Patents Examined by Mickey France
  • Patent number: 9644496
    Abstract: The present application provides a radial diffuser exhaust system for use with a gas turbine engine. The radial diffuser exhaust system may include a radial diffuser positioned within an asymmetric exhaust collector. The asymmetric exhaust collector may include a closed end chamber and an exhaust end chamber. The closed end chamber may have a first size, the exhaust end chamber may have a second size, and the first size may be smaller than the second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fernando Lopez-Parra, Balakrishnan Ponnuraj, Przemyslaw Drezek, Mehdi Milani Baladi, Ravinder Yerram, Donald Gordon Laing
  • Patent number: 9638136
    Abstract: A six stroke high thermal efficiency engine and a method for operating such an engine are disclosed. Oxygen or oxygen-enriched air is used as the oxidizer, heat is recovered from the two exhaust strokes, superheated steam is used in the second power stroke, and high levels of exhaust gas from stroke four are recirculated. Lean burn combustion is utilized to produce an oxygen rich exhaust which results in very low levels of particulates, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Due to high thermal efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced per unit of power output. Use of oxygen or oxygen-enriched air as the oxidizer produces an exhaust containing very low levels of nitrogen oxides. The engine is insulated to conserve heat, resulting in reduced engine noise. An engine with high thermal efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions is the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Philip Owen Jung
  • Patent number: 9638175
    Abstract: Power systems utilizing at least two heat source streams with substantially different initial temperatures, where the systems include a simple vaporization, separation, and energy extraction subsystem, a recycle subsystem, and a condensation and pressurization subsystem and methods for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Patent number: 9638173
    Abstract: A solar thermal power system can include a solar receiver steam generator, a thermal energy storage arrangement utilizing a thermal energy storage fluid, and a multistage steam turbine for driving an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The solar thermal power system has a first operating mode in which steam is generated by the solar receiver steam generator and is supplied both to the thermal energy storage arrangement and to a high pressure turbine inlet of the multistage steam turbine. In a second operating mode, steam is generated by recovering stored thermal energy from the thermal energy storage fluid of the thermal energy storage arrangement for injection into the multistage steam turbine at a location or turbine stage downstream of the high pressure turbine inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Andreas Ehrsam, Maurus Herzog, Suman Ray
  • Patent number: 9631776
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system having a SCR reactor. A reductant slip set point indicative of a target slip is received as a control variable is to be utilized for maintaining an amount of a NOx composition included in a combustion gas below a selected limit. A signal transmitted by a sensor is received, and is indicative of the reductant slip downstream of the SCR reactor. An amount of a NOx reductant to be introduced to the SCR reactor is determined based, at least in part, on a relationship between the target reductant slip and the reductant slip downstream of the SCR reactor indicated by the signal. A control signal is transmitted to cause introduction of the amount of the NOx reductant to the SCR reactor to maintain the amount of the NOx composition in the combustion gas below the selected limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert Frank Hoskin
  • Patent number: 9631599
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement in a wave energy recovery system comprising at least a wing element hinged on its one edge to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents, a wave energy recovery means having a space alterable by its volume with the help of a connection rod making a reciprocating movement caused by the wing element At least the sealings and/or through holes between the space and the connection rod are protected against seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: AW-Energy Oy
    Inventors: Yrjö Tuokkola, Arvo Järvinen
  • Patent number: 9624793
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cascaded recompression closed Brayton cycle (CRCBC) system and method of operation thereof, where the CRCBC system includes a compressor for compressing the system fluid, a separator for generating fluid feed streams for each of the system's turbines, and separate segments of a heater that heat the fluid feed streams to different feed temperatures for the system's turbines. Fluid exiting each turbine is used to preheat the fluid to the turbine. In an embodiment, the amount of heat extracted is determined by operational costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: James Jay Pasch
  • Patent number: 9624910
    Abstract: A hatch cover is provided for a hatch of a nacelle for a wind driven power plant. The hatch cover includes several segments configured to remain within a hatch opening when a hatch is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Areva Wind GmbH
    Inventors: Ansgar Kohne, Joachim Arndt
  • Patent number: 9617971
    Abstract: An absorber unit for absorption of wave energy from a body of water comprises a pivoting absorber element with a front end around which the absorber element reciprocates between turning positions. The absorber unit has a frame structure defining an absorber chamber and is at rest with respect to the body of water. The frame structure pivotally supports the absorber element within the absorber chamber from a horizontal front pivot axis above an average surface level of the body of water, wherein the absorber element in an idle position under still water conditions is partially submerged, with an idle draft of the absorber element being determined by the depth of submersion of the lower rear edge below the average surface level. A bottom plate attached to the frame structure has a front portion arranged underneath the absorber element and an upwardly projecting rear portion aft of the absorber element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Floating Power Plant A/S
    Inventor: Anders Køhler
  • Patent number: 9593465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. The energy recovery cylinder is equipped with a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-HYDRAULIKBAGGER GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Lavergne, Philipp Egenrieder, Dirk Asam
  • Patent number: 9587546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may selectively or contemporaneously supply energy from engine exhaust gas to generate electricity or warm the engine. In one example, exhaust gas energy raises a temperature of a heat transfer medium and the heat transfer medium is routed to an engine coolant heat exchanger or an expander via a bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain, David Richens Brigham, Mark John Jennings
  • Patent number: 9587514
