worker into the safety cage area. Lifting ears made also be formed with tubular sections integrated into the ladder-like structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bharat S. Bagepalli, Dustin Jon Wambeke, Scott G. Riddell
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Patent number: 8047770Abstract: A brake system is provided for controlling a rotational speed of a drivetrain for a wind turbine. The drivetrain is coupled to a rotor shaft and a generator rotor shaft. The brake system includes a mechanical brake operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The mechanical brake includes a brake caliper and a brake disc coupled to the drivetrain. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter of the wind turbine. A controller is configured to actuate the brake caliper to apply a braking force on the brake disc. The controller is configured to control the mechanical brake based on the parameter to adjust a brake torque generated by the braking force.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Axel Braicks
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Patent number: 8043074Abstract: A blood pump device comprises a housing having a blood inflow port and a blood outflow port, an impeller having a magnetic body or bodies and rotated in a non-contact state in relation to the inside surface of the housing to feed blood, an impeller rotating torque generating section for attracting the impeller from the outside of the housing and rotating the impeller, and a non-contact type bearing mechanism enabling the rotation in the non-contact state of the impeller inside the housing. An impeller fixing member is detachably mounted to the housing and prevents the impeller from moving inside the housing, whereby the impeller can be prevented from moving inside the housing before use, and damage to the impeller or the housing inside surface can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Saho Tada
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Patent number: 8007227Abstract: A mechanical emergency brake for a wind turbine is provided, said mechanical emergency brake comprising a spiral spring with a loop at its outer end, a cassette for accommodating said spring and a casing for receiving said cassette and said spring, wherein said casing comprises a retention pin to which the loop of the spring can be fixed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter Rogall, Patrick Achenbach
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Publication number: 20110188997Abstract: A brake assembly (44) for an air turbine starter (10) includes a brake cylinder (46) located in the air turbine starter (10). A brake piston (48) is located at least partially within the brake cylinder (46) and slidable therein. A biasing member (50) biases the brake piston (48) toward a turbine wheel (12) of the air turbine starter (10) applying a braking force to the turbine wheel (12) and defining a piston chamber (58) between the turbine wheel (12) and the brake piston (48). A through opening (56) in the brake piston (48) into the piston chamber (58) is configured such that a flow of fluid through the through opening (56) into the piston chamber (58) applies a force to the brake piston (48) sufficient to overcome the bias thereby allowing rotation of the turbine wheel (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Weishun W. Ni, Jeffrey A. Stadler, Jody A. Peterson
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Publication number: 20110070067Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity has been developed. The turbine includes a housing for securement to a support. A wheel is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel has an axle assembly and a number of blade assemblies affixed thereto. Each of the blade assemblies has a frame with a spaced-apart pair of uprights and a crosspiece connecting the uprights. Each of the blade assemblies also having a pair of movable blades positioned within the frame with each of the blades being hingedly fastened to a respective one of the uprights. A brake actuator assembly is associated with each of the blades for relieving pressure imparted by strong winds on the blades. A brake operator assembly, disposed principally within said axle assembly, synchronizes the movement of the blades. An electrical current generator is connected to the wheel so as to be powered thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: Dennis P. Caldwell
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Patent number: 7891941Abstract: A wind turbine comprising an electrical generator that includes a rotor assembly. A wind rotor that includes a wind rotor hub is directly coupled to the rotor assembly via a simplified connection. The wind rotor and generator rotor assembly are rotatably mounted on a central spindle via a bearing assembly. The wind rotor hub includes an opening having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the central spindle adjacent the bearing assembly so as to allow access to the bearing assembly from a cavity inside the wind rotor hub. The spindle is attached to a turret supported by a tower. Each of the spindle, turret and tower has an interior cavity that permits personnel to traverse therethrough to the cavity of the wind rotor hub. The wind turbine further includes a frictional braking system for slowing, stopping or keeping stopped the rotation of the wind rotor and rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Northern Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Bevington, Garrett L. Bywaters, Clint C. Coleman, Daniel P. Costin, William L. Danforth, Jonathan A. Lynch, Robert H. Rolland
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Patent number: 7862292Abstract: A paddle wheel-driven horizontal wave generator system which is situated on the ocean shore for converting shore waves to unidirectional rotational force for generating power. By the use of a pair of one-way clutches on a single power shaft the incoming and outgoing motion of ocean waves is converted into continuous unidirectional rotational force to drive an electric generator. The generator system is attached to a base having troughs. The lower portions of the paddle wheels are positioned in the troughs, and engage incoming and outgoing shore waves which rotate the axle of the paddle wheels in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The one-way clutches convert the bi-directional rotation of the paddle wheel axle to unidirectional rotation of the power shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventor: Morris D. Patterson
