Patents Examined by Timothy S. Thorpe
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Patent number: 6263661Abstract: A system for power generation comprising a turbine system and a power generating system connected to said turbine system, wherein said turbine system comprises: a compressor and inlet means for supplying fluid to said compressor for cooling said oxygen-containing gas; a combustion means; a gas turbine; a recuperator connected with outlet of said compressor means, and the outlet for exhaust gases of said gas turbine means, for mutual heat exchange; means for at least partially condensing water from the exhaust gases from said gas turbine means, said condensing means being connected with said outlet for exhaust gases of said gas turbine and further provided with an outlet for condensate and an outlet for discharging the remaining gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: N.V. KemaInventors: Maarten Johannes van der Burgt, Jacobus van Liere
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Patent number: 6264437Abstract: A device enables the pumping of any kind of liquid while giving the liquid very high delivery pressure. The units that cause pumped liquid suction and then its delivery are driven exclusively by hydraulic means excluding mechanical means. So that there is no material contact between the driving units and the pumped product and that the product cannot damage the mechanical driving units, the chamber receiving the hydraulic fluid is, at the end of each compression cycle, placed again in direct communication with the hydraulic fluid reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Hydro Rene LeducInventor: Louis-Claude Porel
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Patent number: 6261068Abstract: A gas compressor includes a compression chamber, an outlet valve, and a shuttle valve which disables the outlet valve when it is connected to an atmospheric pressure relief chamber in idle operation. A throttle line circumventing the shuttle valve is provided which permits by-passed flow between the compression chamber and the atmospheric pressure relief chamber in idle operation, thereby preventing deposits and moisture condensation in the downstream flow path to the pressure relief chamber due to the disabling of the outlet valve, which might otherwise lead to possible operational malfunctions. Compressed-air systems employed in the automotive industry represent an important area of application for the invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Wabco GmbHInventors: Manfred Kramer, Heinrich Schlossarczyk, Karl-Heinrich Schönfeld
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Patent number: 6261065Abstract: Systems and related methods pump fluid through a pump. The pump comprises a pump chamber, which is responsive to applied pressures to convey fluid. The systems and methods place an electrode in the pump chamber which, in use, is coupled to a current source. The electrode generates an electrical field in the pump chamber that varies according volume of fluid in the pump chamber. The systems and methods register variations in the electrical field as fluid is conveyed through the pump chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Abinash Nayak, James D. Jacobson, Tom Westberg, William E Brach, Richard I Brown
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Patent number: 6260352Abstract: A turbofan aircraft engine has a core engine, which is arranged in a gondola, and a fan which delivers a cold air current through a bypass flow duct to a mixer within which a low-pressure turbine cone is provided and on which the hot-gas current emerging from the low-pressure turbine of the core engine is mixed with the cold-air current. A portion of the cold-air current is branched off by an ejector effect and, as a cooling air current for the low pressure turbine housing, arrives in a ring gap between the housing and a covering surrounding this housing. A portion of this cooling air current is guided by hollow outlet guide blades of a follower guide wheel of the low-pressure turbine for sealing off the rearmost ring gap between the rotor and the stator of the low-pressure turbine, while the largest portion of the cooling air current reaches the ejector.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventors: Dimitrie Negulescu, Jörg Haarmeyer
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Patent number: 6260346Abstract: A method of combusting a fuel, and a combustion plant are proposed. The combustion plant comprises a first circuit (1) with a gasifying reactor (3) to produce a combustible gas and a degassed, combustible rest product from the fuel. The combustible gas is supplied to a first combustion chamber (6) and there it is combusted while forming combustion gases. First means (8, 9) are arranged to take advantage of the energy in these gases. The plant further comprises a second circuit (2) with a second combustion chamber (15) which is supplied with the combustible rest product from the gasifying reactor (3). The rest product is combusted in the second combustion chamber (15) while forming combustion gases. The second circuit (2) further comprises second means (23, 24) for taking advantage of the energy of the combustion gases produced in the second circuit (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: ABB Carbon ABInventors: Sven A Jansson, Ben Kyrklund, Mats Sjödin
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Patent number: 6256978Abstract: A combination power plant is provided with a gas turbine (1) with generator (28) and with steam generators (2, 10) for a steam turbine (6) with generator (29), wherein the exhaust gas of the gas turbine (1) is fed to a first waste heat boiler (2) with superheaters (23, 24), economizer (3), HP evaporator (22) and auxiliary burner (27), and flue gases of a thermal conversion unit are fed to a second waste heat boiler (10). A high-pressure (HP) evaporator (16) with a supporting tube system (13) and HP steam collecting drum (11), on the one hand, and a low-pressure (LP) evaporator (17) with a supporting tube system (14) and LP steam collecting drum (12), on the other hand, are arranged in the second waste heat boiler (10), through which flue gases flow. The P evaporator (16) is connected via a steam line (21) to the first (23) and second HP steam superheaters (24) arranged in the first waste heat boiler (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: GHH Borsig Turbomaschinen GmbHInventors: Bernd Gericke, Norbert Faustmann, Hans-O. Jeske, Ole Hansen
