Patents Issued in December 1, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110293392
    Abstract: A storage container (108) for temporarily storing deposited waste (W) in a vacuum operated waste collection and management system has at least one waste deposit inlet (110A-C), a waste outlet section (120) with a waste discharge opening for the discharge of waste therefrom and a spiral conveyor (111) extended in a first direction through the container, towards the outlet section for assisting discharge of waste from the container via subatmospheric pressure applied through the outlet section. In such a container the spiral conveyor with a screw flight (111A) thereof extends through the waste outlet section and the outlet section includes a waste discharge opening being directed at a considerable angle to a centre axis of the spiral conveyor. Such a storage container may be employed in both vacuum operated waste collection systems of a stationary type and to such systems of a mobile type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ENVAC AB
    Inventor: Magnus Ekholm
  • Publication number: 20110293393
    Abstract: A hay bale transport device comprising a frame attached to a vehicle, a tower fastened on a pivot to the frame, a large hydraulic cylinder attached to both the tower and the frame, and a tower conveyor along the tower, with a side discharge conveyor at an opposite end of the tower to the pivot. The tower may have a plurality of spears inside a plurality of small hydraulic cylinders which are attached to the tower at the pivot. The plurality of spears engage at least one hay bale to the tower when the tower is in a vertical position, the large hydraulic cylinder lowers the tower to a horizontal position onto the frame, the tower conveyor rolls the hay bale onto the side discharge conveyor and finally the side discharge conveyor rolls the hay bale off of the vehicle bed. The present invention saves a cattle owner time and money by enabling a single operator with their truck to load, carry and unload a stack of hay bales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Roy Nuxoll
  • Publication number: 20110293394
    Abstract: A device for gathering and removing chicken litter from chicken houses and for compacting the litter onto a compost pile. The scraper, hauler and compacter cleans and levels the floor of a chicken house as the scraper is being pulled by a tow vehicle such as a small tractor. A tiltable container is filled with the litter as scraping is done. When the container is full, the apparatus is towed to a compost pile where the scraper is either backed onto the pile or can be pulled up onto the pile. The container is tilted and the tailgate is opened. The apparatus is configured such that the wheels are in the rear and when the container is tilted into an unloading position with the tailgate hanging down in front of the wheels, the tailgate levels the litter out as the apparatus is moved forward. The wheels compress the litter onto the compost pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin V. Koehn, Rusty L. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110293395
    Abstract: A transferring apparatus 1 includes a revolving base 13, two hand mechanisms 13 and 14, and two hand drive mechanisms 30 and 40. The hand mechanisms 13 and 14 are provided at a revolving base 13 so as to be rotatable about rotation axes L2 and L3, respectively. The hand mechanisms 13 and 14 are configured to be individually rotatable by hand drive mechanisms 30 and 40, respectively. Each of the hand mechanisms 13 and 14 includes an arm 20, a hand 21, and an interlock mechanism 26. The arms 21 are provided at the revolving link so as to be rotatable about the rotation axes L2 and L3, respectively. The hands 20 are respectively provided at the arms 21 so as to be rotatable about the hand axes L4 and L5, respectively. The interlock mechanism 26 is configured such that a reduction ratio of the hand 21 to the arm 20 is 1.55, and the arm 20 and the hand 21 operate in conjunction with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirohiko GOTO
  • Publication number: 20110293396
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus for transporting objects along a surface includes first and second slider arrangements for supporting an object to be transported. The first and second slider arrangements have a low friction lower surface and a high friction upper surface. The first and second slider arrangements are coupled by a common strap having first and second ends. The mobility apparatus further comprises a loop located near the second end, securing the second slider arrangement to a fixedly attached connection with the common strap. The mobility apparatus further includes first and second openings located in the first slider arrangement such that the first slider arrangement in an unloaded condition freely moves along an adjustment length of the common strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: WAXMAN CONSUMER PRODUCTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Smith, Paul K. Metaxatos
  • Publication number: 20110293397
    Abstract: End of arm tool (10) is used to load goods A and B in two layers in a packing container (8), with a packing insert positioned between the layers. The tool (10) also grasps a packing insert in the form of a flat sheet, bends the ends of the packing sheet downwardly to form an inverted U shape, and then inserts the packing insert in a straddling relationship about the lower layer of goods A, to protect the lower layer of goods from the weight applied by the upper layer of goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Roland Lomerson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110293398
    Abstract: An improved cornerboard that is usable to protect a corner of a shipping container is provided. The cornerboard reduces workforce required to secure the cornerboard to a plurality of shipping containers, such as a pallet of shipping containers. For example, the cornerboard permits a single individual to position cornerboards about the pallet of shipping containers and shrink wrap or otherwise secure the shipping containers with the cornerboards. In an embodiment, the cornerboard has a tab portion that is partially separable form the cornerboard and positionable between two shipping containers to prevent movement of the cornerboard and eliminate the need for an individual to hold the cornerboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: ANDY LEIBREICH, Mike Leibreich, Tom Leibreich
  • Publication number: 20110293399
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor within the stator on at least one set of bearings, the turbine having a brake which becomes operational following a predetermined level of bearing wear in order to avoid damage to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Dunne, James Ives