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Publication number: 20100219779Abstract: A system and method for variable drive of a propeller or fan of a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine has a combustor and a turbine arranged to be driven by a combustion product from the combustor. The variable drive system comprises a primary shaft arranged for transmission of torque from said turbine to the propeller; an electric generator arranged to be driven by said turbine; and an electric motor arranged to be driven by the output of said generator. A clutch is mounted between the propeller and the primary rotor and is operable to mechanically disconnect the shaft from the propeller so that the propeller can be driven by any or any combination of the turbine and/or electric motor. The invention may be applied to a turboprop or turbofan engine having a gearing between the shaft and propeller or fan and may be particularly suited to unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Stephen J. BRADBROOK
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Publication number: 20100189548Abstract: A selective rotation arrangement for a shaft, the arrangement including a housing mountable spaced from the shaft and an engagement member with distal and proximal ends which is selectively movable relative to the housing towards or away from the shaft between an operating position towards the shaft and a rest position clear of the shaft, the engagement member having a gear member at the distal end thereof which is engageable with the shaft in the operating position to permit turning of the shaft by the engagement member, but is disengaged from the shaft in the rest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: MARTYN RICHARDS
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Patent number: 7721434Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Patrick Weaver, Kirsh Alimohammed Afimiwala, Norman Scott Winneguth, Fulton Jose Lopez, Michael Ulfert Hornemann, Craig Leonard Christenson
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Patent number: 7722312Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell compressor system that comprises a motor, including a motor shaft driven by the motor; a drive housing at least partially surrounding the motor shaft; a first gear set driven by the motor shaft; a carrier torque tube driven by the first gear set; and an impeller. The impeller includes an impeller shaft driven by the second gear set, so that the impeller shaft is configured to rotate at a speed greater than motor speed. Embodiments of the invention may also be used with a multi-stage compressor that allows, for example, first and second impellers to rotate at different speeds. Embodiments of the invention may also include removal of a gear set driving the carrier torque tube or the impeller shaft, so that the impeller shaft speed is divided between one or more bearings supporting the carrier torque tube and one or more bearings supporting the impeller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: William Nicholas Eybergen, Martin Dale Pryor, James Matthew Brown
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Publication number: 20100034664Abstract: 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 means 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Donald P. Grant, Jason Dondlinger, Joe Korman, Mark G. Petri, Matthew C. McNeill, Ronald P. Snyder
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Publication number: 20100021284Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy storage system comprised of a heat block having a relatively high specific energy capacity. The heat block can be used, for example, with a regenerative braking system for gas turbine powered vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: John D. Watson, Frank Donnelly
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Publication number: 20090320491Abstract: A dual clutch arrangement is disclosed herein. The dual clutch arrangement includes a first input rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes an output rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a first clutch coupling the first input rotatable member and the output rotatable member such that the first input rotatable member drives the output rotatable member in rotation. The first clutch is operable to be overrun. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a second input rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a second clutch operable to selectively couple the second input rotatable member and the output rotatable member such that the second input rotatable member drives the output rotatable member in rotation. The first clutch is overrun when the second clutch is engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Andrew D. COPELAND
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Publication number: 20090314002Abstract: A bi-modal turbine assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, the bi-modal turbine assembly includes a housing assembly having a flow passage therethrough, a turbine wheel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and positioned so as to be driven by pressurized air flowing through the flow passage, an output shaft rotatably mounted in the housing assembly, and first and second gear trains disposed in the housing assembly. A switching device is also disposed in the housing assembly and configured to mechanically couple: (i) the first gear train between the turbine wheel and the output shaft in a first operational mode, and (ii) the second gear train between the turbine wheel and the output shaft in a second operational mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Tony Libera, Peter Zeiner
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Publication number: 20090314003Abstract: A gas turbine includes at least one multi-stage compressor unit 2, with the compressor unit 2 including several, independent compressor modules 3-5, which, independently of each other, are rotatably borne on a drive shaft 1 and are each engageable with the drive shaft 1 by at least one clutch unit 9-11.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Metin TALAN
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Patent number: 7553132Abstract: A micro device is provided that includes a body defining a chamber for receiving fluid. A rotational element is disposed in the chamber for acting on the fluid. The rotational element is rotatable about an axis in response to a rotating magnetic field. The micro device further includes a clutch mechanism having a first disengaged configuration and a second engaged configuration wherein the clutch mechanism engages the rotational element and prevents rotation of the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Hongrui Jiang, David J. Beebe, Abhishek K. Agarwal, Francisco J. Atencia-Fernandez
