Control Relative To Independently Driven Oscillator, Speed Standard Or Pacer Device Patents (Class 60/395)
  • Patent number: 11873624
    Abstract: A working machine includes a controller to perform automatic deceleration to automatically reduce a first rotation speed of a left traveling motor to output a power to a left traveling device on a left portion of a machine body and a second rotation speed of a right traveling motor to output a power to a right traveling device on a right portion of the machine body by shifting a speed stage of each of the left and right traveling motors from a second speed to a first speed that is lower than the second speed. The controller is configured or programmed to determine, based on the second rotation speed, a left threshold for judging whether to perform the automatic deceleration in left pivot turn of the machine body, and to determine, based on the first rotation speed, a right threshold for judging whether to perform the automatic deceleration in right pivot turn of the machine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Kohei Nagao
  • Patent number: 11795662
    Abstract: An engine control system controls a work machine including an engine, a fuel injection device that injects fuel into the engine, and a hydraulic pump that is driven by the engine. The rotation state amount specification unit specifies a rotation state amount related to rotation of the engine. The injection amount determination unit determines a fuel injection amount by the fuel injection device based on the rotation state amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Iijima, Tomoyuki Matsuda, Keiichi Arai
  • Patent number: 10876433
    Abstract: A system comprising a cryogenic storage tank for storing cryogen, a pump in fluid communication with the cryogenic storage tank for pumping cryogen from the cryogenic storage tank to a high pressure, an evaporator in fluid communication with the pump for evaporating the high-pressure cryogen from the pump to form a high-pressure gas, a power recovery apparatus comprising a drive shaft for transmitting mechanical power, and an electrical machine mechanically coupled to the drive shaft of the power recovery apparatus for converting the mechanical power recovered by the power recovery apparatus into electrical energy. The system is operable in a power recovery mode in which the power recovery apparatus is driven by and recovers mechanical power from high-pressure gas supplied by the evaporator, and a motored mode in which the power recovery apparatus is driven by a driving means other than high-pressure gas supplied by the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Highview Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Gareth Brett, Chris Bailey
  • Patent number: 10851521
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator (1) includes a hydraulic pump (22) driven by an engine (20), an electromagnetic proportional valve (24) for hydraulic pump that adjusts pump torque of the hydraulic pump (22) in response to a pump torque target value (Tp), a hydraulic actuator operated by a delivery pressure of the hydraulic pump (22), a motor generator (30) connected to the engine (20), and a controller (26) configured to calculate the pump torque target value (Tp). The controller (26) acquires a pump torque adjustment amount (Qadj) based on a deviation (?AH) between a current integrating value (AH1) acquired by integrating a value of a current flowing into the motor generator (30) when the hydraulic actuator is driven and a current integrating reference value (AH0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiki Aizawa, Shinji Nishikawa, Kouichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 9683511
    Abstract: An engine system and method for adjusting pressure of fuel supplied to an engine responsive to compressibility of fuel supplied to the engine is disclosed. In one example, the engine is operated with a fuel pump in an off state to determine compressibility of fuel supplied to the engine. Fuel pressure supplied to the engine is adjusted responsive to the fuel compressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, David Ord
  • Patent number: 9533661
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating electro-hydraulic (EH) braking of a work machine using a combination of hydraulic braking and engine braking may include determining a commanded brake pressure requested by an operator, determining an available engine braking force, and comparing the available engine braking force to a maximum available bleed pressure that is available to reduce a hydraulic braking force. An engine braking output and a pressure reducing valve output pressure may be determined based on the available engine braking force and the maximum available bleed pressure. A pressure reducing valve may be actuated so that the hydraulic braking force is equal to the commanded brake pressure minus the pressure reducing valve output pressure, and a transmission may be actuated so that the engine applies an engine braking force equivalent to the engine braking output to brake the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Farmer, Steven J. Juricak, Jason M. Buckmier, Joshua D. Callaway, Korby A. Koch, Brian F. Taggart
  • Patent number: 9032721