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Patent number: 6257849Abstract: A manual air pump includes an outer cylinder having a chamber therein, a head provided to a second end of the outer cylinder and including an outlet passage communicated with the chamber for supplying air to an object to be inflated, and an inner cylinder reciprocatingly mounted in the outer cylinder and including a longitudinal hole. An outer piston is attached to an end of the inner cylinder to move therewith. The outer piston includes a passage that is intercommunicated between the longitudinal hole of the inner cylinder and the outlet passage of the head. A piston rod is reciprocatingly mounted in longitudinal hole of the inner cylinder. An inner piston is attached to a second end of the piston rod to move therewith. A handle is secured to a first end of the piston rod to move therewith. A switch member is rotatably mounted to the first end of the outer cylinder and around the first end of the inner cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Scott Wu
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Patent number: 6257842Abstract: A silencer assuming a shape of a sealed container in which an air reservoir is formed in a flow path from an suction inlet to an discharge outlet, wherein the air reservoir connected to the discharge outlet is provided with an exhaust valve mechanism for exhausting back-flowing air to the discharge outlet through external pressure. Since an exhaust valve mechanism for exhausting air which flows back to the discharge outlet owing to external pressure from, for instance, an air bag is provided, air can be rapidly exhausted from the air bag also in case actuation of the pump is terminated. Air pressure of the airbed can be promptly adjusted to perform adjustment of pressure of air bags or to prevent damages thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Techno Takatsuki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nozomu Kawasaki, Yasuhiro Murayama, Ikuo Ohya
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Patent number: 6257834Abstract: A method of cooling the flow in radial gaps formed between rotors and stators turbo machines is provided. The method includes the step of using water as a cooling fluid for the stator part adjacent to the radial gap. To this end, either at least one recess is formed in the interior of the stator part adjacent to the radial gap or at least one cavity is arranged at the stator part. The recess or the cavity is connected to both a feed line and a discharge line for the cooling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AGInventors: Joachim Bremer, Michajlo Bothien, Jürg Greber, Ulf Christian Müller, Dirk Wunderwald, Helmut Gieszauf
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Patent number: 6254351Abstract: A float assembly for use in actuating a switch based on the level of a fluid includes a pivot member having a pivot axis and a switching surface. First and second floats are coupled to the pivot member so that at a first fluid level the first and second floats lie on different sides of a vertical line extending through the pivot axis and the switching surface causes the switch to assume a first switching state. At a second fluid level, the first and second floats lie on the same side of the vertical line extending through the pivot axis and the switching surface causes the switch to assume a second switching state.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Milton Roy CompanyInventor: Robert J. Culp
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Patent number: 6254356Abstract: In a fitting structure of a control valve in a variable capacity compressor according to the present invention, a step portion 92 is formed by connecting two taper surfaces 93a and 93b, the diameter of each of which decreases progressively towards the depth of a fitting hole 32 (in an inserting direction of a control valve 33) between each step surface portion 57, 67, 74, 91 of a fitting hole 32. A first taper surface 93a at a deep part of each step portion 92 has a smaller inclination in the inserting direction than a second taper surface 93b on the inlet side. The first taper surface 93a is formed so that its inner diameter on the inlet side is a little greater than the outer diameter of each O-ring 61, 70, 77 disposed on each step surface portion 57, 67, 74 in a free condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kiyohiro Yamada, Hiroyuki Nakaima, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Shingo Kumazawa
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Patent number: 6253539Abstract: A method for using an injector to combust a first fluid and a second fluid comprises a directing the first fluid step and a shrouding step. The directing step comprises directing the first fluid in a central coaxial flow generally perpendicularly through a first fluid passage that extends through an injector faceplate, and into a combustion chamber. In the shrouding step, a length of the central coaxial flow adjacent to the injector faceplate is shrouded with an outer coaxial flow. The shroud is formed by directing a portion of the second fluid through an annular/conical passage in the injector faceplate that surrounds the first fluid passage. The annular/conical passage is arranged such that the outer coaxial flow is directed radially inward and impinges on the central coaxial flow a distance after the central coaxial flow has exited the first fluid passage and after the outer coaxial flow has exited the annular/conical passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Boeing North America Inc.Inventors: Shahram Farhangi, James M. McKinnon, Steven C. Fisher, James J. Fang
