Endless Flexible Runner (e.g., Chain, Etc.) Patents (Class 415/5)
  • Patent number: 11761417
    Abstract: A water-driven turbine has an elongated endless conveyor with down and up streaming straightaways connected by travel-reversing turns. Paddles mounted on the conveyor present high resistance to waterflow on the downstream straightaway and low resistance to waterflow or the atmosphere on the upstream straightaway, the differential allowing the flow of water to continuously drive the conveyor which is connected to a power take-off shaft facilitating connection to a variety of energy-harnessing systems. The turbine can be towed, self-driven or mooring line manipulated to a flow site and is operable in unidirectional flows such as rivers and reversing flows such as tides at depths from surface to bottom. The paddles can be mounted or changed on shore, at the flow site and anywhere in between. The turbine is efficient in low and high velocity water flow, not easily damaged by floating debris, cavitation free and fish, mammal and environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael W. N. Wilson, Stuart P. Moir
  • Patent number: 11635056
    Abstract: An electric generating precipitation collection system comprising a collection tank, a plurality of pipes, a plurality of valves, a piston assembly, and an outlet. The system is configured to collect a liquid, direct the liquid through the pipes and valves to pressurize the liquid with the piston assembly, and eject the pressurized liquid at the outlet. The plurality of pipes and valves are arranged relative to the piston assembly so that a piston can pressurize the liquid in the pipe connected to the outlet. The system may further comprise a generator that converts the force of the pressurized liquid from the outlet into electricity. Further, a collection basin may be included in the system to collect liquid after passing through the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Leonard Eva
  • Patent number: 11560873
    Abstract: Implementations of wind energy devices may include a frame coupled to each of a first rotor wheel, a second rotor wheel, a third rotor wheel, and a fourth rotor wheel. Implementations of wind energy devices may also include a first cable configured to rotate about the first rotor wheel and the second rotor wheel and a second cable configured to rotate about the third rotor wheel and the fourth rotor wheel. Implementations of wind energy devices may also include a plurality of airfoils coupled between the first cable and the second cable. Implementations of wind energy devices may include a first generator and a second generator. Implementations of wind energy devices may include a controller coupled to the first generator and the second generator. The controller may be configured to control a speed of rotation of the plurality of airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Brent Gregory
  • Patent number: 11536244
    Abstract: A water-driven turbine has an elongated endless conveyor with down and up streaming straightaways connected by travel-reversing turns. Paddles mounted on the conveyor present high resistance to waterflow on the downstream straightaway and low resistance to waterflow or the atmosphere on the upstream straightaway, the differential allowing the flow of water to continuously drive the conveyor which is connected to a power take-off shaft facilitating connection to a variety of energy-harnessing systems. The turbine can be towed, self-driven or mooring line manipulated to a flow site and is operable in unidirectional flows such as rivers and reversing flows such as tides at depths from surface to bottom. The paddles can be mounted or changed on shore, at the flow site and anywhere in between. The turbine is efficient in low and high velocity water flow, not easily damaged by floating debris, cavitation free and fish, mammal and environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael W. N. Wilson, Stuart P. Moir
  • Patent number: 11415098
    Abstract: An ocean power plant for converting slow water flow energy with a turbine comprising at least one endless rotation chain (4) with a plurality of plate holders (2) along the rotation chain where the plate holder comprises at least one plate (1) attached in each plate holder, further, the rotation chain running in an extended lane around and engaging at least one drive wheel (5) in the one end arch of the web tiltably attached to the plate holder to alternate between open position with the primary flow direction of the water flow, and closed position towards the flow direction, and the drive wheel has a turbine shaft (7) coupled to a generator device (G), an electrical generator or a converter of the rotational energy to hydraulics or other type of mechanical or potential energy, for the utilization of the rotational energy, furthermore the path of the rotary chain (4) is tilted relative to the main flow direction of the water flow, all arranged in a fully or partially submersible support structure (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: RANDSEA AS
    Inventor: Arill Fagereng
  • Patent number: 10648448
    Abstract: A tidal current generator relates to a tidal current generator that can efficiently generate power by separating an on-water power generation unit and an in-water power collection unit, that allows for easy management of facilities on the water because the facilities in the water can be easily pulled up on the water even if they break, that can maximally use the flow of tides using a connection rope and a groove formed on a rotary propeller, and that can maximize efficiency by controlling the number of power connections between a rotary unit and an on-water power generator in accordance with the states of the flow of tides to prevent waste or deficit of power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Wonki Yoo, Sarang Yoo, Hyunjung Yoo