    Abstract: A flow passage defined between an inner and an outer boundary for guiding a fluid flow in an axial direction. A flow control vane is supported at a radial location between the inner and outer boundaries. A fluid discharge opening is provided for discharging a flow of the compressed fluid from a trailing edge of the vane, and a fluid control surface is provided adjacent to the fluid discharge opening and extends in the axial direction at the trailing edge of the vane. The fluid control surface has a curved trailing edge forming a Coanda surface. The fluid discharge opening is selectively provided with a compressed fluid to produce a Coanda effect along the control surface. The Coanda effect has a component in the radial direction effecting a turning of the fluid flow in the flow path radially inward or outward toward one of the inner and outer boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Orosa, Pawel Matys
  • Publication number: 20150075147
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system includes a pump configured to pressurize a fluid, and a swing motor selectively driven by pressurized fluid from the pump. The swing motor is configured to move a part of the machine. The hydraulic control system also includes a controller in communication with the pump. The controller is configured to receive an input indicative of a difference between a desired speed and an actual speed of the swing motor, and determine if the swing motor is accelerating, decelerating, or operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to determine an amount of return fluid from an actuator of the machine that is available as makeup fluid for the swing motor if the swing motor is operating at neutral mode. The controller is configured to control the pump based on at least the amount of return fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tonglin Shang, Dayao Chen
  • Publication number: 20140260221
    Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system for a machine is disclosed. The hydrostatic drive system includes a pump, a hydraulic motor configured to receive a pressurized fluid from the pump and a controller operably connected to the pump and the hydraulic motor. The controller is configured to receive an input signal indicative of a current machine speed and a desired machine speed. Further, the controller is configured to output a motor displacement command signal and a pump displacement command signal to adjust a displacement of the hydraulic motor and the pump respectively based on the input signal to maintain at least one of constant machine speed or constant acceleration or constant deceleration during adjustment of the pump displacement and the motor displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rustin G. Metzger, Carl Moberg, Corwin E. Storer, Paul A. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20120198829
    Abstract: The present invention is relates to the production of electricity by the integration of a network of kinetic energy sources. The purpose of the propose embodiments is to convert a plurality of energy sources of different potential to one hydraulic source that will be leveled by hydraulic compensator. The objective is to offer a stable electricity source. All the incoming fluids are joint in a unique energy flow prior to the hydraulic motors that gone to drive the generators. The incoming fluid is regulate at constant pressure and flow to the hydraulic motor, the incoming variation of flow and pressure is regulate by and hydraulic compensator. The generator is drive by a network of hydraulic motors that can supply many levels of power with the same rotation speed. The rotation of the main shaft that joint the hydraulic motors and the electric generator is keep constant by a flywheel equip with an electronic micro break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Francois Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20110167811
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic actuator to which pressure oil discharged form the hydraulic pump is supplied, an operation lever configured to operate the hydraulic actuators, a detection means detecting operation amounts of operation lever means, an target flow rate calculation unit (50) calculating an target flow rate of the hydraulic pump based on the operation amount of the operation lever, a first target speed calculation unit (61) calculating a first target speed of the engine according to the target flow rate, a pump output limit value calculation unit (500) limiting the maximum target speed of the engine in an relief operation according to a load pressure of the hydraulic pump, a fourth engine target speed calculation unit (63).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd
    Inventors: Takashi Kawaguchi, Jun Morinaga, Hiroaki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100287921
    Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in a manual-control mode and an auto-control mode, and is adapted to activate the auto-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) to an activate-auto position relative to a neutral position (42) of the operator input device (28), and both deactivate the auto-control mode and activate the manual-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) from the neutral position through a non-responsive deadband (72) about the neutral position (42) to an activate-manual position. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Boris Trifunovic
  • Publication number: 20100037602
