Patents Examined by Steven Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9279503
    Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber, combustor, and method for constant volume combustion involve combusting a fuel in a chamber sealed by a pintle having a conical portion fitted into a conical nozzle throat and pulling the pintle away from the nozzle throat to allow combustion products to exhaust through a nozzle outlet. The shapes and surfaces of the pintle and nozzle throat provide for sealing the chamber at high pressures while resisting surface wear. Operational parameters for the combustor may be computer controlled in response to measured pressures and temperatures in the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Roberto DiSalvo, Stephen Doherty, Alton J. Reich
  • Patent number: 9273608
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ener-Core Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris A. Maslov
  • Patent number: 9273612
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of operating a gas turbine engine (12) for reduced ammonia slip. An exemplary method (100) includes operating (102) the engine over a range of power output levels; controlling (104) a mass flow of NOx produced in exhaust (19) of the engine to be within 10% over the range of power output levels; and treating (106) the exhaust of the engine in a selective catalytic reduction process (22). In this way, the production of NOx and a corresponding flow of reducing agent (33) utilized in the SCR process remain relatively constant in terms of mass (molar) flow throughout the range of power output levels and ammonia slip is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ramesh Kagolanu, Jordan M. Haywood
  • Patent number: 9267432
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ener-Core Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Armstrong, Richard Martin, Douglas Hamrin
  • Patent number: 9267463
    Abstract: A flexible panel assembly for a gas turbine engine selectively exhibits a range of positions to regulate exhaust of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Dale William Petty, Timothy A. Swanson, Shawn M. McMahon
  • Patent number: 9261019
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique variable cycle gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for variable cycle gas turbine engines. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Heathco
  • Patent number: 9261020
    Abstract: Synthesis gas (syngas) gasified in a gasification furnace to which coal is introduced burns in a combustor. An exhaust-heat recovery boiler generates steam by using exhaust gas let out from a gas turbine equipped with the combustor. The steam generated in the exhaust-heat recovery boiler is introduced to a steam turbine. A generator is driven by the steam turbine and the gas turbine to generate electrical power. Part of the exhaust gas let out from the gas turbine is introduced to a carbon-dioxide recovery unit, where carbon dioxide is recovered therefrom. Coal is carried to the gasification furnace by the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromi Ishii, Yuichiro Kitagawa, Yasunari Shibata, Yuichiro Urakata
  • Patent number: 9254920
    Abstract: An aircraft energy management system including a cabin air compressor adapted to be coupled to a source of fan discharge air at a first pressure during an inflight operating mode and adapted to be coupled to a ram intake air during a ground operating mode. The system further including an environmental control system mechanically coupled to a compressor exit of the cabin air compressor. The aircraft energy management system configured to provide a conditioned fluid flow to an aircraft cabin, cockpit or de-icing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Embraer S.A.
    Inventors: Rui Zhou, Stephen Francis Winter, Athanasios Kyriazopoulos, Jones Ricardo Muller, Javier Armando Parilla
  • Patent number: 9255546
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising an outer cowl having an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The inner wall may have an inner opening formed therethrough and the outer wall may have an outer opening formed therethrough at an aft end of the nacelle. The nacelle may further comprise a translating panel configured to cover the inner and outer openings in a stowed position and to translate aft to a deployed position. The translating panel may be fixed to cascade guide vane panels which rest between the inner and outer wall in the stowed position and are exposed to airflow via the inner and outer openings when translated aft to the deployed position, thereby increasing a nozzle area of the nacelle. Guide vanes of the cascade guide vane panels are angled slightly aftward to direct the nacelle's airflow outward and aftward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Spirit AreoSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Welch, Thomas Scott, Michael P. Urban, Matthew Tymes
  • Patent number: 9255487
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a seal assembly that is supported by a member at a joint. The seal assembly includes a seal support having a radial flange secured to the joint. A first bend adjoins the radial flange to a first leg, which is oriented generally in an axial direction. A second bend adjoins the first leg to a second leg, which is conical in shape. A seal is supported by the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Russell Mayer, Paul W. Palmer, Jonathan Lemoine
  • Patent number: 9255507
    Abstract: A reagent injection system for a catalytic emissions reduction assembly of a combustion turbine that includes an exhaust duct and at least one injector. The exhaust duct includes a first section including an entrance end and an exit end, wherein the entrance end is configured to be fluidly coupled to the combustion turbine to receive exhaust gases therefrom. The exhaust duct also includes and a second section having an entrance end that is fluidly coupled to the exit end of the first section. The at least one injector is operatively coupled to one of the first and second sections, and each injector is configured to inject a reagent into the exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: LP AMINA LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Forwerck, Lawrence J. Muzio, Matthew Zedler
  • Patent number: 9255490
    Abstract: Provided is a gas turbine capable of achieving high-speed startup of the gas turbine through quick operation control of an ACC system during startup of the gas turbine, improving the cooling efficiency of turbine stationary components, and quickly carrying out an operation required for cat back prevention during shutdown of the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., TOHOKU ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizukami, Tatsuo Ishiguro, Junichiro Masada, Kazumasa Takata, Yuya Fukunaga, Hiroki Takahashi, Masaki Satoh, Yoshiaki Nishimura, Norio Oogai, Souji Hasegawa, Masato Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9249758
