Removable Auxiliary Attachment To Work Surface Patents (Class 416/62)
  • Patent number: 11873827
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a ceiling fan includes a shaft coupled to a ceiling or a wall surface, a housing cover provided at a central axis thereof with a shaft and receiving a motor assembly and an electronic unit, and a blade coupled to the housing cover. The electronic unit is provided in a multi-stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jihoon Bae, Atul Dhiman, Shivendra Singh, Anand Anand, Seulki Kim, Yeongcheol Mun, Jeeman Park
  • Patent number: 11873834
    Abstract: A ceiling fan includes: a column; a hub case which is coupled to the column and rotatable with respect to the column; and a plurality of blades disposed in the hub case, wherein each of the blades includes: an inner blade having one side coupled to the hub case; and an outer blade having one side that is coupled to a part of the other end of the inner blade and disposed farther from an axis of the hub case than the inner blade, wherein the inner blade includes: a first inner blade; and a second inner blade disposed spaced apart from the first inner blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seungdeok Yang, Jaehyuk Jung, Juhyun Kim, Seokho Choi
  • Patent number: 11761338
    Abstract: A method for producing a vibration-damping structure combination for damping vibrations for movable masses, having a first structure and a further structure, the further structure movable within a stop surface defined by a first structure surface of the first structure. The method includes a) providing the first structure, having the first structure surface and which defines a coating surface of a coating at least in some sections; b) coating the first structure surface of the first structure with the coating, the coating surface of the coating being applied such that a cavity is formed; c) filling the cavity with the filler; d) curing the filler until the further structure having a further structure surface is formed, which lies against the coating surface; and e) removing the coating, the further structure thus being movable relative to the first structure within the stop surface defined by the first structure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Robin Blank, Lena Farahbod-Sternahl, Christoph Kiener, Sascha Martin Kyeck, Yves Küsters, Simon Purschke, Helge Reymann
  • Patent number: 11744176
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a blade lock for use with a lawnmower. The blade lock includes an adjustable intermediate shaft having a hook-like component on one end for holding the blade of the lawnmower and a clamp-like member on the opposite end for attachment to the deck of the lawnmower. The shaft portion includes a plurality of fasteners which allow the shaft to be adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: James Joe Springer
  • Patent number: 11703029
    Abstract: A rotor blade for a rotor, in particular of a wind power installation, having a rotor-blade length constituted between a root region and a rotor-blade tip, a rotor-blade depth constituted between a leading edge and a blunt trailing edge, a rotor-blade thickness constituted between a pressure side and a suction side, a suction-side trailing-edge region extending on the suction side and/or a pressure-side trailing-edge region extending on the pressure side, the suction-side trailing-edge region and/or the pressure-side trailing-edge region extending from the blunt trailing edge in the direction of the leading edge with an extent of less than 30%, in particular less than 20%, of the chord, and the suction-side trailing-edge region and/or the pressure-side trailing-edge region having at least one eddy generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Knobbe Eschen, Jochen Stemberg
  • Patent number: 11589571
    Abstract: A scent masking device for masking a person's body scent while hunting or performing other outdoor activities related to tracking wildlife. The device includes a portable housing having a plurality of air vents, a power supply designed to provide electrical energy to a control panel, an ozone generator, and a fan. The ozone generator is designed to produce ozone when a charge is applied to a plurality of insulated electrode plates coated with trace amounts of conductive materials exposed to atmospheric gases. The fan is designed to expel the generated ozone through at least one of the plurality of air vents outward and away from the hunter, such that the hunter's scent is masked by the expelled ozone within the immediately surrounding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Evan Marlow
  • Patent number: 11428203
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sleeve and a modular wind turbine blade comprising such a sleeve. The modular wind turbine blade comprises a first blade and a second blade section, wherein the two blade sections are joined together to form a joint interface having a number of adjoining end lines located in the outer surfaces. A sleeve is positioned over the joint interface and connected to both the first and second blade sections. The body of the sleeve extends over the adjoining end lines and protects them from environmental and external impacts. The sleeve further comprises a number of airflow modifying elements projecting from the outer surface of the sleeve. The airflow modifying elements may be stall fences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: LM WIND POWER US TECHNOLOGY APS
    Inventor: Jordy Hertel Nilsson Van Kalken
  • Patent number: 10882593
    Abstract: A peller device with a flap is an apparatus used to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of water circulation and aeration systems. The apparatus is configured to act as both a propeller and an impeller as necessary for a particular water circulation requirement. A flap is an addition to the blade tip which propels a fluid by pushing against the fluid, thus enabling the peller to function as a propeller. In addition, the flap facilitates the generation of a sucking force so the peller can also function efficiently as an impeller. The peller assembly can be encased in circular housings having a vertical axis in which the peller assembly is mounted for rotation on the central axis of the housing. The peller assembly is formed with a hub and a plurality of blades symmetrically positioned around the hub. The flap of the apparatus is attached to the base of the peller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Gary Alan Ledford
