Motion About Parallel Axes Patents (Class 416/119)
  • Patent number: 11927174
    Abstract: A connection member to connect a blade with an arm of a vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed. The connection member may include a bracket including a bracket plate. A bracket plate curvature may be equivalent to a blade inside portion skin curvature. The bracket plate may include a first connection insert configured to receive a first fastener. The bracket plate may be attached to the blade via the first fastener. The connection member may further include a yoke including a second connection insert configured to receive a second fastener. The yoke may attach to the arm via the second fastener. The connection member may further include a pivotal pin configured to axially attach the bracket with the yoke and a device to attach a fairing to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: WIND HARVEST INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: David John Malcolm, Alin Ionut Munteanu, Olamide Ajala Inyang, Antonio Ojeda Monge, Jeffrey Willis
  • Patent number: 11929055
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising: a vibration source; a component arranged to receive a vibration from the vibration source, the component having a first resonant frequency; and a resonator module arranged to vibrate with a first wavelength when excited at the first resonant frequency, the resonator module being operably coupled to the component at a first location, wherein the resonator module has a first length extending from the first location to a first free end of the resonator module, and wherein the first length of the resonator module is a quarter of the first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Mranal Gupta, Antonio Patricio Pinto Couto Vieira
  • Patent number: 11795909
    Abstract: A vertical axis windmill turbine includes a support structure for supporting the vertical axis windmill turbine above ground level. At least one rotor rotates upon the support structure. The at least one rotor comprises a horizontal structure having a rotational axis perpendicular to the ground level. A plurality of blades positioned within each of the at least one rotor cause the at least one rotor to rotate on the support structure responsive to wind force. A plurality of vanes are located on each of the plurality of blades and rotate between an open position to limit drag on the at least one rotor and a closed position that provides a rotational force to the at least one rotor. The plurality of vanes rotate between the open position and the closed position responsive to a wind force. A plurality of vane stops each associated with a vane of the plurality of vanes stops the rotation of the vane when the vane reaches the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: George A. Spencer
  • Patent number: 11592002
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a renewable power generation apparatus. In embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by wind. In other embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by water. Disclosed embodiments utilize two cylindrical turbines placed adjacent to each other. A diverter directs wind towards both turbines, causing them to rotate about their respective longitudinal axis. The turbines are coupled to a driveshaft that drives a generator to generate power. Embodiments utilize an airfoil adjacent to each turbine. The airfoil causes air to move faster over the airfoil surface to create low pressure which increases the performance of the turbines. The renewable power generation apparatus of disclosed embodiments is relatively compact compared to a traditional wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Nathaniel Wood
  • Patent number: 11396360
    Abstract: A blade for cycloidal rotor or propeller is provided with means to dynamically change within each revolution: its relative pivot point location along chord, extend or retract trailing edge, make actuated or passive turns of trailing edge flap, dynamically control stiffness of at least the flexible trailing edge, open or close strips covering much of blade surface area to allow flow through the blade. These features will enable the control system to continually adjust each blade to its immediate operating environment along the orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Optivector Ltd
    Inventor: Philip Bogrash
  • Patent number: 11053913
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes: a central axis that extends in a substantially vertical direction; a plurality of configurable airfoils disposed about the central axis, the plurality of configurable airfoils physically coupled to rotate together about the central axis; an angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an angle formed between a configurable airfoil and a radius that extends from the central axis as the configurable airfoil rotates about the central axis; and a profile adjustment mechanism that is configured to adjust a profile of the configurable airfoil as the configurable airfoil rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Grigg
  • Patent number: 10975839
    Abstract: Vertical axis windmill turbine assemblies, as well as methods, systems and components related thereto. In one illustrative embodiment, a central shaft is supported by upper and lower bearings allowing it to rotate. Upper and lower support plates are disposed on the central shaft and support a plurality of vanes that extend therebetween. Each vane may have a closed leeward side formed from at least two planar members that join at a central ridge and an open windward side. Generators may be operatively connected to the central shaft at the lower end and the upper end. Multiple vertical axis assemblies may be disposed on a planar platform. Where multiple assemblies are present, they may be positioned to optimize production based on prevailing wind directions and may include windmill and turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions. In some systems, the assemblies may be disposed in a linear array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: William Olen Fortner
  • Patent number: 10781794
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub includes a blade holder configured to receive and support the wind turbine blade. A connection element is configured on the blade holder and is adapted to attach directly to a mounting surface of a wind turbine rotor hub. A lifting equipment attachment is configured on the blade holder to attach to the blade holder to lifting equipment. A first steering mechanism is operably connected between the blade holder and the lifting equipment attachment to control an orientation of the blade held by the blade holder with respect to the lifting equipment attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GE Renewable Technologies Wind, B.V.