    Abstract: A variable displacement pump includes: a rotor mounted in a body; a cam ring mounted radially outside of the rotor, and arranged to move with a change in an eccentricity of the cam ring with respect to the rotor, wherein change of the eccentricity causes a change in a specific discharge rate; and an electromagnetic actuator arranged to actuate the cam ring for regulating the eccentricity. During control of operation of the electromagnetic actuator, a first response is set slower than a second response, wherein the first response is a response of movement of the cam ring to a change of an input signal in a direction to request a decrease in the specific discharge rate, and the second response is a response of movement of the cam ring to a change of the input signal in a direction to request an increase in the specific discharge rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Makoto Kimura, Makoto Tada, Satoshi Nonaka, Hiroyoshi Gomi
  • Publication number: 20090044527
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling preferably at least two consumers, has a pump with an adjustable delivery quantity supplying pressure fluid, an adjustable metering orifice with which the consumers are each associatable, a power beyond connection to which at least one power beyond consumer is connectable, an inlet pressure governor unit situated downstream of the pump and acted on in a closing direction by a load pressure of the consumers or of the at least one power beyond consumer, the inlet pressure governor unit being provided in a pressure fluid flow path between the pump and at least one of the two consumers, while the power beyond connection branching off from a pressure fluid flow path between the pump and the inlet pressure governor unit, a tank, the inlet pressure governor unit in a spring-prestressed position closing a connection to the at least one of the two consumers and the tank, and in another position a pressure fluid connection to the tank is opened, the inlet pressure governor uni
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Milan Djurovic, Peter Stachnik, Gerhard Keuper, Heinrich Loedige
  • Publication number: 20090025378
    Abstract: A system for controlling motion of a hydraulic actuator on a refuse collection vehicle. The system includes an operator input device configured to produce a proportional electrical signal that is proportional to the degree of motion of the operator input device. The system further includes a proportional pneumatic control valve that is configured to produce a pressurized air control signal in proportion to the proportional electrical signal, and a hydraulic control valve that is configured to selectively control flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic actuator in response to the pressurized air control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: The Hartfiel Company
    Inventors: Stephen P. Laumer, Gary Lee Lagro
  • Patent number: 7239031
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating power from over the road vehicular traffic and moving trains are disclosed. The apparatus include on or more hydraulic actuators, each of which has a piston at least partially slidably mounted in a fluid cavity contained therein. When a passing vehicle or train car engages the actuator, the weight of the vehicle pushes the piston into the fluid cavity and causes fluid to flow from the fluid cavity toward a turbine or other power conversion means. The flow causes the turbine to rotate, thereby producing useable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Tod A. Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20030074895
    Abstract: An epicycling device with improved sealing. A housing is provided with adjacent walls spaced apart to allow a substantially planar partition to pass. A piston is linked eccentrically to a drive shaft and positioned within the housing, has a cross sectional shape for mating with the housing walls and includes a circular recessed surface at its corners. Seal housings with a hollow cylindrical cross sectional shape are provided at each corner of the piston housing. An inner seal element is positioned within each of the recessed surfaces with the inner seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot therethrough. An outer seal element is positioned within the seal housings with the outer seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot. A partition is positioned between each pair of the inner and outer seal elements and slidably engaged with the slots in the seal elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Rory S. McFarland
  • Patent number: 6285939
    Abstract: A power train control (1) for a vehicle (8) or an automotive machine with a prime mover (5) with a governor (2) and a continuously variable transmission (7) with a ratio control (3). The power train control (1) coordinates the ratio control and the governor issuing a theoretical speed n_mot_nom to the governor (2) for the prime mover (5) and a nominal transmission ratio i_nom to the ratio control (3). The power train control (1) is designed as a combination of two governors, the transmission output speed governor (9) and the governor (10) for relief of the prime mover (5). The transmission output speed governor (9) receives the transmission output speed n_out as a control variable and generates the nominal speed n_mot_nom for the prime mover (5) as a manipulated value, and the governor (10) for relief of the prime mover (5) by the speed n_mot of the prime mover (5) as a control value and a transmission ratio correction value &Dgr;i as a manipulated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Heitz, Siegfried Dobler, Arun-Kuma Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 6141956