  • Patent number: 10527021
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are linear hydraulic turbines in which the linear machine converts the majority of available energy in the flowing water into useful torque directly in the runner, leaving the outflow with very little velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Natel Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Abraham D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10288061
    Abstract: A method for protection and diagnosis of a linear compression including at least one electronic control. At each work cycle of the linear compressor, the protection method includes detecting a suction time of the linear compressor; detecting a compression time of the linear compressor; and calculating, after detecting a compression time of the linear compressor, a decision parameter equivalent to the difference between the previously detected suction time and the compression time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie, Mario Henrique Farias Santos, Daniel de Figueiredo Maria
  • Patent number: 10267002
    Abstract: In its various embodiments the claimed water current shield may be used to improve safety for a diver and/or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) by lowering the water current shield with a crane with the louvers initially in a first position to allow water current to flow through the louvers, positioning the water current shield with hold-back rigging from an up-current side of the subsea work site, adjusting an open or closed characteristic of the louvers if drag from the water current needs to be reduced around the subsea work site, and closing the louvers to protect an object proximate the water current shield from the water current, thereby shielding divers and/or ROVs from water currents at an underwater work site. The water current shield generally comprises a frame; a predetermined set of louver assemblies operatively connected to the frame, where each louver assembly comprises one or more selectably movable louvers; and a louver mover operatively connected to each selectably movable louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Couch, Matthew James Caston, Kyle William Gebhardt, Scott Edward Hermann
  • Patent number: 10260508
    Abstract: A fan structure with non-circular circumference includes a frame, a first hub, a second hub, a transmission belt member, a first assembling member and a second assembling member. A first and a second base are provided in and protruded from a bottom of the frame. The first and the second hub are respectively mounted on the first and the second base, and a stator unit is provided between the first hub and the first base. The transmission belt member is fitted around side walls of the first and second hubs, and has a plurality of blades spaced on an outer surface thereof. The first and the second assembling member are correspondingly assembled to the tops of the first and the second hub. With the above arrangements, the fan structure can operate with largely reduced vibration and noise and can be manufactured at reduced material and production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bor-Haw Chang, Yu-Tzu Chen, Chung-Shu Wang
  • Patent number: 9858834
    Abstract: The apparatus has a transparent casing and an oblong toroidal shape in the form of a bucket elevator. First and second vertical compartments are separated by a partition and a clear cylindrical passage is formed around the circumference of the apparatus. First and a second sheaves are mounted above one another along the partition. A flexible loop is mounted around the sheaves and a series of balloons attached to the flexible loop at spaced intervals. The first compartment is opened to ambient air. The lower region is filled with argon gas and the second compartment is filled with helium gas. The balloons are filled with the helium gas such that the balloons have buoyancy in the first compartment and heaviness in the second compartment, and the pool of argon gas impedes the diffusion of ambient air in the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Hatchette
  • Patent number: 9745963
    Abstract: A first weight system for storing energy comprises a support platform with a lifting station having a plurality of vertically extending shafts, a cable and a motor located at ground level. This weight system hoists a heavily weighted device upwardly along the vertically extending shafts; holds it in a raised position and then lowers it along these same shafts to turn the motors and generate energy. The weighted device can include one or more flat rectangular containers or a weighted box. A second system employs a pair of containers connected to one another on an inclined track by a cable that can be moved about a guide wheel at a top of the track. The track further includes a media collection area, container filling area and means for conveying media from the bottom to the top of the inclined track. A third system pulls a plurality of large heavy wheels up an inclined track with wind power for subsequent lowering to turn a motor and generate energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel N. Boone
  • Patent number: 9702337
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus using flowing water for rotating a shaft. Blades are mounted at a certain distance apart from each other on two straight sections of a chain. When the blades are immersed in water, water passes through the blades in the first straight section and then passes through the blades in the second straight section. The blades are caught on a stopper provided on the chain to be maintained in an oblique line. Direction adjusting devices are on curved sections. The oblique directions of the blades are in mutual opposition. The energy from the flow speed of water is changed into circulating power of the chain by the blades. The sprockets are driven by the chain (111), and drive rotating shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: YoungTae Han
