Patents Represented by Law Firm Kinney and Lange
  • Direct induction combustor/generator
    Patent number: 8146371
    Abstract: A combustor/coil assembly for direct electromagnetic induction from a detonation wave comprises an annular combustor, a magnetic field source and a port. The annular combustor comprises an inner liner and a coaxial outer liner. The outer liner is electrically insulated from the inner liner. The magnetic field source generates a substantially axial magnetic field inside the annular combustor. The port introduces reactants into the annular combustor to form the detonation wave. The detonation wave induces a voltage between the inner liner and the outer liner by forming a current loop between the inner liner and the outer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Craig A. Nordeen
  • Basketball return apparatus
    Patent number: 8147356
    Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes an L-shaped frame, a net, and a ball return mechanism. The frame has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion has an upper end adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of the basketball hoop and center and stabilize the frame with respect to the basketball hoop. The back portion has side members that connect to the upper end and extend generally vertically downward to connect to the base portion. The base portion defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The net is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure with an open top end and an open bottom end. The enclosure directs basketballs downward therethrough to the base portion. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and net to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airborne Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Brad Campbell, Jeffrey Jon Campbell
  • Pressure measurement for flow metering device
    Patent number: 8141435
    Abstract: A flow metering device includes a flow tube, a motor for positioning the flow tube, an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the flow tube, and an inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the flow tube. The outlet nozzle has an outlet pressure tap and the inlet nozzle has an inlet pressure tap. The inlet nozzle, the flow tube, and the outlet nozzle define a flow path that has a plurality of recirculation zones. At least one of the inlet pressure tap and the outlet pressure tap opens within one of the recirculation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Engine Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Krishnan, Mark Robert Huebscher
  • Heat treating apparatus and method of using same
    Patent number: 8141249
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heat treating the welded area of a repaired gas turbine engine component uses first and second heating elements. The heating elements each include an insulating tube supported by a support rod and wrapped with a conducing wire. One of the heating elements is sized to fit inside a recess in the gas turbine engine component, adjacent to the welded area, while the second heating element is placed outside the recess, but also adjacent to the welded area, thereby heating the welded area from two sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas DeMichael, Michael J. Labbe, Steven R. Bissell
  • Wear-resistant lining
    Patent number: 8136649
    Abstract: A wear-resistant lining element (1) for a surface subjected to wear has an outwardly directed surface (4) over which material in the form of pieces or particles, such as crushed ore and crushed rock material, is intended to move. The wear-resistant lining element also has a thickness (d). The wear-resistant lining element (1) comprises elastomeric material (2) mainly adapted to absorb impact energy and wear-resistant members (3) mainly adapted to resist wear. The wear-resistant members (3) are in a plane (P) perpendicular to the outwardly directed surface (4) designed so that in the direction of thickness (d) they at least partially overlap each other. Moreover, a wear-resistant lining made of a number of wear-resistant lining elements (1) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Metso Minerals (Wear Protection) AB
    Inventor: Anders Burström
  • Frustoconical ball bearing and preloaded ball bearing assemblies
    Patent number: 8136996
    Abstract: A ball bearing for interconnecting a rotor to a stator has a plurality of balls and an inner and outer race. The inner race and the outer race have an interior surface configured to movably engage a portion of the balls, and at least one of the inner race and outer race includes a frustoconical exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers
  • Centrifugally actuated governor
    Patent number: 8136795
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an elevator car (12), which includes a sheave (18), a first mass (32a, 48a), a second mass (32b, 48b), and a coupler (54) that provides a releasable non-elastic connection between the masses. The sheave (18) is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (30) at a velocity related to a velocity of the elevator car (12). The first (32a, 48a) and second (32b, 48b) masses are attached to the sheave (18) at first and second pivot points (42a, 42b) radially spaced from the sheave axis of rotation (30). The coupler (54) that provides the releasable non-elastic connection between the first (32a, 48a) and second (32b, 48b) masses is configured to prevent pivotal movement of the masses at sheave angular velocities less than a first velocity and to permit pivotal movement of the masses at velocities greater than the first velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Randall S. Dube
  • Auxiliary propulsor for a variable cycle gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 8127528
    Abstract: A core engine of a variable cycle gas turbine engine includes a low pressure spool for generating streams of bypass air and pressurized air, and a high pressure spool for further pressurizing the stream of pressurized air to generate streams of combustion air and supercharged auxiliary air. A peripheral case surrounds the engine case to form a peripheral duct. An auxiliary combustor and propulsor are positioned within the peripheral duct. A bleed duct extends from the high pressure spool to the auxiliary combustor. Variable ductwork directs airflow through the bleed duct and peripheral duct in two modes. A first mode comprises directing the stream of auxiliary air to the auxiliary combustor, and directing stream of inlet air through the peripheral duct. A second mode comprises directing the stream of auxiliary air into the stream of bypass air, and preventing inlet air from entering the peripheral duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Roberge
  • Variable flow pumping system
    Patent number: 8128386
    Abstract: A variable displacement pump and pump control system therefor to pump a fluid at selected pump output flow rates having a variable displacement pump and a fluid volume displacement selection controller to select a volume of fluid to be forced from the pump inlet to the pump outlet by the rotating member during a rotation thereof. A movable lead screw is coupled to the displacement selection controller so as to be capable of altering the position thereof, and a lead screw positioner is provided for selectively moving, or preventing the moving of, the movable lead screw by extending and retracting the lead screw through a threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Leo J. Veilleux, Jr.