    Abstract: In a combined power generation plant, an exhaust gas boiler (2) consists of a high-pressure reheat type steam system, in which fuel is supplied to this exhaust gas boiler 2, and the supplied fuel undergoes catalytic reaction in combustion catalysis sections (NOx removal sections) 18 and 19 to increase the temperature of exhaust gas, whereby the power generation efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Tetsuya Imai
  • Patent number: 6134879
    Abstract: A suppression system for a gas turbine engine uses a tapered exhaust manifold with a plurality of exhaust nozzles acting in conjunction with a plurality of mixing cells to produce cooling of an exhaust gas stream upon exit from an aircraft. The cooling air is supplied to the mixing cells in such a way that the walls of the cells are inherently maintained at a desired temperature without the use of dedicated cooling apparatus such as finned head exchangers, film cooling slots, etc. This approach allows the typically conflicting requirements of low IR signature and low radar cross section to be simultaneously satisfied in an efficient, light weight and low cost manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Frawley, Armand F. Amelio, Richard S. Barnard
  • Patent number: 6098402
    Abstract: An Infra-Red suppression device composed of systems designed to alter the infra-red spectrum bands produced by the exhaust plume and airframe friction in order to render infra-red seekers, both active and passive, and infra-red homing missiles ineffective, therefore substantially increasing air-craft and crew survivability, and the BET or battle extension time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen D. Sawruk
  • Patent number: 6093306
    Abstract: A comprehensive energy system is provided in which a fossil fuel-burning electric utility plant is operated in conjunction with a hydrogen production and utility load leveling unit, a CO.sub.2 recovery and methanol synthesis unit, and a Bunsen reactor which reacts Br.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 to from HBr and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, while cleaning a utility stack gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Solar Reactor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hanrahan, Robin Z. Parker, Harley L. Heaton
  • Patent number: 6058856
    Abstract: A waste-to-energy incineration system, in which the amount and the heat value of exhaust gas changes during operation, includes an incinerator for burning waste, a boiler in the incinerator for generating steam with exhaust heat generated by the incinerator, and a superheater for superheating steam generated in the boiler. A steam turbine is provided which is driven by steam superheated by the superheater and a generator is driven by the steam turbine. A fuel reformer is provided for reforming source fuel. A combustor burning fuel gas reformed by the fuel reformer and at least a part of exhaust gas fed from the incinerator is provided which decomposes generated dioxin in waste incineration exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Okusawa, Kazuhito Koyama, Masahiko Yamagishi, Shigeo Hatamiya, Taiko Ajiro, Megumi Sunou, Yukio Ishigaki, Kenji Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 6055804
    Abstract: A turning vane arrangement (30) for an IR suppressor having a duct (32) adapted for receiving a primary flow PF of engine exhaust. The turning vane arrangement (30) is operative to direct a pressurized secondary flow PSF of low temperature gaseous fluid into the primary flow of engine exhaust for reducing the IR energy thereof. The turning vane arrangement (30) includes at least one turning vane (50) situated in the duct (32) and is characterized by a trailing edge (50.sub.TE) that defines an exhaust nozzle (52). The exhaust nozzle (52) is adapted for being disposed in fluid communication with a flow source (54) which produces the pressurized secondary flow PSF. The exhaust nozzle may include a plurality of adjoined lobes (60.sub.R, 60.sub.A or 60.sub.P) for rapidly and thoroughly admixing the primary and pressured secondary flows PF, PSF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Mark H. Hammond, James H. Riffanacht
  • Patent number: 6050084
    Abstract: A flue-gas duct of a gas and steam-turbine plant is constructed in such a way that reliable sound absorption is ensured with especially simple provisions, even when using internally insulated duct pieces, in particular an internally insulated waste-heat boiler. The flue-gas duct includes a duct piece having a number of sound-absorber gates. At least one sound-absorber gate has a displacement nose disposed upstream thereof on the flue-gas side. A gas-switch module having a displaceable shut-off damper is disposed downstream of the duct piece which is constructed as a sound-absorber module, on the flue-gas side. The shut-off damper includes first and second substantially mutually perpendicularly oriented shut-off plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Schutz, Siegfried Bahr, Werner Kraupa
  • Patent number: 6016651
    Abstract: A multi-stage mixer/ejector (20) having at least one exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) which includes inlet conduit adapted for receiving a primary flow PF of engine exhaust and a plurality of adjoined lobes (30) integrally formed in combination with the inlet conduit. The adjoined lobes (30) of the exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) are characterized by a first and second plurality of penetrating lobes (60, 62 or 70, 72) which are axially staggered with respect to each other and which are adapted for admixing low-temperature gaseous fluid with the high-temperature exhaust. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of penetrating lobes (60 or 62, 70 or 72) extends into a core region (CR) of the exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) to effect thorough mixing of the low temperature gaseous fluid with the engine exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Mark H. Hammond, Walter M. Presz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5992140
