With Control Means For Structure Storing Work Driving Energy (e.g., Accumulator, Etc.) Patents (Class 60/413)
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Patent number: 8936118Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency drive for a construction machine, comprising a hydraulic motor which is connectable with a pump transfer gearbox of a drive of the construction machine via a first mechanical shaft and a port provided for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbHInventor: Joerg Gebele
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Patent number: 8919112Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Publication number: 20140371012Abstract: A hydraulic control device includes an electric pump configured to supply oil to a belt-type continuously variable transmission mechanism of a power transmission device through a hydraulic path based on driving of a motor, and an accumulator configured to accumulate oil inside by using the oil supplied by the electric pump and supplies the oil to a control system by discharging the accumulated oil through the hydraulic path. According to such a configuration, an increase in the sizes of the electric pump and the accumulator used for hydraulic control at the time of executing an idling stop function can be suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2011Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuji Moriyama, Takuro Morino, Yoshio Ito
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Publication number: 20140361541Abstract: A power transfer system comprising a turbine for capturing wind energy; a plurality of driven devices which can be coupled to the turbine to be driven thereby; and a controller adapted to monitor a parameter relating to the energy output of the turbine and selectively load or unload one or more of the plurality of driven devices to maximise the efficiency of the turbine and maximise efficient power transfer from the turbine to one or more of the driven devices. The present invention efficiently power matches the available turbine energy with the energy capacity of the driven devices to thereby ensure the turbine and driven devices operate within an optimum range to minimise energy wastage and increase energy transfer efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Stephen Todd
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Publication number: 20140345261Abstract: According to a method for operating a clutch transmission, especially a dual clutch transmission, which includes a hydraulic circuit having at least one pump for delivering hydraulic medium and at least one pressure accumulator for accommodating and making available a hydraulic medium under pressure, the pump associated with an electric motor is operated depending on a charge requirement of the pressure accumulator. To determine the charge requirement, the pump is driven by the electric motor, and the current consumed by the electric motor in the process is detected to determine the charge requirement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Dietmar Schuller, Stefan Ammler, Hans-Peter Fleischmann
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Publication number: 20140338319Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid safety system is provided. The hydraulic hybrid safety system is part of a hydraulic hybrid system that has an over-center bent-axis rotary pump/motor with a yoke, the yoke having a zero yoke angle and a plurality of non-zero yoke angles. The safety system includes a spring that is operable to move the yoke to the zero yoke angle when the hydraulic hybrid system loses electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: FEV GmbHInventors: Kiumars Jalali, Martin Pischinger
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Patent number: 8887498Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Todd A. Frerichs, Brian W. Whitmarsh
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Publication number: 20140325972Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic actuator, an accumulator, an accumulator charge valve, and a hydraulic transformer fluidly connected between the accumulator charge valve and the accumulator. The hydraulic transformer includes a transformer motor mechanically coupled to a transformer pump. The accumulator charge valve is fluidly connected between the transformer motor and the hydraulic actuator. The transformer pump is sized to permit a maximum flow therethrough of no more than three-quarters of a flow permitted through the transformer motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Dayao Chen, Jiao Zhang, Tonglin Shang, Gang Wen
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Patent number: 8863508Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a pump, a motor, a tank, and an accumulator. The hydraulic circuit may also have a valve movable between a first position at which an output of the pump is fluidly connected to the tank and the accumulator is fluidly connected to the motor, and a second position at which the output of the pump is fluidly connected to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
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Patent number: 8857172Abstract: A hydraulic transmission system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a main pump serving to feed with fluid at least one hydraulic motor for driving a vehicle mover member; an auxiliary pump, the main pump and the auxiliary pump being suitable for being actuated jointly; and a “bypass” connection between a delivery orifice of the auxiliary pump and an unpressurized reservoir. In addition, a first constriction is arranged on the bypass connection, and configured to maintain a pump protection pressure in a pump protection portion of the bypass connection. This pressure is applied to the main orifices of the main pump when said pump is actuated but is not delivering, thereby ensuring that the pump is protected.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics IndustrieInventors: Andre Prigent, Benjamin Basson, Jean Heren, Philippe Lucienne