  • Patent number: 9611829
    Abstract: The system includes a support structure with upstream and downstream pulleys rotatably supported thereby and with cables following circuits around each of the upstream and downstream pulleys. Prime movers, such as in the form of sail members, are attached to the cable. These prime movers have surfaces which are more perpendicular to the flowing water when on a downstream leg of the cable circuit than when on an upstream leg thereof. The prime movers are configured to rotate as they pass about the downstream pulley and upstream pulley to optimize their orientation to minimize drag when following the upstream leg of the circuit and to maximize surface area against which the flowing water acts when following the downstream leg of the cable circuit. Power is outputted from the system through action of the cable upon a power output such as an electric generator coupled to one of the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary R. Zaiss
  • Patent number: 9518557
    Abstract: Hydroconveyors are described which utilize magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension to support a collection of conveyor elements. The hydroconveyors are located above or partially within a flowstream such as a river. Additional versions of the hydroconveyors are described which include velocity increasing waterways located upstream of an end of the hydroconveyor. The various hydroconveyors can be used in conjunction with electrical generators to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Patrick Cunnane
  • Patent number: 9297354
    Abstract: Hydroconveyors are described which utilize magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension to support a collection of conveyor elements. The hydroconveyors are located above or partially within a flowstream such as a river. Additional versions of the hydroconveyors are described which include velocity increasing waterways located upstream of an end of the hydroconveyor. The various hydroconveyors can be used in conjunction with electrical generators to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Patrick Cunnane
  • Patent number: 9222460
    Abstract: A modular system for producing electricity from water currents is disclosed. Each module contains a submersible water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism. The converter consists of a pair of contra-rotating conveyor-type turbines, connected to electrical generators, and a water flow accelerator. Each turbine comprises a conveyor mechanism, which is mounted via bearings on inner vertically-oriented shafts to a protecting housing, and a plurality of rectangular-shaped blades (preferably three), which are held by blade support members in the position maximizing the turbine's performance. The system module is capable of self-adjusting to the optimal position in water currents, vertically with changing water levels and horizontally, depending on the direction of a water flow. It uses a simple anchoring mechanism and can be easily relocated. An array of these modules can be connected to an underwater transmission line to create a robust and cost-effective power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Edouard Petrounevitch
  • Patent number: 9212652
    Abstract: A sail on a chain wind turbine comprises a plurality of preferably rectangular sails each attached at its edges to a pair of parallel looped chains. The chains are each routed along a triangular path engaging three circular sprockets selected for low friction rotation. The upper extent of the assembly forms the top apices of the chain triangles with two opposing sprockets located at each such apex. The remaining circular sprockets form the base of the triangle with one sprocket located at each end of the base on each side of a frame. The two chains are precisely congruent to one another with respective sprockets being axially aligned. One such pair of aligned sprockets is interconnected by a shaft which rotates from the force of a wind against the sails. A linkage rotates an electrical generator shaft as the sails catch the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Robert F. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9079648
    Abstract: Propulsion device for boats or device or energy production comprising: a first track a second track; driving wheels each having a peripheral surface comprising a friction device rotatably arranged in at least one frame, wherein the first track is arranged in contact with the friction devices at a first set of driving wheels, the second track is arranged in contact with the friction devices at a second set of driving wheels, such that the tracks move with the same speed as the peripheral surface of the rotatable driving wheels where the track is in contact with the friction devices when the driving wheels rotate; a plurality of shovel rollers each comprising a first and a second end and between the ends a device with an outer periphery, wherein the first ends of the shovel rollers are arranged in the first track and the second ends of the shovel rollers are arranged in the second track such that the shovel rollers move with the tracks in relation to the structure when the driving wheels rotate, wherein the dev
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cosmomind AB
    Inventor: Per Gidlund
  • Patent number: 8989890