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) operative to suppress the InfraRed (IR) signature radiated from the high-temperature exhaust of an engine (12) which exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) includes an inlet conduit adapted for receiving the high-temperature engine exhaust and a plurality of adjoined lobes (30) integrally formed in combination with the inlet conduit. The adjoined lobes (30) are characterized by a first and second plurality of penetrating lobes (60, 62 or 70, 72) which are adapted for admixing low-temperature gaseous fluid with the high-temperature exhaust and which are axially staggered with respect to each other. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of said plurality of penetrating lobes (60 or 62, 70 or 72) extends into a core region (CR) of the exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) to effect thorough mixing of the engine exhaust with the low temperature gaseous fluid. Various embodiments of such exhaust nozzle (24 or 28) are described in the context of a multi-stage mixer/ejector (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Mark H. Hammond, Walter M. Presz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5946901
    Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator has a housing defining a horizontally oriented exhaust gas stream path from a gas turbine. The housing has a diffuser portion and a full cross-section portion containing heat recovery assemblies. The diffuser portion expands the exhaust gas stream from the duct at the gas turbine exhaust to the full cross-section portion. Positioned in the diffuser is a diffuser heat recovery assembly for heat recovery and control of the flow distribution of the exhaust gas flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Bauver, Paul F. Miller
  • Patent number: 5855111
    Abstract: A power generation plant possessing a gas turbine includes a nitrogen oxide removal apparatus for injecting a reducing material such as ammonia into exhaust gas from the gas turbine to reduce NOx emission under a predetermined level. To a feedback control system for estimating such an amount of the reducing material to be injected that a measured NOx amount at an outlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus will get toward a NOx setpoint there is added a feedback control system for estimating an injection amount of the reducing material required for a NOx flow rate at an inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus based upon a mole ratio of the reducing material to the NOx. The measured NOx at the inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus is corrected based upon the combustion conditions of the gas turbine unit. NOx setpoint and the mole ratio are estimated based upon the operating conditions of a plant related to nitrogen oxide removal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Haruo Oguchi, Shirou Hino, Toshie Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5840100
    Abstract: Particulate-containing hot flue gas flows are flowed into a boiler having a first and a second chamber. The first chamber has a gas side and a water side. The hot flue gas flows into the gas side of the first chamber which is in heat exchange relation with the water side. Steam is generated on the water side and transported to a power generator. Steam or another inert gas is periodically injected into the gas side of the first chamber for removing particulate fouling when the heat exchange relation for the gas side falls below a predetermined minimum level. Cooled flue gas leaving the gas side of the boiler is conducted to a purification chamber having spray nozzles thereby allowing large particulate to settle out of the flue gas and removing fine particulate entrained in the flue gas enabling purified flue gas to be released from an upper portion of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: JoseP. Arencibia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5813212
    Abstract: A power generation plant possessing a gas turbine includes a nitrogen oxide removal apparatus for injecting a reducing material such as ammonia into exhaust gas from the gas turbine to reduce NOx emission under a predetermined level. To a feedback control system for estimating such an amount of the reducing material to be injected that a measured NOx amount at an outlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus will get toward a NOx setpoint there is added a feedback control system for estimating an injection amount of the reducing material required for a NOx flow rate at an inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus based upon a mole ratio of the reducing material to the NOx. The measured NOx at the inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus is corrected based upon the combustion conditions of the gas turbine unit. NOx setpoint and the mole ratio are estimated based upon the operating conditions of a plant related to nitrogen oxide removal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Haruo Oguchi, Shirou Hino, Toshie Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5791136