    Inventor: Isaac Gil MollĂ 
  • Patent number: 10605224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroelectric power generator using ebb and flow of seawater. More particularly, the hydroelectric power generator is able to continuously generate power through high tide and low tide created according to a tidal difference that continuously occurs, while being submerged in seawater, using a marine current that flows fast. The hydroelectric power generator is also able to utilize eco-friendly energy that does not require a reservoir by adjusting the amount of inflow of seawater and to be installed at various places, while being varied in size, as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Taekgeun Oh
  • Patent number: 10495069
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a wind turbine assembly. In one embodiment the systems and methods include a turbine shaft to rotate a wind turbine motor, a vane support structure coupled to the turbine shaft, a vane coupled to the vane support structure by a vane shaft, and a circumferential bearing assembly positioned in relation to a rotational path of the vane around the turbine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Noel Richard Potter
  • Patent number: 10415536
    Abstract: This invention has to do with generating electricity by converting kinetic energy embedded in the water in motion such as ocean waves, or river flow, or wind pressure into rotational energy which is to be used to rotate the electricity generator spin axis to generate electricity. To achieve this goal, Moving Window Frame with multiple Vertical Windows and with or without a Horizontal Window is invented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Chong Hun Kim, Jennifer Jinhee Kim, David Kemhoe Kim
  • Patent number: 10378510
    Abstract: The invention is a wind turbine that is part of a system for utilizing the energy of wind to produce electrical energy. The turbine is a vertical axis wind turbine that is characterized by the design of its blades. The blades are shaped and attached to the turbine in a way that allows them to self-adjust their orientation with respect to the direction in which the wind is blowing. In this way the torque that each blade exerts on the turbine consist of two portions. When the blade is on the windward side of the turbine, it exerts on the turbine torque from the drag force. When the blade is on the leeward side of the turbine, the torque that the blade exerts on the turbine is from lift force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander Margolis
  • Patent number: 10330082
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the deflection of a wind turbine blade is described. The system comprises a wireless range-measurement system, having at least one wireless communication device located towards the root end of the blade and at least one wireless communication device located towards the tip end of the blade. The root end device is provided on a bracket projecting from the external surface of the blade, to provide a communication path between the root end and tip end devices which is less susceptible to interference from multipath effects, etc. There is further provided a method to derive tilt and yaw moments from measured deflections. A control method for such a system is also described, wherein the signal gain of the communication path may be varied based at least in part upon the deflection characteristics of the wind turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Claus Byskov, Peter Baek, Michael Klitgaard, Casper Skovby, Lars Fuglsang
  • Patent number: 10316824
    Abstract: A camber changing wing for a vertical axis wind turbine includes a main body, a pivoting slat, a first beam member, and a second beam member. The main body has front, rear, top and bottom portions. The pivoting slat is disposed adjacent to the front portion. The pivoting slat has a leading edge, and a top and bottom sides. Each of the beam members has a front end, a rear end, and a pivot point. The front end of the first beam member is coupled to the top side of the pivoting slat. The front end of the second beam member is coupled to the bottom side of the pivoting slat. The first beam member is rotatably attached to the top portion of the main body at the pivot point. The second beam member is rotatably attached to the bottom portion of the main body at the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Scharf Energy LLC
    Inventor: Doyle E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 10309370
    Abstract: A vane device includes vane units, coupling modules around a shaft body, and connection units. Each coupling member has two brackets each of which has an insertion hole. Each connection unit is disposed between the brackets and has a rotary member, and two pin members threadedly inserted into the rotary member and projecting outwardly from the rotary member to extend into the insertion holes. When the rotary member is rotated, the pin members are moved toward each other so that the pin members are released from the insertion holes, or moved away from each other so that the pin members are respectively inserted into the insertion holes and each connection unit detachably connects one of the vane units to one of the coupling modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 10233892