    Abstract: In polishing a substrate having a layer of GST disposed over an underlying layer, during polishing, a non-polarized light beam is directed onto the layer of GST. The non-polarized light beam reflects from the first substrate to generate a reflected light beam having an infra-red component. A sequence of measurements of intensity of the infra-red component of the reflected light beam are generated, and, in a processor, a time at which the sequence of measurements exhibits a predefined feature is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kun Xu, Feng Liu, Dominic J. Benvegnu, Boguslaw A. Swedek, Yuchun Wang, Wen-Chiang Tu, Laksh Karuppiah
  • Patent number: 8974181
    Abstract: A rope-conveyor structure for supporting plates of a wind or water power generator, in which plates are coupled to a rope at positions spaced apart from each other so that the force of flowing water or wind applied to the plates rotates the rope. The rope-conveyor structure includes couplings which are coupled to the rope between the plates, and connection wires each of which has a predetermined length. Each connection wire is connected at a first end thereof to the corresponding coupling and at a second end thereof to the corresponding plate. The positions of the connection wires can be selectively changed so that each connection wire can support the corresponding plate in either directions. Therefore, the plates can be prevented from being displaced from the correct positions or from twisting, regardless of the direction of flow of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Inje Univ. Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Yeong-Saeng Kim, Dae-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8890353
    Abstract: Hydroconveyors are described which utilize magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension to support a collection of conveyor elements. The hydroconveyors are located above or partially within a flowstream such as a river. Additional versions of the hydroconveyors are described which include velocity increasing waterways located upstream of an end of the hydroconveyor. The various hydroconveyors can be used in conjunction with electrical generators to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Patrick Cunnane
  • Patent number: 8833070
    Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic cylinder for converting buoyancy energy of compressed gas into mechanical energy. The cylinder can include a pair of end plates disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder and a drive axle extending longitudinally through the cylinder and passing through the center of each end plate. The cylinder can also include a core support coupled to each end plate and centrally disposed in the cylinder and a plurality of vanes for promoting a low-drag flow. Each of the plurality of vanes is coupled to the core support and the pair of end plates. A bucket is defined by the core support, two of the plurality of vanes, and the pair of end plates. The cylinder further includes a vane support coupled to the plurality of vanes and the core support. The vane support defines a plurality of openings formed therein through which a gas can pass for equalizing pressure in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Gravitair Rights, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin P. Wilson, Michael J. Wilson, Conner C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8801363
    Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, an annular rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, a pulley transfer box apparatus and a looped member extending circumferentially about the annular rim and through the pulley box transfer apparatus, the pulley box transfer apparatus having a pair of drum pulleys each having a plurality of annular grooves receiving the looped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Herbert Williams
  • Patent number: 8646267
    Abstract: An underwater air or gas powered apparatus utilizes the buoyant force of water to generate power in the form of work or electricity. Air bags are spaced circumferentially around the perimeter of a rotary member immersed in water and are alternately inflated and deflated in a sequence enabling buoyant forces to rotate the rotary member. A generator is coupled to the rotary member for generating power in response to rotation of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Edward A. Pedziwiatr
  • Patent number: 8639377
    Abstract: Methods of determining thickness and phase of a GST layer on a semiconductor substrate are described using intensity spectra within the infra-red range. In particular, techniques for using certain transmission at certain frequencies are disclosed for faster thickness and phase determination in an in-line or standalone metrology/monitoring system for CMP processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kun Xu, Feng Q Liu, Yuchun Wang, Abraham Ravid, Wen-Chiang Tu
  • Publication number: 20130323017
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes a first control valve that controls a hydraulic pressure of a first oil chamber of a CVT; a lubrication circuit whose hydraulic pressure changes in accordance with an engine rotational speed so that the higher the engine rotational speed, the higher the hydraulic pressure; and a fail-safe valve including an electromagnetic four-way valve. During normal operation, the fail-safe valve is set to a first state in which the first control valve and the first oil chamber communicate with each other. At a time of failure, the fail-safe valve is switched to a second state in which at least the first oil chamber and the lubrication circuit communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasunori Mano
  • Publication number: 20130272848