  • Patent number: 10781791
    Abstract: A device for attaching to a surface of a wind turbine blade is described. The device comprises a plurality of sections to be arranged end-to-end along a portion of the blade. Each section of the device comprises: a baseplate for bonding to the surface of the blade; a first panel extending from the baseplate; first and second end walls extending respectively along transverse edges of the baseplate and the first panel; a first tab extending from the first end wall; and a second tab extending from the second end wall, the second tab being transversely offset from the first tab. The tabs are arranged such that when the sections are positioned end-to-end with a first end wall of a first section adjacent to a second end wall of a second section, the first tab of the first section overlaps the second end wall of the second section, whilst the second tab of the second section overlaps the first end wall of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Potentier
  • Patent number: 10774840
    Abstract: A fan blade capable of cooling an enclosed space is disclosed, comprising: a leading edge; a trailing edge; a top side; a bottom side; and a plurality of passageways wherein each of the passageways narrows within the fan blade. The plurality of passageways may narrow at any point within the interior of the fan blade and may be shaped in any way to ensure that a narrowing occurs. The plurality of passageways may also be in thermal communication with the rest of the fan blade. The fan blades may be used as part of a fan having a hub and a plurality of fan blades. Also disclosed, is a method of cooling a room comprising rotating a fan, the fan comprising: a plurality of fan blades, each fan blade having a plurality of passageways, wherein each of the passageways narrows within the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COOL-AIR LLC.
    Inventor: Lance B. Young
  • Patent number: 10702961
    Abstract: A system includes a stand having a first axis, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm extend from the axis. The first arm is configured to rotate about the axis and the second arm is configured to rotate about the axis. The system includes a first can coupled to the first arm. The first can is configured to be disposed around a first tip of a first airfoil, the first can is configured to receive a first gas flow, and the first can is configured to distribute the first gas flow to a first work cavity around the first tip of the first airfoil. The system further includes a second can coupled to the second arm. The second can is configured to be disposed around a second tip of a second airfoil, the second can is configured to receive a second gas flow, and the second can is configured to distribute the second gas flow to a second work cavity of the second airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tomasz Gontarski, Grzegorz Poltorak, Piotr Steckowicz, Michal Kowalczyk, Marek Miekus
  • Patent number: 10690143
    Abstract: A fan blade includes a hub and a plurality of vanes. The vanes are connected to the hub. Each of the vanes includes a main body and a guide plate. The main body has an inflow surface and an outflow surface. The guide plate is disposed on the outflow surface. When the fan blade rotates, an airflow occurs and flows into a side of the fan blade via the inflow surface, and the guide plate guides part of the airflow to flow out of another side of the fan blade in a first direction and a second direction so as to cool an electronic component disposed adjacent to the another side of the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: COOLER MASTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsung-Wei Lin, Chun-Hsien Chen
  • Patent number: 9382165
    Abstract: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, or other pollutants, are removed from ambient air while at the same time performing other useful functions. For example, surfaces of a vertical axis wind turbine (such as a Savonius) are provided as, or covered by, fabrics, films, or coatings which remove pollutants from flowing ambient air that contacts the turbine vanes and effects rotation of them to produce electricity. Many different materials may be used, such as activated carbon (especially associated with aramid fabrics), hydroxide coated textiles, hydroxyl ion rich cloth (e. g. wool), or coatings or films of titanium dioxide. After pollutant capture the materials or fabrics may be regenerated, burned with biomass, or disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Vanderhye
  • Patent number: 9103350
    Abstract: A ceiling fan blade includes a blade having at least one locking plate embedded in the interior. The locking plate is provided thereon with at least one locking base protruding out of the reverse side of the blade. A blade holder to be locked with the blade is bored with a locking hole at a location corresponding with the locking base for the locking base to be inserted therein. The blade is firmly locked on the blade holder via at least one locking member. By so designing, there is not any locking member on the downward obverse side of a ceiling fan blade, able to maintain a smooth and pretty external appearance of the ceiling fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cliff Wang
  • Publication number: 20150110625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling fan (1) with a modular structure, which comprises a central hub (2), from the periphery of which blades (3) extend. Said central hub (2) has top (12) and bottom (13) surfaces arranged on planes parallel to the ceiling. Besides, the ceiling fan (1) further has a driving motor, means (14) for fixing the central hub (2) to the ceiling, control means and electric and/hydraulic connection means connectable to sources of electric and/or hydraulic feed provided on the ceiling. The top (12) and (13) surfaces of the central hub (2) are provided with means (11) for fixing accessory modules. These accessory modules may consist of sources of illumination, sound propagation sound, air heaters, liquid spraying means, environment deodorizing means, air purifiers, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: INDIO DA COSTA LICENSING LTDA.