    Abstract: This hydrokinetic rotor is arranged to be rotated by a flow of a liquid. This rotor comprises of an inner ring, an outer ring and at least one blade extending between the inner ring and the outer ring in a radial direction (R), the inner rings and the external rings being centered on a same longitudinal axis (X). This rotor comprises of at least one radial axis extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring, and at least one blade is movable around the respective radial axis. The rotor comprises of the limitation means of the movement in rotation of at least one blade mentioned above around its respective radial axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Hugo Duchene, Philippe Cagnin, Antoine Girard-Pecarrere
  • Patent number: 10184453
    Abstract: An inverted funnel-shaped columnar tower (115) includes a window region (120), a heat absorbing surface (130), an air entrance (116) and exit (117). Solar energy passes through the window region and heats the heat absorbing surface. A plurality of fans (145), each connected to a generator (150), are suspended within the tower and extract energy from convectively rising air, generating electricity. A fan (160) outside the tower intercepts wind and turns an internal fan (145?) that aids the convective flow, providing a self-starting feature. A plurality of rotors (100) with wings (705) are connected in groups to generators (725) and all are arranged adjacent the tower. The rotors intercept wind energy and deliver it to the generators for conversion to electricity. The rotors include a flap (800) that predetermines the direction of rotation of the rotor, providing a second self-starting feature. The convection and wind-capture functions operate independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Kyung N. Khim
  • Patent number: 10132293
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes two or more cells arranged one above the other along a vertical machine axis, in which each of the cells includes a plurality of vertical blades which are arranged within the cell distributed on a concentric circle about the machine axis and which are connected so as to be able to move together on this circle and which are rotationally fixed with a main shaft, and in which the blades in the cell are each individually mounted so as to be able to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation which in particular runs internally through them. Assigned to each of the blades are means by which the blade is made to adopt, a rotational position, about its axis of rotation, which is predetermined and can be changed at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Agile Wind Power AG
    Inventors: Karl BahnmĂĽller, Hans Thomas Hug
  • Patent number: 9903339
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine including a vertical central shaft and a plurality of vertical blades. Each of the vertical blades is supported by a radial supporting arm extending from the central shaft. The shaft is such that the angular disposition of each of the blades is relative to its radial supporting arm, and is controlled by a control mechanism. The control mechanism includes two differential resilient elements and a damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Axowind Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Radovich, Ricky Zhong Huang, Bjorn Rudgley, Jing K Tan
  • Patent number: 9863394
    Abstract: A fluid turbine 65 is provided, including a rotor 16, including a vertical rotation axis 12, on which at least two rotor blades 18, 20, 22 are arranged, wherein the rotor 16 is arranged within a housing 70, wherein a top 72 and a bottom 74 of the housing 70 are arranged essentially vertical to the rotation axis 12. Each rotor blade 18, 20, 22 has at least a first height 68 at a second distance 69 parallel to the rotation axis 12 and the second height 66 at a second distance 67 parallel to the rotation axis 12, wherein the first distance 69 and the first height 68 are smaller than the second distance 67 and the second height 66, wherein the rotor 16 is rotatable relative to the housing 70. Due to the design of the housing 70, the fluid turbine 65 has particularly high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CASSIUS ADVISIORS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Behrens
  • Patent number: 9821417
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for removing or installing a pitch bearing of a wind turbine. The method includes installing a first pulley block at an up-tower location of the wind turbine and configuring a second pulley block with the pitch bearing. A pulley cable is routed from a ground location over the first pulley block to the second pulley block such that the second pulley block is configured to slide along the pulley cable. The method also includes rotating the pitch bearing to a tilted position. Thus, the method further includes lowering or lifting the pitch bearing in the tilted position so as to prevent the pitch bearing from colliding with the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ulrich Werner Neumann, Adam S. Davis, Gaylon Mitchell Pfeiffer, Michael R. Johnson, Forrest Christopher Hach, Kevin Costain, Stephanie Willman, Theodore Steven Wilmot
  • Patent number: 9765636
    Abstract: An apparatus energized by a flowing fluid includes at least one turbine blade having a trailing edge angle and an elastic deformation member connected to the at least one turbine blade. The deformation of the elastic deformation member changes an orientation of a trailing edge angle of the at least one turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eckard Scholz