    Abstract: An axial-flow coolant pump mechanically driven by a pulley, a gear wheel, a plug-in shaft, or the like, for internal combustion engines uses a semi-axial impeller, a Francis impeller or diagonal impeller with three-dimensionally, spatially curved blades as the rotor, and the stator disposed in the pump housing possesses an inner guide cone that narrows in the flow direction, and an outer conical guide cap disposed to be spaced apart from the cone, and the two, spaced apart symmetrically, are connected by way of three-dimensionally, spatially curved stator vanes, wherein the rotor is spaced apart from the stator by a ring gap, in such a manner that the rotor has a minimal distance, not only, on the face side, from the adjacent outer edge of the guide cone, but also, on the face side, from the adjacent outer edge of the guide cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GERAETE- UND PUMPENBAU GMBH DR. EUGEN SCHMIDT
    Inventors: Andreas Schmidt, Franz Pawellek, Toni Steiner, Silvio Bischoff
  • Publication number: 20130243571
    Abstract: A controlled coolant pump of an internal combustion engine with a pump housing in which a pump shaft is rotatably supported and which has a belt wheel on one end side. A coolant is forced by a pump shaft impeller as a volume flow via a suction connection into a spiral channel of the coolant pump. The volume flow is influenced by a guide plate device that interacts with the impeller and has a guide plate that is continuously adjustable in the axial direction between two end positions and also includes an actuation unit that interacts with the pump shaft. The two-part pump shaft of the coolant pump includes modules that can be inserted into the pump housing assembled into one structural unit via an interface. The actuation unit allocated directly to a module includes a displacement pump with pump outlet valve and a guide plate device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Hurst, Markus Gunzl
  • Patent number: 8534057
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from a flowing stream of water is disclosed. A rigid frame is fixed with a pair of wheels, or with two linkages in circuit around two pairs of wheels. A plurality of blades are fixed between the wheel or linkages at their side edges, a cross-sectional area of each blade being substantially comparable to the cross-sectional area of the stream of water. An orientating mechanism is adapted to maintain the orientation of each blade such that rotation of the wheels or linkages results in an opposite rotation of each blade to maintain the orientation of the blade. As such, each blade “stabs” orthogonally into and out of the flow of water edge first, minimizing the displacement and disruption of the water upon entering. Each wheel or linkage, when mechanically coupled with a generator, results in the production of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Brown
  • Patent number: 8439185
    Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes a passageway defined on each side between an inlet and an outlet by a moving wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 8379252
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to generate a print job to execute bookbinding printing is provided. The information processing apparatus includes an identifying unit configured to identify a position of a pre-printed sheet where a page to be arranged on a background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the time of execution of the bookbinding printing, a selecting unit configured to select the pre-printed sheet to be used in the bookbinding printing from a plurality of different pre-printed sheets set in the printer so that data indicating content of the page to be arranged on the background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the position identified by the identifying unit, and a generating unit configured to generate the print job so that the printer prints the data using the pre-printed sheet selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kinya Honda
  • Patent number: 8336307
    Abstract: A high torque output drive system includes a fluid tank that stores a fluid, an array of weighted members disposed in series such that leading and trailing subarrays thereof are respectively placed along left and right running routes in the fluid tank, upper and lower direction reversing guide units respectively defining upper and lower guide routes each of which interconnects the left and right running routes, a fluid pump operable to move the fluid such that levels of the fluid in left and right columnar regions of the fluid tank are variable to result in generation of a buoyant force for lessening the weight of the trailing subarray so as to induce synchronized downward and upward movements of the leading and trailing subarrays, and a force-output shaft coupled to the weighted members by a gear train unit and revolvable to provide a high torque for a desired end use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Wu-Ere Teng
  • Patent number: 8307974
    Abstract: A track assembly for a particulate material extrusion pump according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a link assembly with a roller bearing. An insert mounted to a load beam located such that the roller bearing contacts the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Saunders, John D. Brady
  • Patent number: 8287230
    Abstract: A controller for a system having at least one variable-capacity, pulse-width modulated compressor and at least one fixed-capacity compressor is provided. The controller may include processing circuitry that modulates the at least one variable-capacity, pulse-width modulated compressor to any capacity substantially between ten percent capacity and one hundred percent capacity. The processing circuitry may determine a desired capacity of the at least one variable capacity, pulse-width modulated compressor based on a load sensor signal and a current run percentage of the at least one variable capacity, pulse-width modulated compressor and may toggle the at least one fixed-capacity compressor between a run mode and a shutdown mode based on the desired capacity of the at least one variable-capacity, pulse-width modulated compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest P. Hurst, Jr., Hung M. Pham