    Inventors: Luiz Augusto DE SIQUEIRA INDIO DA COSTA, Felippe Morais BICUDO
  • Patent number: 8985947
    Abstract: A power producing spinner (28) for a wind turbine (10), the wind turbine (10) having a plurality of blades (18) interconnected about an axis of rotation (30) by a hub (20). The power producing spinner (28) includes an aerodynamic shape (34) extending radially outward from the axis of rotation (30) to define an upwind airfoil portion (40) disposed upwind of an inboard portion (42) of each blade (18) of the wind turbine (10). The power producing spinner (28) is effective to extract energy from an air flow (44) flowing over the spinner (28) and to increase an aerodynamic efficiency of the blades (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John M. Obrecht, Kevin J. Standish, Drew Eisenberg, Alonso Zamora
  • Patent number: 8956115
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine, and a method for installing a rotor blade assembly on a wind turbine, are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining an aerodynamic profile including a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The rotor blade further extends in a generally span-wise direction between a root and a tip. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension extending in the generally span-wise direction from the root towards the tip, and a plurality of connection devices connecting the blade extension to the rotor blade. Each of the plurality of connection devices includes a mechanical fastener extending through the root in the generally span-wise direction for connecting the rotor blade to a hub of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Robert Tobin, Aaron John Mashue
  • Publication number: 20150016995
    Abstract: This application is directed to a fragrance dispenser attachably connected to a fan comprising: a housing having openings defined in the housing; a fragrance reservoir included in the housing for receiving a fragrance medium containing a fragrance; a cover operably associated with the opening for restricting airflow into the fragrance reservoir; and, a cover actuator operably connected to the cover having an open position allowing airflow into and out of the fragrance reservoir for dispensing a fragrance and a closed position for restricting airflow into and out of the fragrance reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Nathan A. Scolari
  • Patent number: 8840361
    Abstract: A fan blade (10) for a turbofan aero engine comprises a blade body including a root (10c) for engagement with a rotor, and a tip, wherein the tip is provided with a winglet (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Kristofer J. Bottome
  • Patent number: 8834127
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine and a method for increasing a loading capability of a rotor blade within a maximum load limit for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes an extension connected to a surface of the rotor blade, the extension having at least one design characteristic configured for increasing a loading capability of the rotor blade within a maximum load limit for the wind turbine. The design characteristic is one of extension length, extension width, extension curvature, span-wise extension location, chord-wise extension location, or extension angle with respect to a chord line of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Philippe Giguere, Stefan Herr, Peter James Fritz, Scott Gabell Riddell, Jeffrey Eric Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140241883
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a turbomachinery component having an outer part that is captured between a cap and a base of the component. In one form, the outer part is placed in compression between the cap and the base. The outer part can be formed prior to being placed between the cap and the base. In some forms, the outer part can be formed partially or completely while engaged with the component. A fugitive spacer can be placed between the outer part and an extension of the component. In various embodiments, the extension can reach into an opening of the outer part and the cap can be coupled with the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Quinlan Y. Shuck
  • Patent number: 8770942
    Abstract: A scratch-resistant blade such as an FRP wind turbine blade and a blade protective sheet which can be easily repaired when scratched. A blade is provided with a laminated protective sheet bonded to at least part of a leading edge of an FRP blade body of said blade, wherein the laminated protective sheet comprises an adhesive layer, a intermediate fabric layer and a durable surface layer, in that order from the blade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Rubber Ltd
    Inventors: Hitoshi Saitou, Takato Nakamura, Nobuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8753081
    Abstract: A fan comprises a rotatable hub, a plurality of fan blades coupled with the hub, and a plurality of air fences coupled with the fan blades. Each fan blade has a free end and an opposite end secured to the hub. The air fences are positioned at selected locations along the length of the fan blades, between the ends of the fan blades. Each air fence includes a fin, which may extend upwardly or downwardly from the fan blade. Each air fence may be formed of a resilient material and may be configured to allow the air fence to be snapped onto a fan blade. Each air fence may define an opening through which a fan blade may be inserted. One or more surfaces of the air fence may be contoured to complement a surface contour of an airfoil shaped fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Delta T Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Aynsley, Richard A. Oleson
  • Publication number: 20140147273
    Abstract: A wind turbine having a speed control system. The wind turbine has a control system using weights positioned on its rotating blades. The blades are biased such that the blades are kept open during normal operation and closed when a pre-selected rotational is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Oztren Industries Pty.Ltd
