Hollow Shaft Patents (Class 55/409)
  • Patent number: 11603889
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rotatable shaft and a cover substantially covering an end of the rotatable shaft. The cover includes a passageway fluidly coupled from outside the shaft to inside the shaft. The cover further includes a fin configured to prevent oil from entering the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Adams, Zhijun Zheng
  • Patent number: 10918989
    Abstract: There is disclosed an air-oil separator for a gas turbine engine. The separator has a first separator section having a first separator rotatably mounted about a rotation axis and having an air-oil mixture inlet and an air-oil mixture outlet; a second separator section having a second separator rotatable about the rotation axis, the second separator having a first air-oil mixture inlet fluidly connected to the air-oil mixture outlet of the first separator, and a second air-oil mixture inlet; and an air outlet. A first flow path extends from the first air-oil mixture inlet to the air outlet through the two separator sections, and a second flow path extends from the second air-oil mixture inlet to the air outlet, solely through the second separator section A method of operating an air-oil separator is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Sylvain Brouillet
  • Patent number: 10870079
    Abstract: There is disclosed a separator having a first separator and a matrix separator. The first separator caters to an air-oil mixture having a first oil concentration and the matrix separator caters to an air-oil mixture having a second oil concentration being less than the first oil concentration. The matrix separator is disposed at least partially concentrically within the first separator. A wall is disposed radially between the first and second separators. A radial passage extends through the wall. An air-oil mixture outlet of the first separator is fluidly connected to an air-oil mixture inlet of the matrix separator via the radial passage. At least one passage extends radially outwardly from the matrix separator across the first separator. The at least one passage fluidly connects the matrix separator to an environment outside the air-oil separator. A method of removing oil from an air-oil mixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Sylvain Brouillet, Pierre Gauvin
  • Patent number: 9028576
    Abstract: A gearbox includes an inlet configured to receive a mixture of air and oil from an external source and a deoiler. The deoiler includes a shaft including an inlet passage and an outlet passage, both formed on an inner portion of the shaft and separated from one another, a separator unit coupled to and surrounding a portion of the shaft and including an inlet and an outlet and a pre-pressuring component coupled to the shaft that increases the pressure of the mixture of oil and air to form a pressurized mixture and provides the pressurized mixture to the inlet of the separator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Slayter, Michael R. Blewett, Adrian L. Stoicescu
  • Patent number: 8945260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Thomas Eliasson
  • Patent number: 8945261
    Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of solid and/or liquid particles from a flow of gas, wherein two or more rotors (12) provided with conical separation surface elements (16) are located in a surrounding stationary casing (14), which delimits a common chamber (15) for collecting particles separated in the rotors. Each rotor has a fan (26) rotating together therewith. The fans (26) of the rotors are located in a common fan housing (30) that is separate from and adjacent to the casing (14) defining the collection chamber (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3Nine AB
    Inventors: Claes Inge, Peter Franzén
  • Patent number: 8945284
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet, a rotatable shaft positioned proximate the outlet, and a seal positioned at an interface of the rotatable shaft and the housing. The seal includes porous material adjacent the shaft and the housing and a shell substantially separating the porous material from the housing cavity. The shell includes an inlet that allows fluid flow from the housing cavity to the porous material and an outlet that allows fluid flow from the porous material to the housing interior. The inlet is positioned radially inward of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8945262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Thomas Eliasson
  • Publication number: 20150000235
    Abstract: The inertial particle separator with heat exchange is a system for separating particulate matter from a mixture of fluid and particles, such as, for example, oil mixtures, natural gas mixtures, or combinations thereof. A rotating pipe first receives the mixture and imparts a tangential velocity thereto. A first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the rotating pipe for decreasing the temperature of the mixture. An inlet of a convergent-divergent nozzle is connected to an outlet of the rotating pipe for receiving the mixture. The convergent-divergent nozzle accelerates the mixture to a supersonic axial velocity. The accelerated mixture flows into a temperature-controlled pipe which is in thermal communication with a second heat exchanger for further decreasing the temperature of the mixture. The mixture then flows into a concentric diffuser, such that the particulate matter of the mixture is separated from the fluid of the mixture under centrifugal force acting thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
  • Patent number: 8876933
    Abstract: A breather assembly for use with a gas turbine engine includes a static housing for accepting a fluidic mixture of substances, a rotatable separator having one or more fluid inlets and arranged about an axis of rotation, an exhaust outlet defined in the housing and positioned coaxially with the rotatable separator to accept fluidic exhaust from the rotatable separator, and a static diffuser supported by the housing at or near the exhaust outlet downstream from the rotatable separator. A portion of the static diffuser extends within the rotatable separator. The static diffuser includes a flow-straightening structure configured to reduce vortex flows in fluid flows passing through the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8790447