  • Patent number: 8042334
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods for generating energy by capturing and taking benefit of the energy generated by any quantity of air surfacing inside water. The apparatus includes a frame structure to which is rotatably mounted an upper drive wheel, a lower wheel, and a vertical fluid column container. An endless chain of gas capsule elements is mounted on the upper and lower wheels. This endless chain passes vertically up into and through the fluid column container through a seal port in the bottom of the container. As the endless chain of gas capsule elements passes vertically through the fluid in the container, fluid pressure on the elements due to the height of the column of fluid in the container produces a net buoyant force upward on the elements, causing them to rise, generating kinetic energy that turns the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Renato Bastos Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 7883318
    Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting power from the wind, mounted on a vertical support or pole, has two linear “power harvesting devices” arranged in V-shaped configuration with the apex of the “V” mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about the vertical support. The two power harvesting devices move under the influence of incoming wind to orient themselves such that the apex of its “V”-shape structure always faces the incoming wind. The power harvesting devices are each provided with blades attached for movement with a linear endless drive conveyor. With the apex of the “V” facing the wind, the blades are oriented to intercept this wind and to cause movement of the conveyor drive to which they are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Voves
  • Patent number: 7862290
    Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jürgen Diederich
  • Patent number: 7841830
    Abstract: A river power generating apparatus is provided in which a plurality of angular baffles are configured to extract and combine the available energy from flowing river water into a force for rotating an electric generator to 1800 rpm to produce large quantities of electric current without using a hydro-electric dam thereby allowing wild salmon to spawn upstream of the river. The angular baffles can harvest and convert the energy of the ocean currents and tides into great amounts of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Leonardo M. Gasendo
  • Patent number: 7785065
    Abstract: A low-profile apparatus for converting water current into electricity. Fabric scoops are spaced along a continuous belt and, when submerged in a current of moving water, are pushed by the current thereby causing the continuous belt to move. The current pushes the fabric scoops downstream and then fold closed as the fabric scoops are rotated out of the water and travel back upstream. The moving continuous belt is used to turn an electric generator, which causes the apparatus to produce electrical energy. The apparatus includes one or more floats to support the continuous belt, electric generator, and other components of the apparatus. The apparatus can be moored or anchored in a variety of locations where there is moving water or currents. The apparatus maintains a low profile by using fabric scoops that collapse and fold flat when not submerged thereby reducing wind resistance and visible surface area above the waterline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Hayes Clemens
  • Patent number: 7744340
    Abstract: The linear fan comprises blades that are fixed onto a flexible transmission engaging leading and follower pulleys. Each blade has cylindrical shanks to facilitate swivel fixation. The veer of the blades is provided with directive disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Yefim Levin, Vadim Levin
  • Patent number: 7654082
    Abstract: An underwater power generation system (10) that has a line member (30) that moves along a defined pathway. A number of foils (40) drive the line member using the flow of a water current. The defined pathway lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the flow of water current. A power take-off (114, 124) is connected to the line to produce power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Atlantis Resources Corporation PTE Limited
    Inventors: Michael David Perry, Duncan Bartlett Gilmore, Raymond Lindsay Hope, Gary James Campbell, Melissa Louise Kruger, Carmen Patricia Keating
  • Patent number: 7645115
    Abstract: A linear fluid impulse engine enables efficient conversion of the kinetic energy of large volume flows of fluid at low velocity into useful work. The linear fluid impulse engine uses symmetrically curved blades that are mounted to continuous power transmission belts that revolve on a pair of axles. The blades move in substantially linear paths on both the upstream and downstream sides of the inter-axle plane, which extends between the axes of the shafts. A linear cascade of stationary mid-plane guidevanes, located between the two sets of moving blade cascades, acts as a row of nozzles, accelerating the fluid so that it interacts with the downstream blade cascade with the proper velocity characteristics of an impulse device. Water entering the upstream blade cascade may be accelerated by stationary guidevanes to enable impulse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Abraham Daniel Schneider, Daniel Jacob Schneider
