Patents Assigned to NRG Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11399534
    Abstract: A broadband ultrasonic transducer device (UTD) is disclosed that utilizes a plurality of narrow-band piezo electric elements grouped into single-frequency sub-arrays to provide a relatively simple, highly-reliable deterrent unit (DU) capable of emitting ultrasonic energy over a wide coverage area and at a sound pressure level that meets or exceeds other DU approaches. In an embodiment, the broadband UTD includes a housing portion configured to couple to a plurality of piezo sub-array plates. Each piezo sub-array plate includes a plurality of pockets or cavities to receive respective narrow-band (e.g., 1-3 kHz) piezo electro transducer elements with characteristics, e.g., geometries and material composition, that cause each to emit ultrasonic energy at a particular resonant frequency. A controller of the UTD implements a control scheme to emit ultrasonic energy in a plurality of output modes including a white noise node and a single-frequency mode for deterrence applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nostrand, Cody Spiegel, Dale E. Williams, Junda Zhu
  • Patent number: 11249103
    Abstract: A cup anemometer providing accurate wind speed measurement in a cost-effective configuration. A rotor of the anemometer, e.g. a single-piece molded rotor, may be assembled to a shaft using a cap. In some embodiments, the hub of the rotor and the cap provide symmetry in the area of the cups and arms of the rotor and/or the bottom of the hub and the top of the cap may be positioned above and below, respectively, the planes defined by the tops and bottoms, respectively, of cups of the rotor. In some embodiments, each of the of the cups may be generally conical having a cone angle of nominally 114 degrees and/or each of the arms of the rotor may have a front surface that is co-planar with a front surface of an associated one of the cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry B. Bush, Steven H. Clark
  • Patent number: 10888084
    Abstract: A bat deterrent system to deter bats from approaching wind turbines may include a first deterrent box having a first and second transducer bank. The first transducer bank may include a first set of transducers located on a first plane and a second set of transducers located on a second plane. The second plane may be different from the first plane. The bat deterrent system may also include a second deterrent box having a third and fourth transducer bank. The third transducer bank may include a third set of transducers located on a third plane and a fourth set of transducers located on a fourth plane. The fourth plane may be different from the third plane. At least one transducer may simultaneously emit a different ultrasonic output waveform than the ultrasonic output waveform emitted from another transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Cris Hein, Peter P. Garcia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9291637
    Abstract: A system for damping a wind vane includes a damping assembly configured to utilize eddy currents to dampen rotational motion of at least a portion of the wind vane. The damping assembly may provide damping of the wind vane to accommodate for sudden changes in wind speed and/or direction while allowing the wind vane to maintain accurate measurements and response in low wind conditions. The damping assembly may reduce the wind vane's susceptibility to oscillation, thereby improving accuracy of the wind vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NRG Systems Inc.
    Inventors: R. Paul Smith, Henry Bush, Emir Heco
  • Patent number: 9046542
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for an anemometer configured to provide thrust and axial load protection and reduce exposure to potentially degradative debris and/or contaminants. The bearing assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft and bearings, wherein the bearings are configured to rotate about at least the first shaft while enclosed within a portion of the second shaft. The second shaft is configured to isolate the bearings from any air flow through the anemometer and debris and/or contaminants carried therewith. The bearing assembly further includes a damping member configured to reduce forces imparted upon the bearings, thereby providing protection and preventing premature damage to the bearings from loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Emir Heco, Travis Jones, Carolyn Turk West, Henry Bush, R. Paul Smith, Timothy R. Hoopes
  • Publication number: 20140311750
    Abstract: A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: NRG Systems Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Helmuth J. Heneman, Patrick V. Brady
  • Publication number: 20140163904
    Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: NRG Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Bechhoefer, John T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140137665
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for an anemometer configured to provide thrust and axial load protection and reduce exposure to potentially degradative debris and/or contaminants. The bearing assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft and bearings, wherein the bearings are configured to rotate about at least the first shaft while enclosed within a portion of the second shaft. The second shaft is configured to isolate the bearings from any air flow through the anemometer and debris and/or contaminants carried therewith. The bearing assembly further includes a damping member configured to reduce forces imparted upon the bearings, thereby providing protection and preventing premature damage to the bearings from loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NRG Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Emir Heco, Travis Jones, Carolyn Turk West, Henry Bush, R. Paul Smith, Timothy R. Hoopes
  • Patent number: 8442778
    Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NRG Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Bechhoefer, John T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120156036
    Abstract: A system for damping a wind vane includes a damping assembly configured to utilize eddy currents to dampen rotational motion of at least a portion of the wind vane. The damping assembly may provide damping of the wind vane to accommodate for sudden changes in wind speed and/or direction while allowing the wind vane to maintain accurate measurements and response in low wind conditions. The damping assembly may reduce the wind vane's susceptibility to oscillation, thereby improving accuracy of the wind vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: NRG SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: R. Paul SMITH, Henry BUSH, Emir HECO
  • Publication number: 20120065901
    Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric R. Bechhoefer, John T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8082115
    Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: NRG Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Bechhoefer, John T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110125419
    Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric R. Bechhoefer, John T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4497310
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved flue box assembly for use in conjunction with a heating plant, the flue box having a housing with an interior diametric opening substantially greater than the exhaust gas inlet to and outlet from the interior of the housing, and provided with a damper plate being pivotally mounted within the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, the damper plate further having a flue opening positioned therein, the improvement consisting of a cap pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent the outlet opening thereof, the cap adapted to pivotally move between a closed position occluding the outlet opening of the housing and an open position leaving the outlet opening unobstructed, and adjustable counterbalancing means associated with the cap for adjusting the relative pressure necessary to move the cap into an open and closed position respectively in relation to the force exerted by flue gases escaping through the outlet opening of the housing, thus providing for impro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: NRG Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig D. Funke
  • Patent number: D920814
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: NRG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry B. Bush, Steven H. Clark