    Inventor: Micheal Charles Trenberth
  • Patent number: 8734106
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems (and related methods) which protect various features of ceiling fixtures, such as fans, chandeliers, lights, and other fixtures, during painting and remodeling processes. The presently disclosed apparatus may be installed and removed quickly and easily, and both disposable and reusable embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AH-HA Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn R. May, Tracy G. Hinterman
  • Publication number: 20140140848
    Abstract: The invention refers to a system and method for reinforcing a weakened area of a wind turbine blade whose interior comprises a box beam extending from the blade root to the blade tip and wherein said box beam comprises an open end at the blade root. The system is characterized by comprising a repair module (100) adapted for moving inside the box beam and transporting a reinforcement element (107) from the blade root to the weakened area; and by the repair module (100), which is adapted for applying the reinforcement element (107) onto a interior surface of the box beam in the weakened area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventors: Juan Jose FUERTES THOMAS, Irune LARISGOITIA ASTOBIZA, Andres RIEZU CORPAS
  • Patent number: 8678764
    Abstract: A turbine rotor blade with a spar and shell construction, and a tip cap that includes a row of lugs extending from a bottom side that form dovetail grooves that engage with similar shaped lugs and grooves on a tip end of the spar to secure the tip cap to the spar against radial displacement. The lug on the trailing edge end of the tip cap is aligned perpendicular to a chordwise line of the blade in the trailing edge region in order to minimize stress due to the lugs wanting to bend under high centrifugal loads. A two piece tip cap with lugs at different angles will reduce the bending stress even more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith D Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20140072430
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor assembly comprises: a rotor support; a rotor which is rotatably mounted to the rotor support; and a base support; wherein the rotor support and base support are provided with engagement means which allow said rotor support and base support to engage with each other so that when the rotor support and base support are moved together a hinged connection is formed between the rotor support and base support, which hinged connection allows the rotor support to rotate relative to the base support during installation or decommissioning of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Sway Turbine AS
    Inventors: Eystein Børgen, Bjørge Sæten
  • 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: 8550777
    Abstract: A blade element (42; 44; 46; 48; 150; 250; 350) for mounting on a wind turbine blade (10) is provided. The blade (10) has a longitudinal direction (L) and a chord extending transversely to the longitudinal direction between a leading edge (18) and a trailing edge (20). The blade (10) has an airfoil profile with a thickness between a suction side and a pressure side along at least a part of the longitudinal direction (L) and with a position of maximum thickness between the leading edge (18) and the trailing edge (20). The blade element (10) has a shape so that, by mounting in a first longitudinal part of the wind turbine blade (10), it changes the profile of the first longitudinal part from a first airfoil profile (100; 200; 300) with an essentially pointed trailing edge (100; 200; 300) and a first chord length (c11; c21; c31) to a changed airfoil profile with a blunt trailing edge (153; 253; 353).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventor: Casper Kildegaard
  • Patent number: 8523522
    Abstract: A functional rotor, desirably but not necessarily a Savonius, helical, or other vertical axis wind turbine rotor, has other functions in addition to driving a useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or hydrogen generator, pump, etc.). The rotor has exterior rotating surface areas and at least one of design, aesthetic, holographic, reflective, and informational elements on those areas that create the illusion of movement distinct from the rotation of the rotor itself. The elements may be substantially vertical holographic material or reflective material stripes alternating with non-holographic or non-reflective stripes, or at least one of design and aesthetic elements disposed to create a spiral movement illusion. The elements may be selected and positioned so that a message or design is completed in the viewer's eye only upon rotation of the surface areas. The rotor may simulate a praxinoscope, phenakistascope, or zoetrope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Vanderhye
  • Patent number: 8517683
    Abstract: A blade for a marine propeller includes an adjustment strip located in a channel near the trailing edge of a high pressure face of the blade. The adjustment strip protrudes from the blade face, altering the hydrodynamic properties of the blade. Strips can be replaced with other strips of different heights in order to suit particular requirements for hydrodynamic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Veem Engineering Group Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: John Bradley Miocevich
  • Patent number: 8506250
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having 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. An edge extension is attached along the trailing edge and includes a first strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to pressure side, and a second strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to the suction side. Each of the first and second strip members has an outboard edge and an extension section that projects chord-wise beyond the trailing edge. The extension sections are adhesively attached to each other outboard of the trailing edge along a span-wise length of the first and second strip members and define an adhesively bonded closure edge of the edge extension. A method is also provided for forming an edge extension on a wind turbine rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bharat Bagepalli, Stefan Herr