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Patent number: 8850808Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: General Compression, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn
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Patent number: 8850806Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool movable through segments of an excavation cycle, a motor configured to swing the work tool during the excavation cycle, at least one accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor during the excavation cycle, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive input regarding a current excavation cycle of the work tool, and make a determination based on the input that the current excavation cycle is associated with one of a set of known modes of operation. The controller may be further configured to cause the at least one accumulator to receive fluid and discharge fluid during different segments of the excavation cycle based on the determination.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Tonglin Shang, Peter Spring, Pengfei Ma, Randal N. Peterson
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Patent number: 8839617Abstract: A novel energy saving mode of charging an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed involving toggling the position of a fan isolation valve from the flow-passing position, where the flow is driving a fan motor thereby maintaining a fan in an on position, to the flow-blocking position where the flow is inhibited from driving the fan motor thereby causing the fan to turn off, when the time to charge an accumulator is less than the period of time that the fan may be off and still allow for the cooling requirements of the engine to be satisfied. By diverting fluid flow from driving the fan motor to charging the accumulator, the disclosed energy saving mode allows for a greater flow of fluid to be delivered to the accumulator for charging, making it possible to charge the accumulators quicker and more efficiently while maintaining the cooling requirements of the engine. The energy saving mode of operation may illustratively be used in a hystat fan and hybrid system.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryan Nelson, Jeremy Peterson
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Publication number: 20140260231Abstract: A substance dispensing system that includes a hydraulic drive system is disclosed. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic valve having a variable pressure setting, the hydraulic valve operable between a closed position in which a hydraulic pump moves hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder and an open position in which the hydraulic pump moves the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic reservoir. The substance dispensing system of the present disclosure provides a system that recirculates hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic drive system instead of recirculating a substance back to a container via a pump. The substance dispensing system of the present disclosure allows for precise, accurate, and instantaneous control of an external force in a substance dispensing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Rooftop Research, LLC.Inventor: Rooftop Research, LLC.
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Publication number: 20140260222Abstract: A hydraulic system has a cylinder and ram assembly that raises and lowers a load carrying carriage on a material handling vehicle. The fluid exhausting from the cylinder, while the carriage is lowering, is controlled to recover energy from that fluid. A first path routes the exhausting fluid to drive the pump as a hydraulic motor. A second path routes the exhausting fluid to a reservoir, bypassing the pump. In a first lowering mode, the second path is closed and the first path is opened. In a second lowering mode, both the first and second paths are open and the flow through each one is proportionally controlled. In a third lowering mode, only the second path is opened. The mode to use is selected based on the desired lowering speed of the carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: THE RAYMOND CORPORATIONInventor: Joseph T. Yahner
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Publication number: 20140274522Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid system for implementation in a machine. The system includes a hydraulic system, an energy source, an output, and a transmission. The hydraulic system includes a primary hydraulic pump/motor (primary motor) that is hydraulically coupled to a reservoir and a variable-volume accumulator assembly. The primary motor is configured to charge an accumulator of the variable-volume accumulator assembly with a working fluid when mechanically driven. The storage volume of variable-volume accumulator assembly varies based on a kinetic output condition of the machine. The energy source is configured to produce primary kinetic energy. The output is configured to receive at least a first portion of the primary kinetic energy. The transmission is coupled between the energy source and the output and selectively coupled to the primary motor. The transmission is configured to mechanically drive the primary motor using a second portion of the primary kinetic energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Stored Energy Solutions Inc.Inventors: Robert Dane Davis, Robert James Sikorski
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Publication number: 20140260232Abstract: To achieve flow demands for high flow services, a hydraulic system shares a flow between a hydraulic transformer and one or more hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic transformer is in selective fluid communication with the pumps and actuates a first load. A second load is driven by an actuator in selective fluid communication with the pumps and the hydraulic transformer. The hydraulic system includes a controller to reduce dynamic responses in the system by causing flow sharing between the hydraulic transformer and a directional flow control valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Eaton CenterInventors: Per William Danzl, Vishal Vijay Mahulkar