  • Patent number: 9752557
    Abstract: The vertical axis turbine may include a frame rotatable about the central axis. In one variation at least two masts, each having a boom, are coupled to the frame and at least one sail is coupled to each mast and boom. In another variation, at least two blades are rotatably coupled to the frame and being substantially perpendicular to the frame. The frame may also include at least two retaining members being attached to the frame. Each retaining members defines an opening and corresponds to each mast or blade. A cord is coupled between the two generally opposing booms or blades. The cord extends within the opening of the corresponding retaining members, wherein the cord is configured to regulate the position of the at least one blade or sail. Alternatively, the vertical axis turbine may include a central hub. The cords from each boom or blade extend through each retaining member and then attach to the central hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: John Nicklas
  • Patent number: 9739153
    Abstract: A rotor 16 is provided, including a vertical rotation axis 12 and at least two rotor blades 18, 20, 22 arranged on the rotation axis 12, wherein at least one rotor blade 18, 20, 22 includes an opening 60 with an openable closure element 62. Due to the design of the rotor blade 18, 20, 22, the rotor 16 has particularly high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CASSIUS ADVISORS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Behrens
  • Patent number: 9709020
    Abstract: A floating-type ocean current combination power generation device comprises a water-surface floating platform, an impeller assembly located below the water-surface floating platform and driven by ocean current, and a power generation assembly located above the water-surface floating platform for receiving rotary mechanical energy from the impeller assembly and transforming it into electric energy. The floating-type ocean current combination power generation device can realize the recovery of deep-sea ocean current energy to the sea surface without pollution and energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Gaoyuan Zhao, Kejun Gao
  • Patent number: 9677539
    Abstract: A stability of a vertical axis combined water/wind turbine motor composed of a drag type and a lift type is improved by releasing convex surface resistance produced by a drag-type blade going against a fluid and increasing rotation torque by the reduction in resistance; during high-speed rotation equal to or higher than a fluid speed, all wing surfaces of the drag type are naturally brought into a released state as a result of being pulled by the lift-type blade rotation speed; and a danger at the time of increasing a fluid speed can be avoided by producing a fully-released state by rolling in feathers of a drag-type wind surface configuration, by decreasing the entire volume by folding wing surfaces to the rotation axis side, or by decreasing the entire structure by drawing feathers on the wing surface toward the rotation center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Yoshiji Tamatsu
  • Patent number: 9657715
    Abstract: An orthogonal turbine having a balanced blade having a first end and second end, a first console arm engaged to the first end of the balanced blade, and a first shaft engaged to the first console arm, where the balanced blade has the shape of a 3-dimensional spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Victor Lyatkher
  • Patent number: 9500090
    Abstract: The invention involves craneless dismounting and/or mounting a vertically arranged wind turbine blade from a wind turbine generator hub mounted to a nacelle placed on a tower, the hub being arranged for having a number of blades attached. The method comprises mounting a number of bolt-like extensions in positions, where fastening bolts have been removed or could be received. These extensions are much longer than the fastening bolts, so that the blade may be handled using the extensions to a position where a lifting yoke may be attached or detached, either for lowering or lifting the blade. The method may be performed without a separate crane and is particularly useful in relation to blade maintenance, repair or replacement at remote wind turbine sites which would incur high costs for a mobile crane. Moreover, the method may be performed without having personnel going outside the hub or nacelle, but can stay at the ground and within the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Kennet Hvid Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9103314
    Abstract: A water wheel impeller blade type electric power generating apparatus including a rotating shaft for transmitting motive power to a power generator, a rotor fixed to the rotating shaft, an impeller blade provided on the outer periphery of the rotor to receive a flow of fluid for rotating the rotor, and a fluid guide plate inclined from above to below the rotor so as to guide the fluid to the impeller blades located on a lower portion of the rotor. The impeller blade is rotatably disposed on the rotor, a fluid receiving part and a stopper part shorter than the fluid receiving part are formed, the fluid receiving part is disposed in the upstream direction of the fluid in a fluid passage, and a bearing which rotatably supports the rotating shaft is provided on the outer periphery of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: JAPAN SYSTEM PLANNING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Patent number: 8899925