    Abstract: To provide a combined-cycle power generation plant heat exchanged effectively in an exhaust heat, the recovery boiler is increased by suppressing on reducing the swirl present in the exhaust gas of a gas turbine. That is, a plurality of stationary blades 10 are arranged on the surface of a rear inner barrel in the circumferential direction of the rear inner barrel to partition an annular channel formed between a casing and the rear inner barrel. Thereby, it is possible to uniform the flow of exhaust gas with a low pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoaki Utamura, Seiichi Kirikami
  • Patent number: 5762006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a domical structure capable of enclosing the majority of operational and integrating many of the structural elements of a waste-to-energy, waste processing or other combustion facility. The domical structure according to the present invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the facility by enclosing the majority of the machinery, equipment, activities and chimney from outside view. The domical structure also reduces the cost of construction and operation by reducing the support structure and improving lighting and climate control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ogden Projects, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ubaldi, Paul L. Hauck, Kevin J. Walls
  • Patent number: 5749220
    Abstract: A turbocharged ram tornado engine coupled with a jet tornado turbine heat recovery system, a variable speed fluid transmission, and a muffler/water recovery assembly. A combustor provides a source of hot gases which are forced into a tornado form inside an annular chamber housing a first turbine wheel, water is injected in the gas stream, the swirling gases are then passed to a second turbine wheel, via a turbocharger connected to the first turbine exhaust which provides air to the combustor, and a muffler/water recovery system for condensing and recovering water injected into the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Devine Rendezvous
    Inventor: William Herbert Batchelor
  • Patent number: 5746047
    Abstract: An infrared suppressor system for a gas turbine engine is provided for suppressing infrared radiation associated with the hot metal parts of the engine and with the hot exhaust gases exhausted from the engine. The system features a unique arrangement of multiple baffles that are connected together as a single baffle module. The baffle arrangement permits mixing of hot and cool gas flows while eliminating line-of-sight infrared radiation in an axially compact suppressor. The baffles are additionally linked together into a single insertable baffle module that permits removal of the baffle module when infrared suppression is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Gereral Electric Company
    Inventors: William Steyer, Timothy Joseph Higgins
  • Patent number: 5720165
    Abstract: A system for burning biomass to produce hot gas including a wood processing system, a combustor, a cyclone ash separator, a turbine, and a control system. The wood processing system serves to process, dry and prepare the biomass for injection into the combustor. The biomass is injected into the bottom of the combustor. Combustion of the biomass takes place in the combustor. The resultant combustion gas enters the cyclone ash separator for removal of ash in the combustion gas. The cleaned combustion gas exits the cyclone ash separator via a duct. An air bypass assembly (104) permits and controls a flow of bypass air (129) from an annulus 98 of the cyclone ash separator into the duct to combine with the combustion gas. The combustion gas and bypass air (129) enter the turbine, where they expand to power the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bioten GP
    Inventors: Joseph W. Rizzie, Franck Picker
  • Patent number: 5715672
    Abstract: An improved silencer panel construction for use in the exhaust gas stream of power generation equipment is described. The silencer panel has an outer periphery of U-shaped channel. Perforated webbing is attached within the outer periphery to strengthen the outer periphery and reduce thermal gradients building up within the web during operation. Acoustical insulation is provided within the silencer panel and held in place by screening as well as perforated cladding. A plurality of silencer panels are spaced apart within the silencer chamber to attenuate the noise produced by the exhaust gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Braden Manufacturing
    Inventors: Gene F. Schockemoehl, Leland Matt Farabee, Thomas Richard Mills, David W. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5699965
    Abstract: An IR suppressor produces a thin "ribbon" exhaust plume using a tapered exhaust manifold which has a plurality of discrete exhaust nozzles that are longitudinally aligned with the exhaust manifold. Optionally, the nozzles extend within but are spaced apart from mixing ducts which are open to the ambient air at both ends. The mixing ducts mix ambient air with the exhaust plume. In another aspect of this invention, a single nozzle (which is longitudinally aligned with the manifold) is substituted for the plurality of discrete exhaust nozzles. In this aspect, the nozzle extends within but is spaced apart from a mixing duct which is open at both ends and has a curve sufficient to block a line of sight to the nozzle. A helicopter that has a rotatable IR suppressor so that the exhaust can be directed substantially parallel to the helicopter blades when the blades are not turning to protect them from exhaust heat is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Armand F. Amelio