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Patent number: 8838314Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic system comprises an electronic control module, an electronic system controller, a remote power module, and a solenoid valve. The electronic control module monitors torque output of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and generator. The electronic system controller monitors torque demand of a first and a second hydraulic circuit. The remote power module is in electrical communication with the electronic system controller. The solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the remote power module. The solenoid valve connects to a combination valve and has a first open position and a closed position. The combination valve is in fluid communication with a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. The solenoid valve moves to the open position in response to an output signal from the electronic system controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Jay E. Bissontz
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Publication number: 20140250878Abstract: An actuator having efficient energy accumulation with plurality of varying diameter compression springs, pre-compressed with individual or with collective telescopic arrangement. The energy accumulation system requires lesser accommodating volume and is advantageous due to being “buckle” free.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: AMIT SHAH
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Patent number: 8826654Abstract: A hydraulic fluid system for a mobile machine includes a closed loop hydraulic fan circuit. The hydraulic fan circuit includes a primary pump, a motor fluidly connected to the primary pump, and a fan driven by the motor. The hydraulic fan circuit also includes a supply passage extending from the primary pump to the motor, a return passage extending from the motor to the primary pump, and a first accumulator selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the supply and return passages via a charge valve. The hydraulic fluid system also includes at least one open loop hydraulic circuit fluidly connected to the first accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson
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Patent number: 8826655Abstract: A vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with an electrohydraulic transmission control unit, a transmission oil pump driven by the engine, and an electronic engine start and stop system. The start and stop systems switches off the internal combustion engine in operating phases, in which the vehicle is temporarily stopped, if predefined operating parameters are present, and starts the internal combustion engine if a restart signal is present. A purely mechanical pressure accumulator device provides stored hydraulic pressure to the electrohydraulic transmission control unit in a time period following the starting of the internal combustion engine, in which time period, the transmission oil pump is still building-up pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Josef Neuner
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Publication number: 20140245728Abstract: The aim of the present invention lies in providing a hydraulic drive system for a working vehicle, in which pressure oil can be supplied to an accumulator when a working device is raised, and in which, when the working device is held in a raised state, except during loaded travel, lowering of the working device caused by leakage of pressure oil inside a bottom chamber of a hydraulic cylinder into a hydraulic oil tank through a gap in a control valve can be reliably prevented. When a working device (2) is raised, oil ejected from a main pump (13) is introduced through an accumulator valve (61) to an accumulator (40). Further, when the working device (2) is held in a raised state, except during loaded travel, leakage of pressure oil inside a bottom chamber (11a) of a lift arm cylinder (11) into a hydraulic oil tank (17) through a gap in a control valve (20) for the lift arm is prevented by means of a poppet (71) of a load retention valve (70).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Yoshinobu Kobayashi, Ryohei Yamashita, Takeshi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20140238007Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided including a hydraulic actuator having a first chamber. A pump is configured to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator. A balancing valve is configured to be operable in a balancing mode to equalize pressure in an accumulator and the first chamber of the hydraulic actuator. An activation valve is configured to be operable in a ride control mode to place the first chamber of the hydraulic actuator in communication with the accumulator. A flow control valve is configured to block flow from the pump when a flow rate from the pump exceeds a predetermined amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventor: Wesley T. Payne
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Patent number: 8813485Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator system for providing pressurized oil to a transmission in a vehicle. The system includes a transmission oil storage chamber to store oil at a predetermined level; and a hydraulic accumulator mounted in the oil storage chamber and including an accumulator piston mounted below the level of oil, separating an accumulator oil area from a remainder of the oil storage area and movable to increase and decrease the oil in the accumulator oil area, and a spring biasing the piston toward the accumulator oil area. The system also has a hydraulic assembly including a first oil passage for removing the oil from the remainder of the oil storage area, a second oil passage for directing oil into and out of the accumulator oil area below the predetermined oil level and a hydraulic circuit directing the oil from the first oil passage into the second oil passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lev Pekarsky, Derek Kinch
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Publication number: 20140216022Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system comprises a high-pressure water apparatus, a low-pressure water apparatus coupled to the high-pressure water apparatus through two channels, wherein a first channel is formed by a pumped hydroelectric power generation unit, a first high-pressure pipe and a first low-pressure pipe and a second channel is formed by a gas-water energy exchange unit, a second high-pressure pipe and a second low-pressure pipe and a compressed gas storage unit coupled to the gas-water energy exchange unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: NORTH CHINA ELECTRIC POWER UNIVERSITYInventor: Tong Jiang
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Publication number: 20140216023Abstract: The fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor-pump (1) includes a motor-pump central rotor (3) in which a hydraulic cylinder (14) is arranged, the rotor (3) being in sealed contact with an input-output spool valve (43) connecting the cylinder (14) with a motor-pump frame (2) while a hydraulic piston (13) moves in the cylinder (14) to push, using a hydraulic piston guided plunger (18), a tangential arm (22) articulated in the central rotor (3), and a tangential arm antifriction roller (28) on a motor-pump peripheral rotor (29) synchronized in rotation with the motor-pump central rotor (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventor: Vianney RABHI
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Publication number: 20140216021Abstract: The present invention relates to a generation system for converting compressed air in a passive main control room habitability system to energy when the main control room habitability system is activated during an accident scenario in a nuclear reactor power plant. The system includes a pressure regulator for reducing the pressure of the compressed air to produce reduced pressurized air, an eductor to deliver air to the control room, and piping to connect the tank to the pressure regulator and the eductor to allow the flow of compressed air therein. The generation system includes a mechanism positioned upstream of the eductor for receiving the reduced pressurized air from the pressure regulator and converting at least a portion of said reduced pressurized air into energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLCInventors: JEFFREY T. DEDERER, DAVID REPP
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Publication number: 20140208733Abstract: A variable displacement hydrostatic power unit (7) is connected with an internal combustion engine (2). The power unit (7) operates as a pump to deliver hydraulic fluid to at least one consumer (V) and operates as a motor as a hydraulic starter for the internal combustion engine (2). Hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic accumulator (25) is supplied to the power unit (7) operated as a motor. The power unit (7) includes a spring device (55) which, when the internal combustion engine (2) is shut off, actuates a displacement volume control device (50) into a position with the maximum displacement volume. When the power unit (7) is actuated with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic accumulator (25), the internal combustion engine (7) is immediately started by the power unit (7) without the need for an immediately preceding adjustment of the displacement volume control device (50) of the power unit (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Linde Hydraulics GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Lukas Krittian, Martin Steigerwald, Martin Oberhausser, Alfred Langen
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Publication number: 20140174860Abstract: A drive system provides a displacement mechanism for driving motion of a device using energy stored in an energy accumulator in a non-electric form. A charge/discharge arrangement selectively charges the energy accumulator with energy derived from an energy source while isolated from the displacement mechanism, and the connects the energy accumulator to the displacement mechanism to provide energy for driving motion of the device. The energy accumulator may be hydraulic, pneumatic or gravitational. Examples of devices driven by the system include elevators, escalators and vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Hilel YAKOVSON, Arie YAKUEL
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Patent number: 8746420Abstract: Cut-in-cut-out valves for hydraulic circuits. The hydraulic circuits include a hydraulic pump outputting a variable pressure controlled by a slaving line, an accumulation circuit, a return line to the reservoir, a cut in-cut-out valve. The hydraulic circuits also include a cut-in-cut-out valve having four orifices, a first orifice connected to the supply line, a second orifice connected to the slaving line, a third orifice connected to the return line leading to the reservoir, and a fourth orifice connected to the accumulation circuit. The cut-in-cut-out valve alternates between two positions as a function of the pressure in the accumulation circuit, a cut-in position in which the first, second and fourth orifices are connected to each other, and a cut-out position in which the first and fourth orifices are closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics IndustrieInventor: Dominique P Costaz
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Publication number: 20140150415Abstract: A method and system for accumulating and using recovered hydraulic energy that includes a hydraulic actuator and a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator. An energy recovery system includes a hydraulic motor, a charge valve and an accumulator configured to store fluid from the hydraulic actuator. The charge valve is operatively connected between the hydraulic actuator and the accumulator and between the accumulator and the hydraulic motor and is configured to place the hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with the accumulator and to place the accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor. A directional valve is operatively connected between the pump and the hydraulic actuator. The directional valve is configured to place the pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator and to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid exiting the hydraulic actuator to the charge valve in an energy recovery mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Gang Wen, Pengfei Ma, Tonglin Shang, Dayao Chen, Bryan J. Hillman, Vickram Murugesan
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Patent number: 8739522Abstract: Systems and methods provide for capturing heat energy in a power generation system. The system includes: a first compressor configured to exhaust a first compressed, heated air flow; a heat exchanger connected to the first compressor and configured to receive the first compressed, heated air flow and configured to transfer heat energy from the first compressed, heated air flow to an oil; at least one pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to pump the heated oil in a closed-loop system from the heat exchanger to an insulated storage tank; a second compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to exhaust a second compressed, heated air flow; and an energy storage unit connected to the second compressor and configured to store heat energy from the second compressed, heated air flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.Inventors: Sanjay Anikhindi, Bhaskara Kosamana
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Patent number: 8733094Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Sustainx, Inc.Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Michael Izenson, Weibo Chen, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Robert Cook, Horst Richter
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Publication number: 20140109562Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an emergency drive for a construction machine, comprising a hydraulic motor which is connectable with a pump transfer gearbox of a drive of the construction machine via a first mechanical shaft and a port provided for this purpose.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Joerg Gebele
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Publication number: 20140102089Abstract: A valve of an accumulator device, which is formed by an accumulator cylinder and an accumulator piston guided therein, includes a valve sealing body. The valve sealing body is configured to selectively open and close a valve opening at a valve seat. The valve also includes an opening mechanism configured to selectively raise the valve sealing body from the valve seat. The opening mechanism is held by a spring element, and the spring element is formed by a punched and bent part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Franz Mayer, Klaus-Peter Schmoll, Dietmar Kratzer, Edgar Kurz
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Patent number: 8677742Abstract: An accumulator includes a canister, a piston, a sleeve, and a solenoid control valve assembly. The canister has an inner surface that defines an interior volume. The piston is slidably disposed within the interior volume of the canister. The piston is located between the inner surface of the canister and an outer surface of the sleeve. The piston divides the interior space into a fluid filled chamber and an air filled chamber. A fluid pathway is created by an outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the canister. The fluid pathway allows fluid from an exterior source to either enter or exit the fluid chamber. The solenoid control valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve biasing member, and a plunger that is slidable within a recess of the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Leonid Basin, Fredrick R. Poskie, Nieyuan Hai, Carlos E. Marin
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Publication number: 20140075929Abstract: An anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment is provided. The anti-cavitation system includes at least one high pressure hydraulic pump, at least one secondary hydraulic pump, and a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump. The anti-cavitation system also includes at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic manifold, a control module, and at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator, and also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLCInventor: John Luvaas
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Patent number: 8671672Abstract: An actuator structure includes two half cylinders made respectively from the same mold and the two half cylinders engaged with each other to form an actuator. The actuator has an air reservoir chamber and a vane chamber dividing by a dividing unit, and the vane chamber has a vane inside. An O-shaped ring is formed around the vane and an elastic stopping edge is formed protrudingly from the O-shaped ring and linearly contacted an inner surface of the actuator. The volume ratio of the air reservoir chamber and the vane chamber is about three to one, and a channel groove is formed at an interface of the two half cylinders to connect an air inlet hole and a left side and a right side wall of the actuator. A fail-safe or dual-movement control structure is formed to control the direction of air supply to drive the shaft to rotate toward a predetermined direction, or utilizing the compressed air in the air reservoir chamber to force the vane to restore to its original position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Easy Tork Automation CorporationInventors: James Wang, Yung-Chuan Chen
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Publication number: 20140069088Abstract: A hydraulic lifting apparatus includes a main hydraulic cylinder and main hydraulic circuit operatively connected to the main hydraulic cylinder. First and second spaced apart follower hydraulic cylinders are also provided. A hydraulic lifting system includes first and second lift towers. Each lift tower includes a main hydraulic cylinder, a main hydraulic circuit, and at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A follower hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to the at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A lifting beam spans between the first and second lift towers. The main hydraulic cylinder of each tower is positioned along the beam axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Lift Systems, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Faccio, Christopher R. Perkins, Richard Lynn McWilliams
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Publication number: 20140060022Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, a swing motor, and at least one control. The hydraulic control system may further have an accumulator configured to receive fluid from and supply fluid to the swing motor, a charge valve movable to allow fluid flow from the swing motor into the accumulator, and a discharge valve movable to allow fluid flow from the accumulator to the swing motor. The hydraulic control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the at least one control valve, the charge valve, and the discharge valve. The controller may be configured to detect an acceleration of the swing motor, selectively cause the discharge valve to assist the acceleration, and selectively move the charge valve to an open position to recover energy associated with pressure spikes occurring during the acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Bryan J. HILLMAN, Jiao ZHANG, Lawrence C. TOGNETTI, Peter SPRING, Rustu CESUR, Tonglin SHANG
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Publication number: 20140060030Abstract: A system and method to diagnose the operational health of a hydraulic accumulator are provided. The system can include a hydraulic accumulator selectively coupled to a hydraulic actuator, such as a swing motor. The accumulator can be charged by movement of the actuator. A pressure sensor can be associated with the accumulator to determine an accumulator pressure. A controller can be connected to the pressure sensor. The controller can determine a charge curve based on a relationship between an actuator operational parameter associated with the actuator movement and the accumulator pressure. The controller can compare the charge curve to a previously defined charge curve or range to determine an error between the charge curve and the previously defined charge curve or range. The degree of the error can be associated with the operational health of the accumulator, and if too large, the operator may be notified of the status.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Dayao Chen, Randal Peterson
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Publication number: 20140060023Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use in a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool, a motor configured to swing the work tool, a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, and a control valve operable to control fluid flow from the pump to the motor and from the motor to the tank via first and second chamber passages to affect motion of the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have an accumulator, and an accumulator circuit configured to selectively direct fluid discharged from the motor to the accumulator for storage and to direct stored fluid from the accumulator to the motor to assist the motor. The hydraulic control system may further have a selector valve configured to selectively connect a higher pressure one of the first and second chamber passages with the accumulator, and a single pressure relief valve disposed within the accumulator circuit and configured to relief pressure from opposing sides of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Jiao ZHANG, Lawrence J. TOGNETTI, Pengfei MA, Dayao CHEN, John FERRAZ, JR., Tetsuya YOSHINO
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Patent number: 8661806Abstract: An adaptive, low-impact vehicle energy harvester system, and a method of harvesting vehicle energy, is provided. The system includes a plurality of channels disposed longitudinally in a trafficway, wherein each of the plurality of channels includes one or more compressible, elongated hollow bodies such that a movement of a vehicle along the trafficway causes contents in the elongated hollow bodies to be expelled from one end, a motor in communication with the hollow bodies such that the contents expelled from one end of the hollow bodies actuate the motor, and a control unit that varies a resistance to the movement of the contents in the elongated hollow bodies based on at least one of a mass of the vehicle, a velocity of the vehicle, and a rate of change of velocity of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Kinetic Energy CorporationInventor: Brian S. Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20140053542Abstract: A hydraulic servo-control of a servo-controlled gearbox comprises hydraulic actuators defining chambers, a storing tank containing control fluid used by the actuators at room pressure, a hydraulic accumulator containing control fluid under pressure, a motor pump drawing the fluid from the tank and feeding it under pressure to the accumulator and solenoid valves selectively connecting the chambers to the tank and accumulator. The accumulator includes an outer housing, a piston arranged and axially slidable and mobile inside the housing and defining there a first variable-volume chamber for a gas and second variable-volume chamber for the fluid under pressure, and a limit stopper arranged at an open end of the housing, acting as a striker for the piston, and having an annular circlip and a perforated plate operatively interposed between the circlip and piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Stefano Giorgini, Andrea Bersani, Luca Bovina