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Publication number: 20090155094Abstract: A disk-shaped cover has a first toothed portion at one surface thereof. A housing is coupled with the cover such that a space is defined therebetween. The housing has a second toothed portion at one surface thereof, facing the first toothed portion. A shaft is rotatably disposed through a middle portion of the housing. A fan is fixedly connected to the housing and rotatable with the housing. A rotor is mounted in the space between the cover and the housing, engaged with and rotatable with the shaft, with third and fourth toothed portions at both surfaces thereof, engaged with the first and second toothed portions, respectively. An operation unit controls an amount of fluid supplied to the space between the cover and the housing to control a frictional force generated between the rotor, the housing, and the cover. A control unit controls the operation unit based on a coolant temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hong Bum LEE
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Patent number: 7547185Abstract: An output shaft air/oil separator system comprises an outer housing, an oil passage, a spline shaft having a cavity formed therein that communicates with the oil passage, an output shaft disposed at least partially within the spline shaft cavity that has a first section spaced apart from an inner surface of the spline shaft to form a gap therebetween in communication with the spline shaft cavity and a second section contacting at least a portion of the spline shaft inner surface, a housing cavity defined by at least a portion of an outer surface of the spline shaft and the outer housing, an annular groove formed in the spline shaft communicating with the spline shaft cavity, and at least one port extending between the spline shaft inner and outer surfaces in communication with the annular groove and the housing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: William L. Giesler, Brent L. Bristol, Michael J. Burns, Tina Marie Hynes
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Publication number: 20090028693Abstract: A braking mechanism is provided that is suitable for an expansion turbine that rotates at high speed. Upper end salient poles 26a and 26b are formed in two opposite places on the outer peripheral upper end of a rotating shaft 12, and lower end salient poles 28a and 28b are formed in two opposite places on the outer peripheral lower end of the rotating shaft 12 such that they are staggered in the vertical direction with respect to the upper end salient poles 26a and 26b. A casing 22 is provided in a location facing an outer periphery of the rotating shaft 12, and an excitation coil 30 is provided on the casing 22 for forming a magnetic path between the upper end salient poles 26a and 26b and the lower end salient poles 28a and 28b. By rotation of the rotating shaft 12, and by the magnetic path formed by the excitation coil 30, eddy currents are generated in the casing 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Toshio Takahashi, Seiichiro Yoshinaga, Hirohisa Wakisaka
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Patent number: 7458776Abstract: A yawing system for a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising a tower fixed to the ground and a frame (1) housing an electric power generator, the tower and the frame (1) being joined by the yawing system which allows the orientation of the frame (1) with respect to the tower according to the direction of the wind. The yawing system comprises: a gear ring (2) fixed to the tower, the gear ring having a sliding track (3) on which the frame (1) rests and slides in its yawing movement, at least one geared motor fixed to the frame (1), meshed with the gear ring (2) through a gear wheel, at least one active braking module (5), and at least one passive braking module (6). The invention further comprises a sliding track (3) and a friction track on the gear ring, this friction track (10) being different from the sliding track (3), and the active braking modules (5) and passive braking modules (6) comprising a friction plate (11) acting on the friction track (10) of the ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventors: Jose Ignacio LLorente Gonzalez, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Posada Martinez
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Patent number: 7452181Abstract: A plant facility in which lubricant supply equipment for supplying a lubricant to rotor bearings and a speed reducer can be dispensed with. The plant facility comprises a gas turbine rotor of a gas turbine that serves as a prime mover driven by expansion work of a working fluid, a generator rotor of a power generator that serves as load equipment rotated by rotational power transmitted from the gas turbine rotor, a plurality of magnetic bearings for supporting the gas turbine rotor and the generator rotor, and an electromagnetic coupling for magnetically coupling the gas turbine rotor and the generator rotor and adjusting a speed reduction ratio between the gas turbine rotor and the generator rotor in accordance with supplied power.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Kuroki, Shinya Marushima, Ryo Akiyama
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Patent number: 7384239Abstract: The drive device is provided for inclusion in a windmill with two counter-rotating screws. The shafts of the screws are each connected to a spindle of an epicyclical gearbox, the third spindle providing the energy for the user. The device further comprises a brake device simultaneously acting on the two shafts of the screws. In particular, said device permits the installation of a second screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw, thus greatly increasing the power supplied.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Eotheme SarlInventor: André Wacinski
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Patent number: 7364399Abstract: A wind power plant having a tower open at the top and provided with a side inlet for the wind for generating a cyclone in the tower and a substantially horizontal turbine that has inlets through the base and an outlet to the center of the cyclone in the tower and that is driving a generator. The tower is rotatable and has a non-circular elliptical shape viewed in the horizontal plane. This shape increases the power of the wind power plant as compared to a tower with a circular shape. During operation, the tower is turned so that the wind inlet is always facing the wind.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Karin OldinInventors: Eric Stiig, Mohammad R. Golriz