    Abstract: A wind/water turbine has a basic configuration in which both ends of blades which are in rotational symmetry are fixed to support plates, the blades have vanes, one of the vertical sides of the vanes is attached to a vane rotating shaft, and the free opposite sides each rotate freely in a sector extending as far as the adjacent vane rotating shafts on either side. The vanes are arranged such that when the blades of the wind/water turbine are convex, moving against the water flow/airflow, the vanes are pressed by the water flow/airflow and are opened, thereby reducing the rotational resistance, and when the blades have pivoted further and are concave, the spaces between the vane rotating shafts are closed, the water/air pressure is received over the entire surface of the blade, and thus a pivoting force that is increased corresponding to the reduction in rotation resistance is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Yoshiji Tamatsu
  • Patent number: 8807947
    Abstract: A wind power generator has a frame, an axle extending horizontally and rotatably mounted relative to the frame, a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly of the axle, a plurality of panels respectively connected to the plurality of arms, and an electrical generator affixed to a surface of at least one of the plurality of panels. The electrical generator produces electrical energy as the panels move relative to the frame and produces electrical energy in relation to gravity acting on the panel. The Faraday generators has a housing, a coil positioned in the housing so as to define a longitudinal pathway therein, and a magnet slidably received in the longitudinal pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Larry W. Simnacher
  • Patent number: 8794904
    Abstract: A water wheel impeller blade type electric power generating apparatus with which, on the forward motion side, the hydraulic pressure applied to the impeller blade is reduces, and the mud, sand, dirt, and the like will not be collected into the water wheel. The impeller blade is rotatably disposed on the rotor, and has a stopper part and a fluid receiving part extending from this stopper part and being longer than the stopper part, the fluid receiving part being provided with a length large enough that when the impeller blade is thrust down the fluid receiving part covers the stopper part of an adjacent impeller blade. To a top plate constituting a frame body of the apparatus, a fluid guide plate inclined inward being fixed for guiding the fluid to the impeller blades positioned under the rotating shaft of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Japan System Planning Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Patent number: 8740564
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine generator whose blade is allowed to stably operate according to a win force, with a simple structure. The generator is equipped with an arm whose proximal end is coupled to a rotating shaft and whose front edge is provided laterally to a rotating central axis line, and a blade mounted on the arm. A pair of divided blade plates is arranged in a V-shaped form. One sides of the blades are pivotally coupled together, while the opposite sides are provided in openable and closable manner. Coil springs are interposed between the blade plates and the arm. The blade plates are allowed to open or close according to wind directions and wind pressures, so that the rotation speed is regulated with a simple structure, enabling stable electric power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Naomi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8702392
    Abstract: To surely erect impeller blades at the forward movement side thereof by a rotor and, further, to surely push down these impeller blades at the backward movement side thereof by a rotor. By providing a fluid passage frame body 21 above a rotor 10 to form a fluid passage 20, rotatably disposing impeller blades 15 on rotor 10, forming a fluid receiving part 15a and a stopper part 15b shorter than this fluid receiving part into an L shape, and disposing stopper part 15b on the side of fluid receiving part 15a receiving fluid pressure from fluid passage 20 such as to maintain fluid receiving part 15a in an erected position. An impeller blade erecting passage pipe 30 is formed on rotor 10 such that the diameter of one end thereof 30a is larger than the diameter of the other end thereof 30b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Japan System Planning Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Patent number: 8631578
    Abstract: A balancing weight clip with a mass adapted to balance a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine, includes a weight portion, a first flange engaging portion and a second flange engaging portion extending from the weight portion, each being engageable with a sidewall of at least one recess located on an edge of a flange of a disc of the rotor assembly. Each flange engaging portion is provided with a hook engageable with a mating groove provided on a face of the flange. At least one of the first and second flange engaging portions is resiliently biased so that the first and second flange engaging portions are elastically moveable away from one another to removably secure the balancing weight clip to the flange and engage each hook with the mating groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: David F. Glasspoole, Francois Caron
