Abstract: A tire pressure control system (100) for a self-inflating tire includes a left coupling conduit (128) in fluid communication with a left tube end (104) of a peristaltic pump tube (102), a right coupling conduit (129) in fluid communication with a right tube end (105), a bypass conduit (130) extending between and coupling the left coupling conduit (128) and the right coupling conduit (129), and a bypass valve (150) configured to block the bypass conduit (130) when the tire pressure is less than a predetermined target pressure. When the bypass valve (150) substantially blocks the bypass conduit (130), then pressurized air generated in the peristaltic pump tube (102) is forced into the self-inflating tire. When the bypass valve (150) does not block the bypass conduit (130), then air is allowed to circulate within the peristaltic pump tube (102).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, a valve, and a clutch. The clutch is provided with an engaged position and a disengaged position. At least a portion of the clutch may move relative to the valve when the clutch is in the disengaged position. The clutch moves the valve when the clutch is in the engaged position. The valve is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the valve is in the first position, the valve blocks a first pathway, which extends from the first port, from connecting with a second pathway, which extends from the second port. When the valve is in the second position, the valve allows the first pathway to connect with the second pathway. When the valve is in the third position, the valve allows the second pathway to connect with a third pathway, which extends from the third port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, a valve, and a clutch. The clutch is provided with an engaged position and a disengaged position. At least a portion of the clutch may move relative to the valve when the clutch is in the disengaged position. The clutch moves the valve when the clutch is in the engaged position. The valve is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the valve is in the first position, the valve blocks a first pathway, which extends from the first port, from connecting with a second pathway, which extends from the second port. When the valve is in the second position, the valve allows the first pathway to connect with the second pathway. When the valve is in the third position, the valve allows the second pathway to connect with a third pathway, which extends from the third port.

Abstract: In a valve assembly (18) of the type having a housing, a pole piece (16) disposed within the housing, and an exhaust port (50), one embodiment of an exhaust port protective device (10) comprises a flow restrictor assembly coupled at least in part to the pole piece (16). The flow restrictor assembly provides fluid flow in a first direction and restricts fluid flow in a second direction.

Abstract: An electrical machine to facilitate transporting fluids through a pipeline is provided. The electrical machine includes a rotor assembly that further includes an array of magnets configured to generate a distributed magnetic field. The rotor assembly has corrosion-resistant features that facilitates mitigating deleterious effects to the rotor assembly while being exposed to aggressive and harsh fluids.

Abstract: A compressor assembly for use in transporting natural gas is provided. The assembly includes a natural gas compressor comprising at least one stage of compression, a permanent magnet-type super-synchronous motor coupled to the natural gas compressor for powering said compressor, and a housing, the compressor positioned within the housing, and the compressor configured to facilitate increasing a pressure of natural gas being transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing an electrical machine is provided. An array of permanent magnet segments is assembled around a rotor spindle. Desired orientation directions of the permanent magnet segments are determined. The assembled permanent magnet segments are then positioned in a magnetization fixture such that the desired orientation directions of the permanent magnet segments are aligned with corresponding flux directions of the magnetizing fixture.

Abstract: A relatively rugged and simple solenoid-actuated valve (100) is disclosed having a coil assembly (150), including a bobbin (152), a winding (160) for generating a magnetic field, and a flux path bracket (162). A fixed pole piece (110) extends into the axial volume defined by the bobbin. The coil assembly may be encased in a plastic outer body (101). An armature (120) is slidably disposed in the axial volume and a valve seat (130) closes the opposite end of the axial volume. A conical spring (140) biases the armature toward a first position against the valve seat. An inlet fitting (106) and an outlet fitting (104) fluidly connect to the axial volume. The armature is movable by the magnetic field generated by the winding from the first position to a second position away from the valve seat, such that the valve can be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A method for driving a DC motor includes generating a first voltage pulse, based on a pre-determined speed input and duty cycle, and configured to generate motor current of reference current value sufficient to achieve a desired speed according to the speed input. Subsequent pulses of the voltage are generated to maintain the current substantially within a range of the reference current. Another method includes sensing and comparing motor current to reference current value and generating an error signal therebetween, which is integrated over time to generate an integrated current error, which is compared with a reference pulse. Thereafter generating applied voltage pulses configured to: switch at each instance of the integrated current error exceeding or becoming less than the reference pulse value; generate a motor current sufficient to achieve a desired speed according to a pre-determined speed input; and having substantially zero average variation from the reference current.

Abstract: A marine vehicle propulsion system is provided that combines a fuel cell electrical source for an AC propulsion motor for a marine vessel with an electrolyzer and a DC-AC converter. The fuel cell provides power for the AC propulsion motor. When the fuel cell is depleted, the DC-AC converter is disconnected from the AC propulsion motor and is reconnected to an AC power source from a host ship, and the power electronic DC-AC converter is disconnected from the fuel cell and reconnected to the electrolyzer. The fuel cell is replenished by operating the electrolyzer device that runs using DC power from the host ship to separate water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The power electronic drive is operated in reverse to power the electrolyzer from the host ship.