  • Laminate air seal for a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 8128100
    Abstract: A laminate air seal for a gas turbine engine includes at least one fabric layer made of fiberglass, ceramic fiber, basalt and/or carbon, and a polymeric resin that is stable at an operating temperature of the gas turbine engine. The resin may be preimpregnated into the fabric layers, or introduced into the fabric during assembly and formation of the laminate. The resin may be polyimide, bismaelimide (BMI) or cyanate ester. A particular resin selected may depend, in part, on the operating temperatures in that region of the gas turbine engine. In some embodiments, the laminate seal may include a coating to increase lubricity of the seal. In one embodiment, the laminate air seal is used to seal a gap between a pylon fairing and an exhaust nozzle of the turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Bogue, Daniel M. Stadtlander, Charles R. Watson
  • Turbine blade twist angle correction tooling
    Patent number: 8127581
    Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ephraim C. Davis, Bryan G. Parrette, Larry D. Cronin
  • Air-oil heat exchanger
    Patent number: 8127828
    Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in fluid operated equipment to provide air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid in airstreams on a stream side of a wall. An actuator is mounted to be substantially located on a side of the wall opposite the stream side thereof having a positionable motion effector. A heat exchanger core having a plurality of passageway structures therein to enable providing the working fluid to, and removal therefrom. The heat exchanger core is mounted on the motion effector so as to be extendable and retractable thereby through the opening for selected distances into that region to be occupied by the airstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Frederick L. Elsaesser
  • Feedback torque limiter
    Patent number: 8127912
    Abstract: A feedback torque limiter device for an actuator having an input shaft, output shaft and gear reduction for transmitting torque from the input shaft to the output shaft comprises an output torque sensor, and input torque limiter and a feedback mechanism. The output torque sensor senses actuator output torque downstream from an actuator gear reduction. The input torque limiter grounds additional torque from the input shaft when engaged. The feedback mechanism engages the input torque limiter when the output torque sensed by the output torque sensor reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Lang, James M. Regan
  • Counter-vortex film cooling hole design
    Patent number: 8128366
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a gas turbine engine includes a wall defining an exterior face, a first film cooling passage extending through the wall to a first outlet along the exterior surface of the wall for providing film cooling, and first and second rows of vortex-generating structures. The first film cooling passage defines a first interior surface region and a second interior surface region. The first row of vortex-generating structures is located along the first interior surface region, and the second row of vortex-generating structures is located along the second interior surface region. The first and second rows of vortex-generating structures are configured to inducing a pair of vortices in substantially opposite first and second rotational directions in a cooling fluid passing through the first cooling passage prior to reaching the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Strock, Paul M. Lutjen
  • Design and control of engineering systems utilizing component-level dynamic mathematical model with multiple-input multiple-output estimator
    Patent number: 8131384
    Abstract: A control system comprises an actuator, a control law and a processor. The actuator positions a control surface and the control law controls the actuator. The processor comprises an open loop module, a corrector, a comparator, and an estimator, and generates an output vector to direct the control law. The open loop module generates the output vector as a function of a state vector and an input vector. The corrector generates a corrector vector as a function of the output vector. The comparator generates an error vector by comparing the corrector vector to the input vector. The estimator generates the state vector as a function of the error vector, such that the error vector is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Mark E. Lacour
  • Method and apparatus for communicating information between a security panel and a security server
    Patent number: 8132008
    Abstract: A security panel includes a processor, memory, and a network interface having a unique MAC address, and is configured to communicate over a network with a server. A method for registering the security panel with the server includes contacting the server utilizing a network address stored in the memory. A dealer ID, a line number, and a unique account number is sent to the server. The dealer ID, the line number, and the unique account number are stored in the memory. An encryption key is received for encryption of additional communication between the security panel and the server. The unique MAC address is sent to the server in an encrypted session to verify the security panel to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald B. Fisher, Theodore A. Nesse, Sunil Kumar Neckaraje, Uwe H. Thomanschefsky
  • Methods for correcting twist angle in a gas turbine engine blade
    Patent number: 8122601
    Abstract: A method of correcting a twist angle of a gas turbine engine blade includes measuring an existing twist angle of the blade, applying a first angular load to a first end of the blade; and measuring a repaired twist angle of the blade. The first angular load applied to the first end of the blade is based on an empirical correlation between a plurality of angular loads necessary to produce a plurality of twist angle correction values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett Kernozicky, Ephraim C. Davis, Thomas P. Cap, Paul Balko
  • Coaxial ignition assembly
    Patent number: 8122703
    Abstract: A bi-propellant injector includes first and second injector elements and a spark exciter assembly. The first injector element has a conductive layer electrically connected to the spark exciter assembly and a nonconductive layer disposed on an exterior portion of the conductive layer. The second injector element comprises a conductive material and has an opening therethrough in fluid communication with a combustion chamber. An end of the first injector element is positioned at or near the opening in the second injector element. The spark exciter assembly can generate an electrical arc between the conductive layer of the first injector element and the second injector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Fisher
  • Slip ring assembly
    Patent number: 8120228
    Abstract: A split slip ring assembly formed from first and second halves of a slip ring having a contact surface for rotational engagement with a stationary brush element for transferring electrical signals there between. The contact surface has a smooth surface at the junction of the first and second halves. A fastener locates the first and second halves to form a ring shape. An electrical contact on the ring carries electrical signals between the slip ring and the brush element. An alignment element aligns the first and second halves to form the smooth surface at their junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Carvalho
  • Sacrificial blade tip
    Patent number: 8118562
    Abstract: A propeller blade device used in environments where a propeller system is subjected to blade erosion and wear and may also be subjected to an axial force from water. The propeller blade includes a blade tip mounted on its outer end using a mounting device such as nuts and bolts to form a junction there between. The tip may easily be replaced when worn or damaged without removing the blade. The tip is designed to fracture upon impact with an axial force before transmitting the force radially inward to the propeller blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Raes, David V. Arel