  • Patent number: 8500403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a table for a wind turbine equipped with attachment devices 103 for attaching servicing equipment, 401, 402, said attachment means being attached at and accessible from the blade exterior. They may be located in cavities and be covered when not in use. Hereby it is accomplished that the blade can be serviced and repaired while positioned horizontally without the attachment devices as such otherwise influencing the aerodynamic properties of the blade. One possibility is that during manufacturing such a cavity is closed but the cavity can later be broken open. Additionally, the invention relates to a wind turbine featuring such blade and a method of servicing a blade when mounted on a wind turbine, wherein servicing equipment is attached to at least one attachment device in the blade. It is furthermore mentioned, that the attachment devices might be used when mounting a blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventor: Peter Grabau
  • Patent number: 8475128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fairing adapted to be mounted on a wind turbine blade (2), wherein the outer surface of said fairing is arranged so as to reduce, when mounted on the blade, the aerodynamic drag in a flapwise (z) direction of the blade. In this way a reduction of the exciter power required in a flatwise fatigue test of the blade is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Malcolm Barnsley
  • Patent number: 8459947
    Abstract: A winglet for a blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The winglet contains a core with a predetermined water absorption-rate to reduce or even avoid the absorption of water in the core. This may be achieved via different variations on the core material and/or core cover material including composition, density and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jason Stege
  • Patent number: 8414261
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly and a method for reducing the noise of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade has surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a noise reducer configured on a surface of the rotor blade, the noise reducer including a plurality of noise reduction features. Each of the plurality of noise reduction features includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a first portion mounted to one of the pressure side or the suction side and a second portion configured to interact with wind flowing past the other of the pressure side or the suction side. The second surface interrupts an aerodynamic contour of the one of the pressure side or the suction side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Laurent Bonnet
  • Patent number: 8403642
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having 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. An edge extension is attached along either or both of the leading edge or trailing edge in a generally span-wise direction from adjacent the root towards the blade tip, with the edge extension having a contoured outer surface that defines a generally continuous aerodynamic surface. The edge extension has a terminal end that is spaced from root. A curtain is attached to the edge extension and extends in a span-wise direction from the terminal end t to the root. The curtain is formed from a pliant, flexible material that accommodates connection of the root to a rotor hub, as well as pitch movement of the rotor blade relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christian A. Carroll, Jonathan Glenn Luedke, Stefan Herr
  • Patent number: 8348610
    Abstract: A ceiling fan blade covering system includes a ceiling fan that includes a plurality of fan blades. A plurality of coverings is provided. Each of the blades has one of the coverings positioned thereon. The coverings include a sleeve that has an open end, a closed end and a perimeter wall. An associated one of the blades is extended into the open end. The sleeve is comprised of a cloth material that is statically charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8328516
    Abstract: A method of assembling a blade extension assembly for use with a wind turbine. The method includes removing a tip end of a tip portion of a rotor blade and coupling a tip wall to the tip portion. The tip wall extends between a first sidewall and a second sidewall and includes a plurality of slots defined therein. A blade extension assembly is coupled to the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pedro Luis Benito Santiago, Eugenio Yegro Segovia
  • Patent number: 8297922
    Abstract: Method and impeller cover for protecting an impeller from damage. The impeller cover includes a removable body having a first face and a second face opposing the first face, the second face being configured to match a front face of the impeller of the compressor, and further having a frontal portion covering an entire frontal portion of the impeller of the compressor, and a fixing mechanism connected to the removable body and being configured to fix the impeller cover to the impeller of the compressor. The impeller cover is disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: Joseph O. Cruickshank
  • Patent number: 8267657
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a noise reducer configured on a surface of the rotor blade. The noise reducer includes a plurality of noise reduction features and a plurality of auxiliary noise reduction features. Each of the plurality of auxiliary noise reduction features is configured on one of the plurality of noise reduction features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Karl Huck, Kevin Wayne Kinzie, James Paul Davidson, Roger Drobietz
  • Publication number: 20120224967