  • Patent number: 7513733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a generator for obtaining energy, in particular a torque comprising at least two elastic buoyant bodies which are moved around at least two deflection elements, and in the process pass a liquid-filled container through an inlet opening, which is arranged on the end surface of the container facing the ground, the cross section of which inlet opening is smaller than the cross section of an elastic buoyant body in the unloaded state. In order to narrow the elastic buoyant bodies to the cross section of the inlet opening before they enter the liquid-filled container, a funnel element is proposed according to the invention, and is arranged in front of the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Eugen Dentler
  • Publication number: 20090028689
    Abstract: The linear fan comprises blades that are fixed onto a flexible transmission engaging leading and follower pulleys. Each blade has cylindrical shanks to facilitate swivel fixation. The veer of the blades is provided with directive disks. In another embodiment, position of the blades is permanent with respect to direction of motion of the transmissions and connection of the blades with the transmissions is provided with prismatic shanks in such a way that outlines of cross section of the blades are symmetrical with respect to direction of motion of the transmission. This fan also comprises the guide vanes that are fixed in one of two positions, the first position provides forward direction of operation and the second one assures reverse operation of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Yefim Levin, Vadim Levin
  • Patent number: 7217082
    Abstract: An asymmetrically bladed ceiling fan including a fan motor, a shaft rotatably connected to the motor and defining a vertical axis, a motor housing substantially enclosing the motor, a first fan blade extending from the housing, a second fan blade extending from the housing, and a first non-blade stabilizer extending from the housing for stabilizing the rotating weight of the fan blades upon actuation of the motor. The stabilizer is non-coincident with the first and second fan blades. The first and second fan blades are asymmetrically positioned relative the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fanimation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Frampton, Peter S. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6948911
    Abstract: A water torque converter for extracting energy from the reciprocal motion of water beneath waves in a body of water comprising an open frame on which is mounted a rigid sail. The rigid sail is guidingly moved from one end of the frame to the opposite end of the frame by the reciprocal motion of the water. An elongated driving member is connected through a multi-clutch mechanism to the sail. This elongated driving member is also connected to an output shaft. The reciprocal movement of the sail results in the output shaft to be rotationally driven in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald B. Laughton
  • Patent number: 6920684
    Abstract: The fixed layers of all magnetoresistive elements that are formed on the same substrate are magnetized in the same direction. Chips including magnetoresistive elements are cut out individually from the substrate. A magnetic sensor is assembled by combining cut-out chips together with consideration given to the magnetization directions of the fixed layers of the magnetoresistive elements in the chips. In this manner, the fixed layers of the magnetoresistive elements are magnetized by a sufficiently strong magnetic field for magnetization, whereby an output signal having a large absolute value is obtained from the magnetoresistive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Shonai, Ichiro Tokunaga, Seiji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6817180
    Abstract: The invention discloses a portable hydroelectric apparatus which converts the kinetic energy of water caused by gravity into electrical energy. This conversion is accomplished without the presence of a river or stream. A new type of buoyancy motor is disclosed which is formed as a U-tube erected vertically. One leg and the curved portion at the bottom are filled with a series of separate air-filled tanks. The other leg is filled with water, with a suitable seal at the bottom of the leg through which are made to jut 1½ tanks so the seal prevents water from leaking downward into the air space of the curved portion of the U-tube. Suitable means prevent the water column in the one leg from pushing the series of tanks out of the U-tube. The leading as well as the succeeding tanks behind it are made buoyant in sequence. In rising through the water-filled leg of the U-tube water is pushed through a nozzle which is made to operate hydroelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin Newman
  • Patent number: RE42844
    Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes an inlet, an outlet, a passageway, a first and second load beam, a first and second scraper seal, and a first and second drive assembly. The inlet introduces the particulate material into the passageway and the outlet expels the particulate material from the passageway. The passageway is defined by a first belt assembly and a second belt assembly that are opposed to each other. The first and second load beams are positioned within the first belt assembly and the second belt assembly, respectively. The first scraper seal and a second scraper seal are positioned proximate the passageway and the outlet. The first drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the first belt assembly and drives the first belt assembly and the second drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the second belt assembly and drives the second belt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews