Model Basin And Testing Tank Patents (Class 73/148)
  • Patent number: 11752619
    Abstract: A gear motor includes a motor and a speed reducer and drives a joint portion of a cooperating robot which performs a work in collaboration with a person. In addition, in the gear motor, an operation ratio is 20% ED or less, a reduction ratio of the speed reducer is 30 or less, and an output rotating speed of the motor is 1000 rpm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Moritani, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11659955
    Abstract: A device for production of milk foam with adjustable temperature includes a pump for conveying the milk from at least one container in lines to an outlet, an air supply for delivering air into the line, a continuous-flow heater and a throttle device. The continuous-flow heater can be disposed on the pressure side of the pump and the throttle device can be disposed downstream from the continuous-flow heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: CUP&CINO Kaffeesystem- Vetrieb GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Josef Paul Epping
  • Patent number: 11597479
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a drive train or components within a marine propulsion system is provided and includes a first disk with a plurality of first disk depressions that faces a second disk with a plurality of second disk depressions. The first disk and the second disk are secured relative to each other so that they define a space, and a seal at outer edges of the disks is in fluid communication with the space. One of the first disk and the second disk is secured to a driven shaft. Upon rotation of the driven shaft, a load is produced due to shearing of fluid between the disks, yet no thrust is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Penta Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Carlson, III
  • Patent number: 10613071
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge environmental chamber system for use in a centrifuge to induce different atmospheric paths as boundary conditions to a soil model during a centrifuge test. The invention is configured to be mounted on top of a strongbox, is based on a convection design principle, with components adapted for use in a centrifuge, and software for continuous control and data acquisition. An apparatus for a centrifuge environmental chamber can include a model strongbox including a model space, an airflow channel configured to pull air from the model space and push back the air to the model space, and a humidity nozzle placed in the model space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: André Archer, Charles Wang Wai Ng
  • Patent number: 9217752
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and system for measuring motions of a moving, essentially rigid, floating (elongated) body such as a boat, yacht or vessel using two motion detectors that are installed near the ends of, or far enough away from each other in the (elongated) floating body. In accordance with the invention the two motion detectors are essentially simultaneously measuring the movements of the floating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Oy Baltic Instruments Ab
    Inventors: Christer Helenelund, Anders Viktor Thoreson
  • Patent number: 7880883
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices and methods for fluid flow analysis for example, in an education environment. The light source, for example, a laser, is housed to illuminate particles in a fluid while minimizing exposure to the user. A control unit is provided that is remote from the fluid flow device. The fluid flow device further includes a removable fluid obstacle such that different fluid flow effects can be obtained. A computational unit is provided to perform computational fluid flow dynamics analysis on fluid flow models. The computed data can then be compared to the test data from the fluid flow analysis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Interactive Flow Studies Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okcay, Bilgehan Uygar Oztekin
  • Publication number: 20090107230
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices and methods for fluid flow analysis for example, in an education environment. The light source, for example, a laser, is housed to illuminate particles in a fluid while minimizing exposure to the user. A control unit is provided that is remote from the fluid flow device. The fluid flow device further includes a removable fluid obstacle such that different fluid flow effects can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Interactive Flow Studies LLC
    Inventors: Murat Okcay, Bilgehan Uygar Oztekin
  • Patent number: 7302840
    Abstract: An aerodynamic or hydrodynamic test apparatus that permits all air to be evacuated from the test enclosure, such that no free liquid surfaces remain. This permits more accurate testing of structures, particularly at low Reynolds numbers. The apparatus includes a seal that allows the elimination of a liquid free surface. The seal is disposed in a slit on an upper surface of the enclosure and can include one or more inflatable sealing members. The upper surface of the enclosure is preferably sloped upwardly towards the seal to prevent the entrapment of air bubbles within the enclosure. A method of testing using such an apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Ernest S. Hanff, Xing Zhong Huang
  • Patent number: 6982636
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring system (12) for a tire (14a) of an automotive vehicle includes a first pressure sensor (94) coupled to the wheel, a pressure transmitter (90) coupled to the pressure sensor (94) whereby the transmitter generates a pressure signal. A controller (22) is coupled to the pressure transmitter. The controller (22) receives the pressure signal and in a first stage, compares the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status. In a second stage, the controller (22) qualifies the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Bennie, Dilip B. Patel, Frederick James Porter, Leena Shah, Thomas Michael McQuade, Thomas Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 6860057
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a swimming device for testing a lure (12) used in rod-fishing. This type of a device comprises two substantially parallel pipe-like means (1, 2) and arranged in a substantially horizontal position. The pipe-like means are preferably connected to each other by connection means (3, 4) arranged at both ends of the pipes, and there are stilling basins (9, 10) immediately next to the connection means. Further, a control means (6) maintaining the flow of the fluid (5) led in to the swimming device is arranged into one of the pipe-like means. In the operating position of the device, the upper pipe-like means, i.e. testing pipe, has a lure tower (13) connected to the pipe and protruding from it, and the lure (12) can be lowered into the swimming device for testing it in the fluid flow caused in the testing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kaustmark Oy
    Inventor: Tuomo Petäjä-Suvanto
  • Patent number: 6772627
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald J. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6370942
    Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the pressure profile generated before, during, and after the aspiration process and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William David Dunfee, Kerry Lynn Miller
  • Patent number: 6036358
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating the period of a mechanical clock while minimizing the effects of extraneous noise. The method of the invention senses three sounds from the clock and calculates the period of the clock based on those three sounds. The method defines a blanking period between the first and the second sounds and the second and the third sounds. During this blanking period, the method ignores all sound to prevent such sound from being mistaken for sounds from the clock. The method also defines an expected time interval between sounds from the clock. The system senses the beats of a mechanical clock while minimizing noise. The system includes a pick-up device, an amplifier coupled to the pick-up device, and a microcontroller configured to control the gain of the amplifier so that the expected time delay interval becomes approximately equal to the actual time interval, thereby minimizing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Montrose
  • Patent number: 6034501
    Abstract: A measure obtained by a counting circuit (2) is converted by a processing circuit (3) to an indication angle signal at a predetermined conversion cycle. A smoothing circuit (4) comprises a division circuit (11) for calculating the difference between the previous indication angle data .theta..sub.0 and the present indication angle data .theta..sub.1 which is outputted after the conversion cycle T and has changed, and sequentially accumulating the angle data corresponding to T/n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) shorter than the conversion cycle T at a division cycle T/n and a voltage memory (12) for converting and outputting a two-phase driving signal for driving a stepper motor type measuring instrument (6) on the basis of the indication angle data .theta..sub.i outputted from the division circuit (11) every division cycle T/n. A voltage signal is generated through an output circuit (5) for converting the signal to a voltage signal to be applied to a two-phase excitation coil of a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Sato, Youichi Simazu
  • Patent number: 6029519
    Abstract: Apparatus for testing hydrodynamic performance characteristics of an object is operative for remotely manipulating the object using standing acoustic wave fields. The object is provided with a plurality of internal solid ies, each having a region of ordered voids. The object is placed in a fluid flow tunnel, and standing wave fields are propagated through the fluid by means of transducers mounted on the walls of the tunnel. The wave fields align the ordered voids in the solid bodies, and the alignment forces are transmitted to the bodies resulting in movement of the object. Matching pairs of transducers can be employed to create movement in roll, pitch, and yaw directions. Once a static position of the object is established by adjusting the power levels of the various transducers, movement of the object is accomplished by introducing ordered frequency shifts into the wave fields, or by physically moving the positions of the transducers relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert Kuklinski
  • Patent number: 5369992
    Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic test facility using a superconducting electromagnet drive a hydrodynamic test loop is disclosed. The test facility has a pretreatment section for adjusting the salinity of seawater to be used in the flow loop a flow loop section having a test section, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, and a gas trap assembly to capture any gasses evolved from the seawater. A post-treatment section neutralizes evolved chlorine gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James C. S. Meng
  • Patent number: 5205162
    Abstract: A facility for permitting launch performance tests to be conducted on an erwater vehicle, such as a torpedo, includes a housing having an opening therethrough defining a tubular chamber for receiving a vehicle therein. A piston is also positioned within the tubular chamber. A link disposed between the piston and the vehicle has a pair of opposing end portions connected with the piston and the vehicle, respectively. A channel is positioned adjacent to the housing and has water flowing therein at a predetermined velocity. The water within the channel communicates with the tubular chamber to allow water flowing within the channel to enter the tubular chamber and surround the vehicle with the vehicle at its rest position. A drive device is operable to move the piston through the tubular chamber a preselected distance sufficient to move the vehicle and the water surrounding the vehicle out of the tubular chamber and into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul J. Lefebvre, John A. Schwemin
  • Patent number: 4899580
    Abstract: A device for measuring the wake of a sailing model in a trail tank is equiped with a platform capable of pursuing the model in the same direction and at the same speed as the model. The device includes five optical point measurement heads, carried on the platform and capable of moving horizontally with respect to the platform and crosswise with respect to the direction of pursuit of the model, thereby scanning the wake transversely and measuring the water surface undulation due to the model wake, in five adjacent vertical parallel planes forming a strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Etat Francais represente par le Delegue general pour l'armement
    Inventors: Pierre L. Leguet, Jean-Claude Dern
  • Patent number: 4798085
    Abstract: A test rig for measuring wear on flexible membrane material used as seal gers on air cushion vehicles includes a pump and nozzle for producing a shallow, high speed water flow and hydraulic actuators for moving the seal fingers into the flow. The fingers are moved into and out of the flow to simulate the effect of the ship crossing waves at high speed. A fan and air plenum inflate the seal fingers in a manner similar to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alexander Malakhoff, Sydney Davis
  • Patent number: 4783860
    Abstract: There is described a wet back device for generating waves in a liquid in a test tank or the like. Such devices are known and usually operate a wave generating board by a push-pull piston operation or a flapping wave generating board pivoted in the tank and rocked about a horizontal axis to move water in the tank and create waves therein. The device described is capable of producing the push-pull generated wave motion or the flapper type motion, or a combination of those motions and is provided with seals between the wave generating board and the tank walls or between individual wave generating boards (in a multiple board arrangement) and the walls of the tank. Closure plates are provided on the support frames for the boards. Gliding surfaces are provided to ensure reliable action and frame members are located to provide energy loss in fast flowing water in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventors: Edgar R. Funke, Michael Miles, Larry Corish
  • Patent number: 4644808
    Abstract: In hydrodynamic testing, in particular in laboratory testing of propellers, it is necessary to measure the concentration of cavitation nulcei in a liquid. The measurement is performed by counting bubbles of vapor formed by the cavitation nuclei in a zone (C) having minimum cross-section and pressure (Pt) in a forced flow along a duct. A deflector core (18) is disposed on the axis of a diverging downstream portion (C) of said duct in order to avoid the liquid streamlines from becoming detached and to facilitate bubble counting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Alsthom
    Inventor: Yves Lecoffre
  • Patent number: 4587841
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic test apparatus including a model support which comprises a submerged frame equipped with rollers and resting on the bottom of a tank is disclosed. A removable plate is attached to the top of the frame and a linear induction motor is attached to the side of the frame. The linear induction motor is supplied with current by conductor rails affixed to the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Giovachini, Jean-Paul Varnier, Jean-Claude Dern, Pierre-Loic Le Guet, Jean-Pierre Pascal
  • Patent number: 4559817
    Abstract: An inflatable air bag for filling and sealing the gap between the flat, underside of a model of a gravity-based, exploratory drilling structure, or the like, to improve the accuracy and reliability of data obtained from hydrodynamic forces acting on the model when the latter is under test. The bag is of substantially the same shape in plan as the underside of the model and is inflated with gas to a pressure sufficient to seal the gap and prevent hydrodynamic forces from acting on the underside of the model during testing. The material of the bag is of minimal thickness so as to minimize load transfer thereto. Variations in the internal pressure of the bag during a hydrodynamic test of the model is utilized to improve the accuracy and reliability of the data obtained from load cells which support the model in the test facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
    Inventors: Erik E. Brogren, Subrata K. Chakrabarti
  • Patent number: 4539719
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating in a water pool a wave for surfing, the pool having a reservoir at one end open to the pool beneath the undisturbed water level of the pool, a fan connected to the reservoir for expelling air from it and drawing water from the pool into the reservoir to store water above the undisturbed water level of the pool, and a valve for selectively sealing the reservoir against the intrusion of air and rapidly ventilating the reservoir so that the stored water flows into the pool by gravity at a velocity near its theoretical limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Automated Swimpools, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schuster, Christian Boes
  • Patent number: 4532801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining small magnitude fluid-dynamic drag resistance differentials between different structural configurations of a variable model mounted in an environmental test facility. The variable model has disposed therein a configuration conversion mechanism to convert the variable model from a baseline configuration to a modified baseline configuration, i.e., the baseline configuration with a minor structural modification superimposed thereon, and vice versa, a nulling force mechanism to apply a nulling force to the variable model to null out the total fluid-dynamic drag resistance acting thereon, i.e., return the variable model to an undeflected position, and a system for measuring the deflections of the variable model caused by the small magnitude fluid-dynamic drag resistance differentials acting thereon. The variable model is mounted in the environmental test facility, and a predetermined fluid flow is initialized and stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David W. Coder, Benjamin B. Wisler, Jr., Albert P. Clark, Raymond J. Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 4495809