  • Patent number: 5699662
    Abstract: The invention is an exhaust duct system for an aircraft, the aircraft having at least one turboprop propulsion system mounted on the wing within a nacelle, the propulsion system having a circular shaped exhaust port generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. In detail, the invention includes a generally shallow S shaped duct having a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the exhaust port. A duct includes a circular shaped inlet section, a rectangular exhaust port section and a transition section therebetween. The inlet has a larger diameter than the exhaust port of the propulsion system and is positioned there about. The inlet includes a plurality of flexible finger like members extending inward such that they are in slidable engagable with the external surface of the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Born, Thomas A. Roberts, Peter M. Boor
  • Patent number: 5697210
    Abstract: A fully-fired combined plant includes a boiler, a boiler feed air line provided with an air heater for feeding heated air to the boiler, a gas turbine, a gas turbine exhaust gas line connected to the gas turbine and the boiler feed air line downstream of the air heater for feeding exhaust gas from the gas turbine into the boiler feed air line. A shutter is provided on the gas turbine exhaust gas line for shutting the line at the time the operation of the gas turbine is stopped, and a ventilator is provided on the gas turbine exhaust gas line on the upstream side of the shutter with respect to a gas turbine exhaust gas flow for ventilating the gas turbine exhaust gas line on the upstream side of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 5660799
    Abstract: To achieve a high degree of heat recovery by decomposing surplus ammonia present on the downstream side of a denitrator in an exhaust gas boiler while preventing the deposition of acid ammonia sulfate on low temperature heating tubes, an exhaust gas boiler includes a residual ammonia decomposer which is disposed at a location downstream of the denitrator and between two divided high pressure evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Motai, Norihisa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5660041
    Abstract: A process for adjusting the characteristics of infinitely variable transmissions of a vehicle with two drive mechanisms including detecting the output speeds of the transmissions and comparing them by means of an operating variable to determine the gear ratio. Adjusting the gear ratio as a function of a deviation for matching the characteristics. The characteristics are completely carried out for the operating variable and are detected and stored in a close point sequence by measuring the output speeds. When the vehicle is travelling, the deviations of the characteristics are compensated by an electronic unit which influences the predetermined operating variables so that when the transmissions are operated with the same predetermined operating variable, the output speeds are identical despite different characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Hartung, Hilmar Strenzke
  • Patent number: 5658361
    Abstract: Particulate-containing hot flue gas flows are flowed into a boiler having a first and a second chamber. The first chamber has a gas side and a water side. The hot flue gas flows into the gas side of the first chamber which is in heat exchange relation with the water side. Steam is generated on the water side and transported to a power generator. Steam or another inert gas is periodically injected into the gas side of the first chamber for removing particulate fouling when the heat exchange relation for the gas side falls below a predetermined minimum level. Cooled flue gas leaving the gas side of the boiler is conducted to a purification chamber having spray nozzles thereby allowing large particulate to settle out of the flue gas and removing fine particulate entrained in the flue gas enabling purified flue gas to be released from an upper portion of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Jose P. Arencibia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5632143
    Abstract: A gas turbine system with a heat recovery cycle includes a gas turbine unit that produces hot exhaust gases which are applied to a heat recovery heat exchanger containing a working fluid responsive to applied hot gases for producing vaporized working fluid and cooled gases which are vented. A turbine connected to a generator and responsive to the vaporized working fluid generates power and produces expanded working fluid. A condenser condenses the expanded vaporized working fluid to condensate which is returned to the heat recovery heat exchanger. A control device (94) controls the temperature of the applied hot gases, based on a sensed temperature (89) and include mixer apparatus (87) for mixing ambient air with the hot exhaust gases and producing a mixture of hot exhaust gases and ambient air before the mixture is applied to the heat recovery heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Uriyel Fisher, Joseph Sinai, Yoel Gilon
  • Patent number: 5632142