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic, removable dust cover and air freshener for securement over a ceiling fan blade. The cover is formed of a stretchable, dust-clinging material that is adapted to conform over any sized fan blade and provide secure, snug fitment thereover. The covers comprise an elongated, tubular element having an open end and a closed end, and elastic sidewalls forming an open interior section. The open end of the cover includes an elastic band to secure itself to the cross section of the blade base or along its length. The portion of the cover sidewall includes a vented pocket adapted to secure an air freshener pouch, such that the flow over the blade allows the freshener material to disseminate into the room for improved aroma. Use of the cover prevents dust from accumulating on the blade, while its outer appearance can be tailored to an individual's decor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Taylor Radabaugh
  • Patent number: 8251658
    Abstract: A turbine rotor blade with a spar and shell construction, and a tip cap that includes a row of teeth and slots extending from a bottom side that engage with similar shaped teeth and slots on a tip end of the spar to secure the tip cap to the spar against radial displacement. The tooth on the trailing edge end of the tip cap is aligned perpendicular to the pressure side wall of the blade in the trailing edge region in order to minimize stress due to the teeth wanting to bend under high centrifugal loads. To reduce stress, some of the teeth include a cutback to shorten the teeth in places where high stress levels would occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William B Diggs, Keith D Kimmel
  • Patent number: 8221077
    Abstract: A fan blade assembly having both an electrical connection and a mechanical connection to a rotating hub. The assembly is configured so that a single installation motion creates the mechanical connection and the electrical connection. The electrical connection preferably includes multiple independent conductor paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fatchdato, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Pelshak, Henri Hudson, Anand Paleja, Rodger Seabrooks
  • Patent number: 8192162
    Abstract: This invention provides convenient airframe vibration and tracking improvements of a helicopter rotor blade by use of an elastomer profile system that is attached through an adhesive system that allows convenient removal and relocation for use by the helicopter manufacturer or by the helicopter operator in a field environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Robert T. Loftus, Michael J. McNulty
  • Publication number: 20120134817
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having 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. An edge extension is attached along the trailing edge and includes a first strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to pressure side, and a second strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to the suction side. Each of the first and second strip members has an outboard edge and an extension section that projects chord-wise beyond the trailing edge. The extension sections are adhesively attached to each other outboard of the trailing edge along a span-wise length of the first and second strip members and define an adhesively bonded closure edge of the edge extension. A method is also provided for forming an edge extension on a wind turbine rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bharat Bagepalli, Stefan Herr
  • Patent number: 8186960
    Abstract: A method for repairing a wind turbine is described. The method may include preparing the surface of the blade, removing a plurality of mounting bolts, and replacing the mounting bolts with rod members. The rod members may be bonded to the blade root thereby strengthening the blade root and/or repairing any damaged or weakened regions. This repair may be performed on blades and blade coupling regions of various characteristics as well in modular fashion using pre-molded sections attached together around the blade root. The method of repair may be performed while the blade is still attached to the turbine hub. Wind turbines repaired according to these methods are also described. The method may also be used for attaching and otherwise handling new turbine blades and new wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Frontier Pro Services, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Patent number: 8100652
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ceiling fan cover for protecting a ceiling fan while the ceiling fan is not in use. The invention comprises a cover, preferably of a semi-waterproof, vinyl material, that encloses an indoor or outdoor ceiling fan. The invention also includes an attachment means, preferably a zipper, to close the cover around the ceiling fan's blades and a drawstring to tighten up the cover around the top of the fan. The invention could have an additional drawstring to cinch the middle. An alternative embodiment would be made of a plastic, disposable material, for use by painters to protect ceiling fans. When the cover is in place, it prevents ceiling fan blades from spinning in the wind or swinging up and breaking off, and also protects the fan from dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Steven M. Bauer, Antonia M. Bauer
  • Patent number: 8096765
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes a plurality of lightning receptors configured along either or both of the pressure side or suction side of the blade. At least one looped lightning conductive circuit is provided, with the lightning receptors configured in communication with a respective lightning conductive circuit. The lightning conductive circuit has terminal ends that extend through the root for connection of each terminal end with a grounding system within the wind turbine. The looped lightning conductive circuit provides a redundant path to each lightning receptor for conducting a lightning strike to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter James Fritz, Richard Hardison