    Abstract: A separation device for removing at least part of a liquid from a mixture which comprises a gas and the liquid in the form of droplets, comprises: a) a housing comprising first, second and third separation sections for separating liquid from the mixture, wherein the second section is arranged below the first section and above the third section, the respective sections are in communication with each other, and the second section comprises a rotating coalescer element; b) tangentially arranged means to introduce the mixture into the first section; c) means to remove liquid from the first section; d) means to remove liquid from the third section; and e) means to remove a gaseous stream, lean in liquid, from the third section. A separation process for removing at least part of a liquid from a mixture comprising the liquid in the form of droplets using the separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hans Bieri, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Nicolas Martin, Rick Van Der Vaart
  • Patent number: 8747503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Olle Törnblom, Thomas Eliasson, Janke Burmeister, Mats-Orjan Pogén, Per Stjernswärd
  • Patent number: 8696779
    Abstract: A deoiler including a hub mounted on the vent shaft and a cover mounted on the hub between two stop faces which fix the cover avoiding the need to weld or bolt the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Belmonte, Muriel Jane Sylvie Borzakian, Lionel René Henri Weller
  • Patent number: 8679238
    Abstract: A centrifugal oil separator (3) provided with a metallic foam structure (4) and at least one high-voltage discharge electrode (5) arranged upstream of the metallic foam structure (4) is a component of a hollow engine shaft (2), with the metallic foam structure (4) and the high-voltage discharge electrode(s) (5) being integrated into the engine shaft (2) and energy transmission to the high-voltage discharge electrodes (5) being transformatory. Such a centrifugal oil separator, space-savingly arranged in an engine shaft, enables a high rate of oil separation to be achieved despite the centrifugal forces being low in particular in the area of the engine shaft, thus ensuring low oil consumption and preventing oil-contaminated air from getting into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Robert Angst
  • Patent number: 8679214
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Mats-Orjan Pogén
  • Patent number: 8679237
    Abstract: On a centrifugal oil separator for an aircraft engine for separating the oil particles contained in the vent air, a metallic foam body (7), into which the loaded vent airflow (3) is introduced, is firmly integrated into a hollow-type engine shaft (1), while high-voltage electrodes (6), which electrostatically charge the oil droplets in the vent air, are arranged outside the engine shaft (1) within the vent airflow (3) forwarded to the engine shaft (1). The simply designed oil separator, which can be space-savingly arranged and cost-effectively produced, ensures efficient separation of even minute oil droplets from the air-oil mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Robert Angst
  • Patent number: 8673038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Olle Tornblöm
  • Patent number: 8657931
    Abstract: A gearbox that includes an inlet configured to receive a mixture of air and oil from an external source and a deoiler. The deoiler includes a shaft including an outlet passage formed on an inner portion of the shaft, a separator unit coupled to and surrounding a portion of the shaft and including an inlet port, and a synchronizer including one or more blades and that is coupled to the shaft proximate the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8657908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Thomas Eliasson
  • Patent number: 8657913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Mats-Orjan Pogén
  • Patent number: 8657909
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Olle Törnblom
  • Patent number: 8641793
    Abstract: Separation systems can utilize a combination of forces to separate constituent components of a working fluid from each other. Some separation systems utilize one or more of centrifugal and gravitational forces in the purification of hydrogen gas. Some separation systems can utilize one or more of electromotive and magnetic forces in the purification of hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Paradigm Waterworks, LLC
    Inventor: Lyle Bates
  • Patent number: 8512451
    Abstract: A cyclone separator arrangement is made by forming a hollow cylindrical wall, making an L-shaped cut beginning at a first open end of the wall to form a flap, bending the flap inwardly to form a tangential inlet, enclosing the open end of the wall, and providing an outlet tube extending through the first end into the interior of said cylindrical wall along the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: William L. Heumann
  • Patent number: 8425670
    Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a method for separating oil in form of particles and/or mist from a fossil gas mixture for obtaining a separated gas. The plant comprises a centrifugal separator with a stationary casing defining a separation space. The casing permits a pressure of at least 10 bars in the separation space. The centrifugal separator comprises an inlet for the gas mixture, a gas outlet for the separated gas and an oil outlet for discharging separated oil. A separating member for separating the gas mixture comprises a plurality of separating discs and is provided in the separation space. A drive motor is connected to the separating member via a spindle and rotate the separating member about an axis (x) of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Claes-Göran Carlsson, Göran Ström