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Patent number: 8660738Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating performances of a piece of equipment and equipment operator. One disclosed method includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the equipment. The method then includes resolving a plurality of segments the equipment is sequentially performing from the sensed operating parameters to provide a sequence of resolved segments. The method then includes resolving what application the equipment is performing based upon the sequence of resolved segments to provide at least one resolved application. The method then includes applying at least one metric to the resolved application to provide at least one applied application metric. Then, the method includes evaluating the performance of the equipment and operator using the applied application metric. Various systems for installation on existing work equipments or new work equipments such as loaders and excavators are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Catepillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley K. Bomer, Chandrasekar Ramkumar, John J. Krone
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Patent number: 8656959Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes a housing with a pair of ends, a piston slidably disposed in the interior of the housing, and a biasing member that urges the piston towards one end of the housing. The accumulator further includes a fluid flow control device in communication with a fluid chamber defined by a face of the piston and the interior surface of the housing. The desired amount of fluid entering and exiting the fluid chamber is controlled by the fluid flow control device according to the desired pressure within the fluid chamber as determined by a pressure sensor which is also in communication with the fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Carlos E. Marin, Gary H. Paelicke, Leonid Basin
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Patent number: 8646558Abstract: Ultra efficient hydraulic hybrid drivetrain of vehicle with a single cylinder module of engine, air compressor, hydraulic pump and motor transmit power without crankshaft, pipes and hoses. The engine piston fastened to pump plunger located within rotor comprised two diametrically opposite axial rods associated with the plunger, compressor piston and swash plate. This plate turn and independently shift by digital control changes the engine piston stroke, changes the engine compression ratio for super efficient homogeneous charge compression ignition and either kind of fuel use. The hybrid by hydraulic accumulator provides start, idling and work mode of operation. Compressor's piston diameter greater than engine piston diameter and plunger pumping fluid and simultaneously driving additional plungers enables to provide more than 130 hp per liter engine displacement. Such unique features and energy recuperation enables to achieve 80 mile per gallon for the 1500 kg weight medium car in city conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventor: Grigoriy Epshteyn
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Publication number: 20140033941Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The mobile machine may include a locomotive and a tender car. The recovery system may include a tank located on the tender car. The tank may be configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive. The recovery system may also include a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine, and an auxiliary engine located on the locomotive. The auxiliary engine may be selectively connectable to receive gaseous fuel formed in the tank. The energy recovery system may also include a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Aaron Gamache Foege, Joshua Wayne Steffen
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Publication number: 20140033944Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The system may have a tank configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive, and a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine. The system may also have an auxiliary engine, and a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine. The system may also have an accumulator fluidly connected to the boil-off circuit between the tank and the auxiliary engine and configured to store gaseous fuel formed in the tank, and a carbon adsorbent disposed within the accumulator and configured to adsorb the gaseous fuel. The auxiliary engine may be configured to selectively generate a suction force to withdraw gaseous fuel adsorbed onto the carbon adsorbent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
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Publication number: 20140033696Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrostatic drive with a closed hydraulic fluid circuit comprising a hydraulic motor and a variable displacement pump. A feed pump feeds hydraulic fluid under pressure. A control device regulates pressure to a double-sided servo control unit comprising a control piston in a double-sided control cylinder so that the control piston can open a feed line for hydraulic fluid to one side while opening a discharge line on the other. The control device comprises an actuator at the cylinder by means of which force can be exerted onto the piston. A preload element exerts force onto the piston. The pressure generated by the variable displacement pump returns via a return line such that force is exerted in the direction of the piston, if inactive, the piston is maintained by the preload element and the pressure of the variable displacement pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS GmbH & CO. OHGInventor: Reinhardt THOMS