Patents by Inventor Donald W. Kendrick
Donald W. Kendrick has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9296962Abstract: A system for gasifying biomass materials is provided. The system includes a gasifying unit for converting the biomass materials into a gas and a feeder mechanism for introducing the biomass materials into the gasifying unit. The gasifying unit includes a plurality of gasifying medium and biomass injection ports distributed along a vertical length of the gasifying unit, and each of the plurality of injection ports has a corresponding injection angle. The injection angles include at least one of an upward tangential angle and a downward tangential angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Starlight Energy Holdings LLCInventors: Bart Kavanaugh, Donald W. Kendrick, Steven Kushnick, Steven R. Brncic
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Patent number: 8726666Abstract: A premixer is provided for injecting premixed fuel-air mixture into the inlet of a combustion apparatus. In one embodiment, the premixer assembly comprises a plurality of concentric, aerodynamic injector rings, with radially-directed injection holes. The injection holes have a plurality of different diameters, facilitating good mixing over a broad power range. Due to configuration and hole sizes, the assembly is gas or liquid compatible. The radial, concentric injection formation allows for a short injection path.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 8689562Abstract: In one embodiment, alternative combustion cavity layouts are provided for practicing fuel staging in a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and one or more vortex premixers, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex within each of one or more trapped vortex cavities. A plurality of TVC cavities, may, for example, be laid out axially, radially, peripherally, internally, or in combinations of such arrangements. These layouts may be used in conjunction with a fuel staging method whereby the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and the respective vortex premixers can be varied as a function of operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 8689561Abstract: In one embodiment, a premixer is provided for use, e.g., with trapped vortex (TVC) combustors, that injects premixed fuel and air directly into the recirculating vortex, in a manner compatible with natural vortex flow in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 8549862Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided fuel staging for a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and a vortex premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex. The combustion apparatus may be part of an engine, such as a gas turbine engine. The method comprises varying the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and vortex premixers as a function of load.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Lean Flame, Inc.Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20120055089Abstract: A system for gasifying biomass materials is provided. The system includes a gasifying unit for converting the biomass materials into a gas and a feeder mechanism for introducing the biomass materials into the gasifying unit. The gasifying unit includes a plurality of gasifying medium and biomass injection ports distributed along a vertical length of the gasifying unit, and each of the plurality of injection ports has a corresponding injection angle. The injection angles include at least one of an upward tangential angle and a downward tangential angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Starlight Energy Holdings LLCInventors: Bart Kavanaugh, Donald W. Kendrick, Steven Kushnick, Steven R. Brncic, P.E.
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Publication number: 20110061395Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided fuel staging for a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and a vortex premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex. The combustion apparatus may be part of an engine, such as a gas turbine engine. The method comprises varying the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and vortex premixers as a function of load.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20110061390Abstract: A premixer is provided for injecting premixed fuel-air mixture into the inlet of a combustion apparatus. In one embodiment, the premixer assembly comprises a plurality of concentric, aerodynamic injector rings, with radially-directed injection holes. The injection holes have a plurality of different diameters, facilitating good mixing over a broad power range. Due to configuration and hole sizes, the assembly is gas or liquid compatible. The radial, concentric injection formation allows for a short injection path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20110061391Abstract: In one embodiment, a premixer is provided for use, e.g., with trapped vortex (TVC) combustors, that injects premixed fuel and air directly into the recirculating vortex, in a manner compatible with natural vortex flow in the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20110061392Abstract: In one embodiment, alternative combustion cavity layouts are provided for practicing fuel staging in a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and one or more vortex premixers, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex within each of one or more trapped vortex cavities. A plurality of TVC cavities, may, for example, be laid out axially, radially, peripherally, internally, or in combinations of such arrangements. These layouts may be used in conjunction with a fuel staging method whereby the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and the respective vortex premixers can be varied as a function of operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 7509811Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G. Chen, Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20080264357Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning one or more surfaces within a vessel having a vessel wall separating a vessel exterior from a vessel interior and having a wall aperture. The apparatus has at least one elongate conduit having an upstream first end and a downstream second end and positioned to direct a shockwave from the second end into the vessel interior. A source of fuel and oxidizer is coupled to the conduit to deliver the fuel and oxidizer to the conduit An initiator is positioned to initiate a reaction of the fuel and oxidizer to produce the shockwave. At least one sensor coupled to the conduit to detect motion indicative of a detonation. A control system coupled to the initiator, the source, and the sensor for receiving input from the sensor and controlling operation of the initiator and source responsive to said input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Erik G. Liljegren, Mark W. Parish, Raymond N. Henderson, Donald W. Kendrick, Kirk R. Lupkes
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Patent number: 7267134Abstract: A shockwave cleaning apparatus cleans one or more surfaces within a vessel. A sensor senses one or more thermodynamic properties associated with the vessel. A control system is coupled to an initiator and a fuel/oxidizer source to control the firing of the apparatus responsive to input from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: James R. Hochstein, Jr., Michael J. Aarnio, Donald W. Kendrick, Thomas R. A. Bussing, Robert R. Niblock
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Patent number: 7107772Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G. Chen, Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 7011047Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael J. Aarnio, Donald W. Kendrick, Thomas R. A. Bussing
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Patent number: 6962055Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G. Chen, Donald W. Kendrick
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Publication number: 20040060301Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved multi-point injector for use in a gas turbine engine or other types of combustors. The multi-point fuel injector has a plurality of nozzles arranged in at least two arrays such as concentric rings. The injector further has different fuel circuits for independently controlling the fuel flow rate for the nozzles in each of the arrays. Each of the nozzles include a fluid channel and one or more swirler vanes in the fluid channel for creating a swirling flow within the fluid channel. A method for injecting a fuel/air mixture into a combustor stage of a gas turbine engine is also described. At least one zone has a flame hot enough to stabilize the entire combustor flame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Alexander G. Chen, Donald W. Kendrick
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Patent number: 6141954Abstract: A premixing fuel injector for an industrial gas turbine engine includes an axially extending centerbody (58) and a pair of radially offset scrolls (18) bounding a mixing chamber (24). The leading end (28) of each scroll cooperates with the trailing end (34) of the neighboring scroll to define an intake slot (42) for admitting a stream of primary combustion air (44) tangentially into the mixing chamber. Fuel injection passages extend along each intake slot for injecting jets (76a, 76b) of primary fuel into the incoming airstream (44). The injector is operable in a prescribed or normal state, and in a degraded state associated with the presence of undesirable combustion inside the mixing chamber. The fuel injection passages are oriented and positioned so that the fuel jets issuing therefrom are ineffective at sustaining the undesirable combustion for more than a limited interval of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: William A. Sowa, Donald W. Kendrick, Louis M. Chiappetta