  • Patent number: 8602719
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: AF Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 8595931
    Abstract: A lift system and a method for constructing a wind turbine are disclosed. The lift system includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The lift system further includes a lift device including a sling and a quick release device. The sling is coupled to the rotor blade and includes a first end and a second end spaced apart by an intermediate portion. The second end is releasably joined to the first end by the quick release device. The quick release device is operable to release the second end from the first end to uncouple the sling from the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Gabell Riddell, Qi Zhu, Matthew Nathan Crawfoot
  • Patent number: 8496433
    Abstract: A wind mill structure of a lift-type vertical axis wind turbine. The lift-type vertical axis wind turbine includes a vertical shaft and the wind mill includes a plurality of blades and supporting arms. The supporting arms hold the blades, and the blades are connected to the vertical shaft via the supporting arms. A setting angle, formed by a chord of the blades and a tangent line that goes through the center of the blades, ranges from ?12° to 12°. An angle, formed by the chord of the blade and the rotatable supporting arm, ranges from 7° to 100°. The wind mill can maintain relatively stable rotation speeds under wind speeds exceeding the rated wind speed by adjusting the angle of the supporting arms, thereby ensuring stable output from the vertical axis wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Qiang Yan, Yihui Shen, Dong Zhang, Chaoqi Jiang, Haifeng Niu
  • Publication number: 20130136600
    Abstract: A wind/water turbine has a basic configuration in which both ends of blades which are in rotational symmetry are fixed to support plates, the blades have vanes, one of the vertical sides of the vanes is attached to a vane rotating shaft, and the free opposite sides each rotate freely in a sector extending as far as the adjacent vane rotating shafts on either side. The vanes are arranged such that when the blades of the wind/water turbine are convex, moving against the water flow/airflow, the vanes are pressed by the water flow/airflow and are opened, thereby reducing the rotational resistance, and when the blades have pivoted further and are concave, the spaces between the vane rotating shafts are closed, the water/air pressure is received over the entire surface of the blade, and thus a pivoting force that is increased corresponding to the reduction in rotation resistance is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshiji Tamatsu
  • Patent number: 8439640
    Abstract: A propeller blade pitch control system includes a propeller hub for mounting at least one propeller blade, and a propeller shaft which rotates about an axis to rotationally drive the propeller hub. A pitch change yoke located within the propeller hub is configured to change a pitch of the at least one propeller blade in response to hydraulic fluid flow to a pitch change actuator. A propeller gearbox includes a first, rear end and a second, forward end located between the first, rear end and the pitch change yoke, and is configured to apply torque to the propeller hub. A hydraulic transfer bearing located between the first, rear end and the second, forward end of the propeller gearbox is operable to selectively permit a flow of hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic flow controller to the pitch change actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Arel, Robert H. Perkinson
  • Publication number: 20130091861
    Abstract: A turbine includes a rotor having at least two rotor members for rotating in a plane, the rotor members being substantially diametrically arranged and attached to an axis situated substantially transversely to the plane, and drive unit coupled to the axis, wherein the rotor members include a fluid contact member, that is hingingly connected to an arm which is attached to the axis, characterized in that the fluid contact members are adapted to hinge between a fluid-active position in which the members project transversely to the plane and a fluid-transparent position in which the members extend mainly parallel to the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: WEST 6 B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Groot
  • Patent number: 8419367
    Abstract: A vertical-axis turbine is provided, which comprises two or more arc-shaped blades which can pivot so as to decrease drag and maximize the force collected by each blade from moving gas or liquid. These arc-shaped blades can also be capable of directing moving gas or liquid from one blade to another. Additionally, these blades can comprise thin strips along their outer edge, which can increase their strength and rigidity as well as increase the amount of force captured by each blade from the moving gas or liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Fite
  • Publication number: 20130045080