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of aerospace propulsion, and more particularly to a propulsion assembly having at least one channel defined by an inner wall and an outer wall, the channel presenting an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the assembly including a plurality of rocket engines oriented axially in the channel and forming ejectors for accelerating a flow of air in the channel to supersonic speed. Downstream from the outlet opening from the channel, the inner wall forms a single expansion ramp nozzle. The invention also provides an aerospace craft and a method of propulsion using such a propulsion assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Jean Marie Conrardy
  • Patent number: 9249689
    Abstract: An exemplary system method for the operation of a CCPP with flue gas recirculation to reduce NOx emissions and/or to increase the CO2 concentration in the flue gases to facilitate CO2 capture from the flue gases is disclosed. The flue gas recirculation rate (rFRG) is controlled as function of the combustion pressure and/or the hot gas temperature. Operability is enhanced by admixing of oxygen or oxygen enriched air to the gas turbine inlet gases or to the combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Jaan Hellat, Jürgen Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9249756
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a turbojet engine which includes a pylon (1) and a nacelle supported by said pylon (1). Said nacelle (3) includes a grid thrust reverser (21) including an integral cowl mounted so as to slide on rails (15), which are arranged on both sides of said pylon (1), between a direct jet position and a thrust reversal position. Said assembly is characterized in that it includes means (23, 31) for blocking the sliding movement of the cowl on the rails (15), said means being inserted between the pylon (1) and the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pierre Caruel, Guy Bernard Vauchel, Jean-Philippe Joret, Andre Baillard
  • Patent number: 9249678
    Abstract: A transition duct for a combustor of a gas turbine generally includes a transition duct having a frame at an aft end of the transition duct. The frame generally includes a downstream end, a radially outer portion, a radially inner portion opposed to the radially outer portion, a first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions, and a second side portion opposed to the first side portion. A slot in the first side portion of the frame may have a downstream surface adjacent to the downstream end of the frame. A heat shield having an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of spacers may extend generally outward from the heat shield inner surface such that the inner surface is adjacent to the slot downstream surface and the frame downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Alfred Simo, Patrick Benedict Melton, Richard Martin DiCintio, Christopher Paul Willis
  • Patent number: 9249679
    Abstract: An impingement sleeve and methods for designing and forming an impingement sleeve are disclosed. In one embodiment, the impingement sleeve includes a body configured to at least partially surround a transition piece of the combustor. The impingement sleeve further includes a plurality of cooling holes defined in the body, the plurality of cooling holes having a cooling hole pattern configured to provide a desired operational value for the transition piece. At least one of the plurality of cooling holes has a chamfer extending at least partially between an inlet and an outlet of the at least one of the plurality of cooling holes. At least a portion of the plurality of cooling holes are generally longitudinally asymmetric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Paul Berkebile, Jerome David Brown, Ronald James Chila, Patrick Benedict Melton, Russell DeForest, David William Cihlar, Wei Chen, John Drake Vanselow
  • Patent number: 9249755
    Abstract: According to the invention, the method for defining the shape of a convergent-divergent nozzle of longitudinal axis L-L comprising a convergent part connected, at a throat, to a divergent part the downstream free end of which comprises scallops delimiting noise-reducing chevrons distributed in the circumferential direction, comprises defining beforehand the divergent part of the nozzle using a divergent first portion, a divergent second portion and a convergent portion, attributing an initial value to dimensional parameters defining the chevrons and the three portions, calculating performance criteria and checking that the calculated performance criteria satisfy predefined performance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Julien Szydlowski, Guillaume Bodard, Matthieu Leyko, Jonathan Langridge
  • Patent number: 9249683
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining the capacity of an aircraft pump to deliver a predetermined fuel flow rate, characterised in that it comprises a step of rotating the pump at a predetermined speed; a step of supplying at least one cylinder with the totality of the fuel coming out of the pump; a step of determining the fuel flow rate supplying said cylinder, and a diagnostic step which consists in determining whether the pump is able to supply a sufficient flow rate as a function of the determined value of the flow rate supplying the cylinder. The invention also proposes a device implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Nicolas Alain Bader
  • Patent number: 9249977
    Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an acoustic liner, wherein through-holes through are formed in a wall of the combustion chamber, a plurality of rows of the through-holes is arranged in a lengthwise direction of the combustor, the through-holes of a first through-hole row are shifted with respect to the through-holes of a second through-hole row so that centers of the through-holes of the first and second through-hole rows adjacent each other are staggered in the circumferential direction, cooling grooves are formed so as to avoid the through-holes inside that is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the combustion chamber, and the cooling grooves include transverse cooling grooves extending in the circumferential direction between rows of the through-holes, and longitudinal cooling grooves extending in the lengthwise direction between the through-holes and connecting the transverse cooling grooves adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kimura, Satoshi Takiguchi, Keisuke Matsuyama, Satoshi Mizukami, Shinji Akamatsu, Kenji Sato, Hikaru Katano, Shigemi Mandai