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Patent number: 6250068Abstract: According to the present invention, the shape of a passage in an intake-air duct communicated with the suction side of the intake-air filter is regulated so that snow is heaped up in the intake-air duct, and accordingly, the volume of snow reaching the intake-air filter is reduce in order to prevent the intake-air filter from clogging, and to prevent the flow rate of intake-air into a gas turbine from being lowered. In order to attain the above-mentioned purpose, there is provided, according to the present invention, an air-intake method for a gas turbine, in which intake-air 18 taken from a fresh air intake port is fed downward through a second intake-air duct in a substantially vertical direction, and then is fed in a substantially horizontal direction. Thereafter, dust is removed from the intake-air within an intake-air filter chamber, and then, is led into the gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Tajima, Katsutoshi Higuma, Akitaka Tateishi
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Patent number: 6250082Abstract: A combustor liner has a stepped combustor liner surface and an overhang portion forming an air cooling slot. A contoured rear facing edge of the overhang portion reduces turbulence of combustion gas flow and reduces a combustor liner surface area exposed to combustion gases. A thermal barrier coating is also applied to the contoured rear facing edge, reducing heat flow into the overhang portion and hence reducing the operating temperature of the combustor liner. Thus, the amount of cooling air is reduced, which can reduce exhaust emissions, increase engine performance and extend a working life of the combustor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael P. Hagle, Junhaur Jih, James N. Cooper
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Patent number: 6250071Abstract: A housing for a propulsion system, such as for a plurality of disks, is provided as well as a system and a method for using the same. The housing is shaped to provide a streamlined motion through a fluid, such as air or water. Openings in the housing allow the fluid to flow through the propulsion system. The housing may be attached to a shaft in a motor or engine to provide a drive for the propulsion system contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Schmoll & HalquissInventor: George F. Schmoll, III
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Patent number: 6250063Abstract: Each combustor for a gas turbine includes a fuel supply line for supplying fuel to a plurality of nozzles in the combustor. A remotely controlled valve has a valve member movable between valve-open and valve-closed positions. In a valve-closed position, fuel is supplied to a first group of one or more nozzles of the combustor, while fuel is cut off to a second group of one or more nozzles of the combustor. In a valve-open position, fuel is supplied to all nozzles of the combustor. By positively and selectively actuating the valve, the fuel/air ratio of the nozzles supplied by the fuel is increased to enhance flame stability.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., David Justin Balevic, Ronald Joseph Beaudoin, Warren James Mick
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Patent number: 6250064Abstract: A gas turbine combustion air cooling system includes an intake a duct having an inlet region and an outlet, the duct adapted to supply ambient air to an inlet of a compressor; a first set of nozzles for spraying atomized water into the ambient air at a location adjacent the duct inlet; a second set of nozzles for spraying atomized water into the ambient air to supersaturate the ambient air at a location proximate the compressor inlet; and a control system for apportioning water to the first and second sets of nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Leroy Omar Tomlinson, Anthony James George
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Patent number: 6250895Abstract: A linear compressor comprises a cylinder 10, a piston 20, a linear motor comprising a movable member 40 as well as a stationary member 50, a piston body 28, a discharge mechanism 60, a spring mechanism 70, a vessel 80, a supporting mechanism 90 and the like. A cylindrical holding member 41 is contact with a flange 24 connected to the piston and supported concentrically with the piston 20. A permanent magnet 42 is sandwiched between the cylindrical holding member 41 and a cylindrical body 43. Cylindrical inner yoke 51 and outer yoke 52 of the stationary member 50 are fixed to the cylinder 10, and held concentrically with the piston 20. With the above structure, the movable 40 is smoothly moved together with the piston 20, and a fine gap between the movable member 40 and the stationary member 50 is always maintained stationary. Further, since the linear motor is in contact with the piston 20, the overall length of the linear compressor is shortened, and the linear compressor is reduced in size.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadao Kawahara, Teruyuki Akazawa
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Patent number: 6250061Abstract: A cooling airflow compressor system and methods for reducing a cooling airflow is described. The cooling airflow compressor system utilizes a primary high pressure compressor in combination with a secondary high pressure compressor to further compress a primary airflow. The secondary high pressure compressor includes a rotor driven by a high pressure turbine connected by a high pressure turbine shaft to the primary high pressure compressor. A heat exchanger is connected to the secondary high pressure compressor to further cool the cooling airflow. The cooling airflow is utilized to cool the turbine and a high pressure turbine vane.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert J. Orlando