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor, a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a second turbine section in fluid communication with the first turbine section, and a mid-turbine frame located axially between the first turbine section and the second turbine section. The mid-turbine frame includes a first frame case, a second frame case, a vane positioned between the first frame case and the second frame case, and a spoke extending through the vane and connecting the first frame case to the second frame case. The spoke includes a tie rod having a first end connected to the first frame case at a keyed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge I. Farah, Paul K. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9581062
    Abstract: A method and system for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by an internal combustion engine in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a treatment zone, preferably operating in swing mode with at least two subsystems, on board the vehicle containing a capture agent having a predetermined capacity for extracting CO2 from the exhaust stream, each subsystem having a heat exchanger with an inlet for admitting the hot exhaust gas stream for passage in heat relation with the capture agent to release CO2 and regenerate the capture agent, an outlet for passage of a treated, cooled exhaust stream having a reduced CO2 content, and an outlet for CO2 released from the regenerated capture agent; b. a compression zone for reducing the volume of the CO2; and c. a storage zone for the temporary storage of compressed CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Esam Zaki Hamad, Wajdi Issam Al-Sadat
  • Patent number: 9581146
    Abstract: A system for heating a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator may include an SMA actuator, a smart susceptor, a plurality of induction coils, and a control module. The SMA actuator may have at least one layup. The SMA actuator may be selectively heated to a transition temperature. The smart susceptor may be in thermal contact with the at least one layup of the SMA actuator. The induction heating coils may be configured to receive an alternating current and generate a magnetic field based on the alternating current. The magnetic field may create an eddy current in at least one of the SMA actuator and the smart susceptor to heat the SMA actuator to the transition temperature. The control module may be configured to drive the alternating current supplied to the induction heating coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Moushumi Shome, Frederick T. Calkins, Stephen R. Amorosi, Flint M. Jamison, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Robert James Miller
  • Patent number: 9581050
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery Rankine cycle system has a first Rankine cycle operated with a first working medium and a second Rankine cycle operated with a second working medium having a lower boiling point than the first working medium, the first Rankine cycle has a second scroll type fluid machine as an expander, a second electric generator, a second condenser, a condensing tank, a second condensing pump, a gas-liquid separation device, a heat exchanger, a low rate regulation valve, and a control device. This structure can drive a generator by a waste heat not only in a first Rankine cycle but also in a second Rankine cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taisuke Ono
  • Patent number: 9574461
    Abstract: A method of controlling a thermal power plant for electricity generation, said power plant comprising at least one heat source to supply thermal energy to a working fluid circulation circuit. The circuit comprises a high pressure turbine mechanically connected to an electricity generator, a high pressure regulating valve controlling the steam supply to said high pressure turbine from a high pressure superheater associated with a high pressure storage tank. The fluid supply to said high pressure storage tank from a high pressure steam generator is controlled by a high pressure supply valve, and, in response to a need for additional electrical power, the opening of the high pressure regulating valve is increased the opening of the high pressure supply valve is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
    Inventor: Eve Dufosse
  • Patent number: 9569913
    Abstract: A self-aligning memory alloy wire actuator has a memory alloy wire having first and second ends with at least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire. The terminal includes two wings and an extended piece connected in the shape of a T. The two wings are disposed on opposite sides of the extended piece and perpendicular to the extended piece. Each wing comprises top and bottom surfaces, a front surface, and an outside end. The top surfaces of the two wings lie on a common top plane and the front surfaces of the two wings lie on a common front plane. The memory alloy wire is coupled to the extended piece of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Dean Weber, Henricus Mark Ruyten, Thomas Kmetiko
  • Patent number: 9562444
    Abstract: An engine-waste-heat utilization device includes a Rankine cycle which includes a heat exchanger through which cooling water coming out from an engine flows to recover waste-heat of the engine to refrigerant, an expander which generates power using the refrigerant coming out from the heat exchanger, a condenser which condenses the refrigerant coming out from the expander and a refrigerant pump which supplies the refrigerant coming out from the condenser to the heat exchanger, and a cooling water passage in which the cooling water having a higher temperature flows when the Rankine cycle is operated than when the Rankine cycle is not operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagai, Shinichiro Mizoguchi, Takayuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9556778
    Abstract: An engine including a WHR system includes a clutch positioned to engage or disengage a WHR feedpump that moves working fluid through a WHR circuit. The clutch engages or disengages the feedpump under certain operating conditions of the engine and/or the WHR system, and/or at the request of an operator of the engine. Conditions may include cool or cold components, and insufficient working fluid. The operator may also request the clutch be disengaged, such as might be advantageous if the operator detects an operational problem with the WHR system or determines there is an advantage to operating the engine without the WHR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Zigan, Andrew P. Perr, Timothy C. Ernst
  • Patent number: 9551260
    Abstract: A deterioration diagnosis device for an oxidation catalyst includes: a multi-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage downstream of an oxidation catalyst, the multi-gas sensor including a NO2 sensor unit and a NOX sensor unit, the NO2 sensor unit directly detecting a NO2 concentration in exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst, and the NOX sensor unit directly detecting a NOX concentration in the exhaust gas; an NO concentration calculation unit configured to calculate an NO concentration in the exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst based on the NO2 concentration and the NOX concentration; and a deterioration judgment unit configured to determine a deterioration degree of the oxidation catalyst from an evaluation value based on the NO concentration calculated by the NO concentration calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shiro Kakimoto