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a stationary gas turbine power system that develops a reduced back pressure for the gas turbine engine and thus greater efficiency. An enclosed ejector is positioned downstream of the engine's exhaust plane, and means such as a downstream diffuser cause the exhaust stream to entrain air from the ejector enclosure, by natural pumping action, so as to develop a sub-atmospheric pressure within that enclosure and thus at the engine's exhaust plane. This provides substantially improved engine efficiency. The diffuser recovers the static pressure to a level sufficient to drive any downstream devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Robert G. Surette
  • Patent number: 5590519
    Abstract: A combined combustion and exhaust gas filter plant including a combustion chamber (5) for pressurized combustion of combustible substances, a supply device (3, 8) for supplying up to 100 percent oxygen enriched combustion air to the combustion chamber (5), and a scrubber (10, 12) for pressurized cooling and washing with water of exhaust gases produced by the combustion chamber (5). The scrubber (10, 12) separates environmentally endangering materials and other contaminants from the exhaust gases and includes a deducting device for deducting the washing water and the environmentally endangering materials and other contaminants captured, dissolved or condensed in the washing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: BAL AB
    Inventors: Goran Almlof, Folke Lilliehook
  • Patent number: 5584172
    Abstract: A power generation plant possessing a gas turbine includes a nitrogen oxide removal apparatus for injecting a reducing material such as ammonia into exhaust gas from the gas turbine to reduce NOx emission under a predetermined level. To a feedback control system for estimating such an amount of the reducing material to be injected that a measured NOx amount at an outlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus will get toward a NOx setpoint there is added a feedback control system for estimating an injection amount of the reducing material required for a NOx flow rate at an inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus based upon a mole ratio of the reducing material to the NOx. The measured NOx at the inlet of the nitrogen oxide removal apparatus is corrected based upon the combustion conditions of the gas turbine unit. NOx setpoint and the mole ratio are estimated based upon the operating conditions of a plant related to nitrogen oxide removal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Haruo Oguchi, Shirou Hino, Toshie Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5548951
    Abstract: An improved combustion system that is constructed and arranged to be used with a power-generating turbine or the like includes at least one combustion chamber, a fuel supply system for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber, an air supply system for supplying air from a pressurized air source to the combustion chamber, a monitor for monitoring a property of the combustion products from the combustion chamber, a regulator for regulating an air to fuel ratio in the combustion chamber, and a controller, in communication with the monitor and the regulator for controlling the regulator in response to information received from the monitor. According to one novel aspect of the invention, the controller controls the regulator with no direct mechanical linkage therebetween, so that the complexity and expense of the system is kept to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen E. Mumford, Andrew J. Kosinski
  • Patent number: 5419284
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery method can provide heat recovery from exhaust gases, full firing of exhaust gases, and auxiliary burning, either simultaneously or independently. Such method is carried out by installing a tube-nested (or heat-absorbing water tube furnace-inserted type) combustion chamber in a boiler of a cogeneration system or combined cycle system or the like which generates both heat and power. The boiler is provided with a combined full firing burner and auxiliary burner confronted by the exhaust gas entrance. This structure allows for elimination of a separate auxiliary chamber and thus has made it possible to provide a waste heat boiler of a simplified structure which is smaller in size and thus occupies less space, at a reduced price and with a greatly expanded heat-to-electricity ratio. Accordingly, the boiler of the invention has a greatly extended range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Hirakawa Guidom Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Yoshiharu Ueda, Masamichi Yamamoto, Keiryo Tou, Seikan Ishigai, Sentaro Miura, Kiyoshi Furushima
  • Patent number: 5404713
    Abstract: A FLADE aircraft gas turbine engine having a FLADE duct circumscribing a preferably variable cycle inner gas turbine engine and having a FLADE fan disposed in the FLADE duct and radially outward of and drivenly connected to a first fan disposed in a first fan duct of the inner engine. The annular inlet of the first fan duct is sized to receive essentially the full mass airflow of the engine at full power conditions with the annular FLADE duct inlet essentially closed off. The engine is further designed and operable to fully open the inlet of the flade duct at predetermined part power flight conditions and essentially close it at full power conditions such as take off. An infra-red (IR) radiation shielding apparatus is disposed in the exhaust duct of the engine to block infra-red radiation emitting hot metal surfaces of the engine from view through an exhaust outlet of the exhaust duct and is cooled by air flow from the FLADE duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James E. Johnson