  • Patent number: 8337581
    Abstract: An oil separator rotor for a turbomachine, including a tubular hub that includes an external annular flange and an annular cover which, in cross section, is substantially L-shaped and mounted around the hub. The hub flange includes, at its external periphery, a mechanism to radially retain the free end of the cylindrical wall of the cover, so as to center this end and prevent it from deforming in the radially outwards direction under the effect of centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Claude Gerard Rene Dejaune, Gael Loro
  • Publication number: 20120174540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Olle Törnblom, Thomas Eliasson, Janke Burmeister, Mats-Orjan Pogén, Per Stjernswärd
  • Publication number: 20120174541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Olle Törnblom, Thomas Eliasson, Janke Burmeister, Mats-Orjan Pogén, Per Stjernswärd
  • Publication number: 20120174542
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Olle Törnblom, Thomas Eliasson, Janke Burmeister, Mats-Orjan Pogén, Per Stjernswärd
  • Publication number: 20120174539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Olle Törnblom, Thomas Eliasson, Janke Burmeister, Mats-Orjan Pogén, Per Stjernswärd
  • Patent number: 8152905
    Abstract: Device (34) for separating particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material out of a fluid, which device has a cyclone (14) with an inlet (16) and an outlet (28). The device also has a centrifuge (36) that is arranged to separate particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material from the outlet fluid in the cyclone (14). The centrifuge (36) is located downstream of the cyclone (14) and is located in the cyclone (14). The centrifuge's axis of rotation is arranged to extend in the same direction as the cyclone's axis of rotation. The centrifuge (25) has a plurality of lamellae (40) that is arranged coaxially on a shaft (42) at a distance from one another so that fluid channels are formed between adjacent lamellae (40) and so that fluid flows in between adjacent lamellae (40) in a direction from the lamellae's periphery (40p) towards the shaft (42) when the centrifuge (36) is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Göran Tuomas
  • Patent number: 8147581
    Abstract: A separation housing houses a rotor with multiple suspension chambers. Each chamber has a radially extending web portion between two rotating discs. An orifice is provided through the radially extending web portion. Another web portion urges gas radially out of the rotor. Passages through the rotating disks permit entry of gas and solid particle mixtures into the suspension chambers at high speed traveling toward each other in a suspension adjacent to the orifice. The web portion that urges gas out of the chamber pulls gas away from the suspension zone. Gas moving through the aperture and into a clean gas chamber pulls gas in the opposite direction. The result is gas in the suspension zone being fixed relative to the rotor or changing direction. Centrifugal force moves solid particles radially out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: John K. Watterman, Jr., Jonelle Manz
  • Publication number: 20120031270
    Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a method for separating oil in form of particles and/or mist from a fossil gas mixture for obtaining a separated gas. The plant comprises a centrifugal separator with a stationary casing defining a separation space. The casing permits a pressure of at least 10 bars in the separation space. The centrifugal separator comprises an inlet for the gas mixture, a gas outlet for the separated gas and an oil outlet for discharging separated oil. A separating member for separating the gas mixture comprises a plurality of separating discs and is provided in the separation space. A drive motor is connected to the separating member via a spindle and rotate the separating member about an axis (x) of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Claes-Göran Carlsoon, Göran Ström
  • Patent number: 8097070
    Abstract: A forced air open-ventilation systems for cooling electrical machines is provided. The forced air open-ventilation system includes an air cleaner having an air chamber with a first end, where air is drawn in from the surroundings, and a second end, opposite the first end, where air is drawn out of the air chamber, via a first outlet. A rotating means is contained within the air chamber and may be driven to rotate about an axis that extends between the first end and the second end of the chamber. The rotating means applies a centrifugal force to any airborne particles entering the air chamber and throws them radially outwards from the central axis. These particles are then drawn out of the air chamber, via at least one second outlet formed adjacent to a radially outer edge of the rotating means, by a high-velocity outlet stream of the open-ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Graham Le Flem
  • Publication number: 20110258977
    Abstract: An oil separator rotor for a turbomachine, including a tubular hub that includes an external annular flange and an annular cover which, in cross section, is substantially L-shaped and mounted around the hub. The hub flange includes, at its external periphery, a mechanism to radially retain the free end of the cylindrical wall of the cover, so as to center this end and prevent it from deforming in the radially outwards direction under the effect of centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Claude Gerard Rene Dejaune, Gael Loro
  • Patent number: 8025706