    Abstract: A turbine (10) comprising a turbine rotor (11) having a blade support frame (13), and a plurality of blades (12) each pivotally mounted adjacent to its leading edge to the frame (13) for rotation about an axis extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor (11) with the trailing edge of each blade (12) being capable of pivoting downstream or downwind due to fluid dynamic forces on each blade. Pitch control means in the form of a ring or guide (23) is located around the shaft (15) and is coupled via links or lines (20) to the trailing end of each blade (12) to control the pitch of each blade (12) during rotation of the turbine rotor (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Kinloch Kirke
  • Patent number: 8348616
    Abstract: A balance weight for a turbine rotor includes: (a) a block-like centerbody; (b) a pair of resilient spring arms extending laterally from opposite sides of the centerbody, the centerbody and the spring arms collectively defining an arcuate shape; and (c) at least one locating structure extending from a radially outer surface of the balance weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aaron Todd Williams, Robert Patrick Tameo, Charles Eric Lavender, Michael A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8336687
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a vibration control apparatus that can be installed in a small pace and can be produced at low cost, as well as a wind turbine generator equipped with the vibration control apparatus and a vibration control method. The vibration control apparatus 7 includes a first vibration system 10 of inverted-pendulum type, second vibration systems 20 of inverted-pendulum type which are provided on both sides of the first vibration system 10, a restraining unit 30 which restrains a first weight 11 of the first vibration system 10 and a second weight 21 of the second vibration system 20 and a damper which damps vibration of the first weight 11 and the second weight 21. The vibration control apparatus 7 is installed on an upper floor 8a of a plurality of floors 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Kawabata, Keisuke Sasajima, Atsushi Kubo, Hideaki Harada
  • Patent number: 8322990
    Abstract: A vibration damper (28) is disclosed for use in a turbomachine, the turbomachine comprising at least one turbine rotor (19) having a plurality of radially extending blades (16, 17). Each blade has an aerofoil (22), a platform (21) and a stem (20). The vibration damper (28) has a seal-region (29) which comprises a pair of sealing surfaces (24, 25) configured for engagement with respective contact surfaces (24, 25) provided on adjacent blade platforms (21). The vibration damper (28) also has a mass-region (30) which is configured to extend radially inwardly from the seal-region (29) and to terminate at a position located between adjacent blade stems (20) (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: David J. Hunt, Wesley J. Pearce, Robert Elliott
  • Patent number: 8322989
    Abstract: An embodiment of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) concept with vanes coupled to central shaft thorough supports that are connected in such a way that vanes can be moved closer or further away from the central shaft of the wind turbine. The rotational speed of the wind turbine can be regulated by adjusting the distance of the vanes. Additionally, the turbine can be put into storm protection mode by bringing the vanes right next to the central shaft where the profile of the wind turbine is reduced to minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tarik Ozkul
    Inventor: Tarik Ozkul
  • Patent number: 8297923
    Abstract: A device for utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water with several pressure surfaces rotating around a common rotor axis. The pressure surfaces can be pivoted around axes arranged parallel to and spaced from the rotor axis, in particular for the production of energy from tidal currents of the sea. The pressure surfaces are attached to the pivot axes in a pendulum-like manner and stop elements for the pressure surfaces are arranged in the radial planes between the pivot axes and the rotor axis. The pivot axes of the pressure surfaces are attached by their ends to support disks radially directed towards the rotor axis. The support disks are located at the ends of the rotor axis. The support disks are embodied in at least a double-walled manner. Alternatively or additionally each pressure surface is embodied at least in a double-walled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Kai-Ude Janssen
  • Publication number: 20120269629
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 8272840
    Abstract: A blade support limb structure of a vertical axis wind power generator includes a fixed support limb (1) and a rotatable support limb (2), one end (21) of the rotatable support limb is connected with one end (22) of the fixed support limb and the rotatable support limb may rotate around it. The structure keeps a wind wheel at stable rotation speed in the case the environmental wind speed exceeds the rated wind speed, thereby to ensure that vertical axis wind power generator outputs constant power. The structure solves a problem of constant power output of the vertical axis wind power generator from hundreds watts to thousands watts, so its applications are wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Qiang Yan