    Abstract: A deep depth underwater simulator is illustrated for determining the dual effects of nuclear type underwater explosion shockwaves and hydrostatic pressures on a test vessel while simulating, hydrostatically, that the test vessel is located at deep depths. The test vessel is positioned within a specially designed pressure vessel followed by pressurizing a fluid contained between the test and pressure vessels. The pressure vessel, with the test vessel suspended therein, is then placed in a body of water at a relatively shallow depth, and an explosive charge is detonated at a predetermined distance from the pressure vessel. The resulting shockwave is transmitted through the pressure vessel wall so that the shockwave impinging on the test vessel is representative of nuclear type explosive shockwaves transmitted to an underwater structure at great depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert R. Higginbotham, Alexander Malakhoff
  • Patent number: 4479378
    Abstract: A method and system for experimentally determining response characteristics and strength capacity of submerged hull structures subjected to underwater explosion. This method and system allows testing in relatively shallow water, near the shore and in close vicinity of data recording and process equipment. Moreover, the test item is more accessible for inspection and modification/s, as necessary. This method and system also allow a more controlled environment independent of waves and weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Alexander Malakhoff
  • Patent number: 4406162
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating surface waves in a body of liquid is disclosed which comprises a liquid displacer, a motor and a linear actuator for imparting movement to the displacer, and a level sensing device cooperating with the liquid displacer to control liquid level through control of wave generation.The present apparatus is able to adjust liquid activity to accommodate extraneous wave patterns, and to thereby more accurately control the exact wave patterns generated. The present apparatus is useful for performing wave testing to simulate aquatic conditions for ships, oil rigs and harbor installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Seasom Controls Limited
    Inventor: William B. Hark
  • Patent number: 4380170
    Abstract: The chemical plotting of boundary layer flows in liquids with the use of uncompacted, coated, anodically oxidized aluminum surfaces is effected using a colored or uncolored liquid or a coating or pointillization with a substance, preferably a dye, soluble in water or organic media and which can be included or adsorbed in the eloxal layer.The process serves to plot boundary layer flows in water, organic media and oils in a wide temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Dotzer, Winfried Plundrich
  • Patent number: 4229969
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for making waves in a liquid in test tanks and the like by the back and forth movement in the liquid of a displacer. A problem caused by the escape of liquid round the side of the displacer during such movement is overcome by the provision of a seal between the displacer and the wall of the tank, which seal by a rolling action allows relative movement between the wall and the displacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: William B. Hark
  • Patent number: 4170898
    Abstract: A wave maker which is capable of absorbing waves impinging thereon which comprises a displacer which can be moved back and forth by a motive means to create the waves, and which includes a control system which senses the reaction between the water and displacer and effects a control on the motive means bringing the displacer force and velocity into phase, or substantially so, enabling the wave maker thereby capable of absorbing waves impinging thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Inventor: Stephen H. Salter
  • Patent number: 4084432
    Abstract: A method for simulating cavitation on models by hydraulic testing with seate micro-bubbles which produce effects similar to those of a prototype operating at the same cavitation number wherein the micro-bubble content of the test liquid around at least a predetermined part of the model is adjustable in number per unit volume and the bubbles are homogeneously distributed thereabout and have dimensions of less than 200 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: Societe Generale de Constructions Electriques et Mecaniques Alsthom S.A.
    Inventor: Yves Lecoffre
  • Patent number: 3964316
    Abstract: An apparatus to generate a wave-like pattern of forces on a surface effect ship utilizes a flexible membrane which undulates in a water wave-like manner, the crests of the waves transferring forces to the surface effect ship. The membrane is undulated in its sine wave configuration by means of a series of linkages, one link of which is pinned to the underside of the membrane. That link is reciprocally actuated and the combined movements of the various linkages cause the membrane to undulate as would water waves. The main drive motor drives a primary shaft to which are connected a series of gear boxes which in turn drive secondary drive shafts. By controlling or varying the speed of the primary drive motor, the frequency of the generated waves may be varied. At each linkage station there is a crank and the connecting rod is adjustably connected to the crank. The amplitude of the waves can be varied as desired by adjustably positioning the connecting rod along the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Assignee: Rohr Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoichi Abe
  • Patent number: 3942372
    Abstract: A technique for testing marine propellers by analyzing the type of cavitation appearing on a reduced-scale model of the associated actual ship, and thereby obtaining data for correcting imperfections in propeller design, and for reducing pressure fluctuations at the lower sternframe portion of the ship. The technique inculdes simulating the water flow acting on the propeller. The procedure is characterized by adjusting the denominator of the cavitation index of the model in order to achieve an approach in the tests to equality between the cavitation indices of the model and the actual ship. This adjustment is achieved in the tests by increasing the towing speed or the propeller revolution rate of the model until the above-mentioned equality of cavitation indices is reached, ignoring the influence that the actual component of the wake speed due to wave formation might have in the tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1976
    Assignee: Astilleros Espanoles, W.A.
    Inventors: Ramon Ruiz-Fornells Gonzalez, Gonzalo Perez Gomez, Jesus Vivanco Sanchez