    Abstract: A fluid separating vessel (1) comprises: a liquid outlet (3) near the bottom of the vessel; a gaseous fluid outlet (4) near the top of the vessel; a plurality of cyclones (5) arranged in an upper region of the vessel in which at least some liquid droplets that may be entrained in the substantially gaseous fluid stream flowing in upward direction from a fluid inlet (2) towards the gaseous fluid outlet (4) are coalesced, separated from the gaseous carrier fluid and induced to drip down towards the liquid outlet (3) via a liquid return conduit (7); and a plurality of rotating liquid coalescing centrifuges (8) that are arranged below the cyclones (5), in which liquid coalescing centrifuges (8) fluid fed to the cyclones (5) is pre-treated such that at least some liquid droplets that may be entrained in the substantially gaseous fluid stream flowing in upward direction from the fluid inlet towards the cyclones are coalesced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Edwin Poorte
  • Patent number: 8002864
    Abstract: A de-oiler system for an aircraft engine including a casing defining a volume containing a rotary shaft and a mixture of air and oil for processing is disclosed. The system includes a hollow rotary axle; a de-oiler structure fastened to the hollow rotary axle and rotating together with the hollow rotary axle, the de-oiler structure having an inlet first face communicating with the volume and an outlet second face connected to a passage formed in the hollow rotary axle; and a transmission device between the hollow rotary axle and the rotary shaft for communicating to the hollow rotary axle a speed of rotation V about its axis in such a manner that the speed of rotation V is greater than a speed of rotation v of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thomas Julien Roland Earith, Gerard Philippe Gauthier, Serge Rene Morreale
  • Patent number: 7993425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a free vortex air-oil separator that may be used in systems for separating oil from air oil mixtures. The free vortex air-oil separator comprises a free vortex chamber having a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall located axially aft from the first chamber wall and a rim located in a radially outer region from an axis of rotation, a plurality of vent holes in the rim and a cavity formed by the first and second chamber walls, and the rim, wherein a free vortex is created when there is a flow into the cavity through the plurality of vent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bala Corattiyil, Duane Howard Anstead, Mark Eden Zentgraf, Stephen Anthony Wilton, Ramon Themudo, Gary Paul Moscarino, Kenneth Lee Fisher
  • Publication number: 20100307167
    Abstract: A centrifugal de-oiler of variable flow section, the de-oiler including a hollow shaft that is movable in rotation. The shaft includes at least one air-passing orifice and a piston housed in the shaft so as to subdivide the inside of the shaft into two compartments that are sealed relative to each other. One compartment includes the air-passing orifice(s) being subjected to ambient pressure, and the other compartment is subjected to varying pressure in the air/oil enclosure. The piston is configured to move in translation inside the shaft between two extreme positions under effect of the pressure difference between the two compartments, the extreme position including a first position in which the air-passing orifice(s) is/are disengaged, and a second position in which the air-passing orifice(s) is/are partially obstructed by the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Serge Rene Morreale
  • Patent number: 7841457
    Abstract: A transmission having a shaft driven by a prime mover such as an engine or motor is provided. The transmission includes a first stationary element for supporting the shaft for rotation, and a torque transmitting device connectable to the shaft and rotatable about an axis. The torque transmitting device is actuated by a hydraulic fluid. A first passage is connected to the torque transmitting device and is in communication with the hydraulic fluid. The first passage extends radially inward from the torque transmitting device. A vent passage is located within the first stationary element and is in communication with the first passage. Rotation of the torque transmitting device about the axis separates entrained air from the fluid and urges air radially inward through the first passage and into the vent passage, thereby removing air from the hydraulic fluid and circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew A. Crafton, Charles F. Long, Randall S. Conn
  • Publication number: 20100205916
    Abstract: A dust separating and collecting apparatus is provided. The dust separating and collecting apparatus includes a dust bin housing a centrifugal dust separating portion therein, and an inner cover comprising a passage shifting protrusion extended to an open surface of the centrifugal dust separating portion through which dusts may be discharged, the inner cover covering an open surface of the dust bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dong-hun YOO
  • Patent number: 7704291
    Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, land fills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge causes a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions, the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium-heavy components. The noncombustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible, pollutants (high purity Methane) effected in the first separation are piped to the Installation's engine air intake for re-combustion, thereby reducing the Installation's Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy. The non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from the second separation stage are piped to air filter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ranendra Bose
  • Patent number: 7632326
    Abstract: A module mountable in the crankcase of a vehicle for removing gases therefrom including a housing having an opening communicable with the crankcase, a set of bearings disposed in such housing, a hollow shaft journaled in such bearing having first and second partitions providing first and second axially disposed chambers, cooperating with said housing to provide first and second annular chamber, such shaft having a passageway intercommunicating the first axial chamber and the first annular chamber, a passageway intercommunicating the first axial chamber and the second annular chamber and a passageway intercommunicating the second axial chamber and the second annular chamber, a spiral, centrifugal separator mounted on such shaft in the first annular chamber, and a pillar mounted on the shaft in the second annular chamber and means connectable to motive means for rotating such shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Xaver Stemmer
  • Patent number: 7628836
    Abstract: A rotary phase separator system generally includes a step-shaped rotary drum separator (RDS) and a motor assembly. The aspect ratio of the stepped drum minimizes power for both the accumulating and pumping functions. The accumulator section of the RDS has a relatively small diameter to minimize power losses within an axial length to define significant volume for accumulation. The pumping section of the RDS has a larger diameter to increase pumping head but has a shorter axial length to minimize power losses. The motor assembly drives the RDS at a low speed for separating and accumulating and a higher speed for pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Barone, Karen Murdoch, Timothy D. Scull, James H. Fort
  • Patent number: 7615088
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating particles and/or liquids from an airflow using means for causing the air to follow a cyclonic flow pattern through the separating chamber (12; 112; 212) and around an axis (17; 117) for causing cyclonic separation of a least a portion of the particles and/or liquids from the airflow within the separating chamber (12; 112; 212). An interior surface portion of a drum (18; 118; 218) bounding the separating chamber (12; 112; 212) and extending circumferentially around the axis (17; 117) is rotatable about the axis (17; 117) so that separation of particles and/or liquid from the airflow is improved. A vacuum cleaner including such a separator is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Hans Benedictus, Fred Fraij
  • Patent number: 7591866
    Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, landfills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge cause a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions; the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium heavy components. The non-combustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible Methane gas effected in the first separation is piped to the Installation's engine for combustion, thereby reducing its Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Ranendra Bose
  • Publication number: 20090134243
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air-oil separator comprising a first region having a mixture of air and oil, a second region wherein separation of at least some of the oil from the air-oil mixture occurs and at least one multi-directional injector plug located on a rotating component in flow communication with the first region and the second region, the multi-directional injector plug having a discharge head that is oriented such that at least a part of the air-oil mixture discharged therefrom has a component of velocity that is tangential to the direction of rotation of the rotating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: James Kevin Mount, Richard Walker Nicholson, Duane Howard Anstead, Robert Proctor, Pradeep Hemant Sangli, Prasad Laxman Kane, Mark Leonard Hopper
  • Publication number: 20080152519
    Abstract: A gas-oil separator with an oil type air compressor includes a gas-oil separator, a gas storage tank, and an oil return valve. The gas-oil separator installs a filer cylinder, and a helical vane in a serrated disk shape disposed at the top of the filer cylinder. After the air compressor drives compressed air into the gas-oil separator, the helical vane produces a strong helical pressure for a centrifugal separation, such that oil and gas of the compressed air is separated by the filer cylinder and the separated gas is entered and stored into the gas storage tank for. After the gas storage tank reaches a predetermined pressure, the pressure switch starts to push the long pushing bolt in the oil return valve. The separated liquid oil passes through the oil return valve and returns to the air compressor, so as to achieve the effect of separating oil and gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mei-Lien Chern
  • Patent number: 7250066
    Abstract: A centrifuge (10) suitable for separating soot from an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine; the centrifuge being disposed between, and arranged coaxially in relation to, a raw gas inlet pipe (11) and a clean gas outlet pipe (12); the centrifuge including a rotating body (20) which is open on both axial end faces, drive vanes (26) arranged adjacent the inlet for driving the centrifuge, and at least one device (29) provided inside said rotating body for reversing or deflecting the exhaust gas flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Seipler
  • Patent number: 7063734
    Abstract: A centrifugal air/oil separation system communicates with bearing cavities of the engine and substantially isolates separated oil from contacting the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Latulipe, Richard Santerre
  • Patent number: 6827820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus such as a pump and to a process for pumping and degassing a fluid. The apparatus has a rotatable hollow rotor connected to a stationary fluid inlet at one end and a stationary liquid outlet at the opposite end and a gas exhaust in the center thereof. The rotor has at its inlet end a bladed wheel with arcuate blades. The bladed wheel accelerates a fluid flow in said rotor inlet end and causes the fluid to rotate at a peripherical velocity higher than the peripherical velocity of said rotor inlet end. The apparatus is especially useful for pumping and degassing backwater in the production of paper or board in a paper machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: POM Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Meinander