  • Publication number: 20110293400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unit comprising a hydraulic turbine (1), a duct (5) leading a forced flow of water to the turbine, a duct (8) discharging the outgoing flow from the turbine and vanes (20) for guiding the flow through the discharge duct. Each guide vane (20) is able to rotate about an axis (x22) secant to the wall (84) of the discharge duct. Means (30) are provided for controlling the angular position of the vane (20) about its axis of rotation (x22). Each guide vane (20) can also be retracted into the wall (84) of the discharge duct (8), and means (21) are provided for adjusting the extent to which they are withdrawn into the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM HYDRO FRANCE
    Inventors: Jacques Bremond, Joel Louis Pierre Marin, Farid Mazzouji, Daniele Bazin
  • Publication number: 20110293401
    Abstract: A turbomolecular pump includes: a rotor (30) formed with rotating blades (32) in a plurality of stages, and rotating at high speed; a plurality of fixed blades (33) arranged along axial direction of the pump so as to alternate with respect to the rotating blades (32); a pump housing (34) containing the rotating blades (32) and the fixed blades (33), and formed with an inlet opening (21a); a circular disk (150), provided close to the inlet opening of the rotor (30), and arranged so as to oppose a surface of the rotor (30) radially inward than a root portion of the rotating blades; and a cylindrical mesh structure (153a, 153b), disposed between the inlet opening (21a) and the rotor (30), and made by interlacing fine wires. Particles that strike the rotor and bounce off are captured internally in the mesh structure (153a, 153b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED, SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukiteru Sekita, Kazuma Kubota, Tsuyoshi Moriya, Eiichi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20110293402
    Abstract: A gas turbine including an inner casing and a rotor having rotatable blades with a shroud and a fin, and a cooling arrangement arranged in a cavity in the casing and about the rotatable blade. The blade shroud includes a protrusion extending away from the blade leading edge into the cavity and openings in the cavity wall for a cooling fluid. The protrusion is defined by angles in relation to the flow channel wall. The protrusion affects a vortex flow of cooling fluid entering through the openings and a vortex flow of hot gas entering from the flow channel into the cavity. The double-vortex formation reduces a mixing of the cooling flow with the hot gas flow and increases the efficiency of the cooling arrangement of the blade shroud and cavity walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Erich Kreiselmaier, Chiara Zambetti, Thomas Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20110293403
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a blade monitoring system includes: at least one computing device configured to monitor a compressor during a load change by performing actions comprising: extracting a dynamic component of a blade time-of-arrival (TOA) deviation signal in response to the load change on the compressor; calculating, using the dynamic component, at least one of: a natural frequency of the GT compressor blade during the load change, an overshoot of the GT compressor blade during the load change, a rise time of the compressor blade during the load change, a damping factor of the compressor blade during the load change, or a settling time of the GT compressor blade after the load change; and determining whether the GT compressor blade is damaged based upon the at least one of: the natural frequency, the overshoot, the rise time, the damping factor, or the settling time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Vivek Venugopal Badami
  • Publication number: 20110293404
    Abstract: An underwater hydroelectric turbine comprises a turbine housing having an inlet and an outlet, a central shaft extending axially inside the turbine housing, a self-contained, sealed front bearing unit for rotationally supporting a front end of the central shaft, and a self-contained, sealed rear bearing unit for rotationally supporting a rear end of the central shaft. The front bearing unit and the rear bearing unit each comprises a self-powered lubricant circulation system that draws a fraction of the mechanical power from rotation of the central shaft to circulate lubricant through each respective bearing unit. The turbine may have an equilibrium chamber for automatically balancing lubricant pressure inside a lubricant-containing chamber of the bearing chambers with ambient water pressure outside the bearing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GESTION RSW INC.
    Inventors: Imad Hamad, Guy Arnaud, Georges Dick
  • Publication number: 20110293405
    Abstract: A hydromechanical device arranged to be provided in a streaming water for generating power. A first inlet conduit is arranged to convey a first flow of water. A second inlet conduit is arranged to convey a second flow of water. A switching device is provided immediately downstream the inlet conduits. A turbine is provided downstream the switching device. The switching device is arranged to convey in an alternating order, the first flow and the second flow to the turbine in such a way that the first flow and the second flow alternately drives the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: IBRANOVA LIMITED
    Inventor: Ismo Pentikäinen
  • Publication number: 20110293406
    Abstract: A variable-pitch vane for a stator stage including includes an active part of the vane either side of which are positioned a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform, where the active part of the vane, which has a surface forming a convex surface, and a surface forming a concave surface, separate the platform into a part positioned on the convex side and a part positioned on the concave side. Seen along the direction of the vane's axis of rotation, the part has an outer outline superimposed on a circle, at the distance of which, and inside which, is at least a part of the outer outline of the part of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Aude Abadie, Claude Robert Louis Lejars
  • Publication number: 20110293407
    Abstract: A turbine section includes a housing and a blade outer air seal to be mounted on the housing. A flex beam mounts the blade outer air seal onto the housing, with the flex beam being supported on the housing, but free to move relative to the housing. A pressure air chamber is formed on an opposed side of the flex beam from the blade outer air seal. A source of pressurized air is delivered into the chamber to cause the flex beam to move the blade outer air seal toward and away from a central axis of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Joel H. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110293408
    Abstract: A turbomachine is disclosed. The turbomachine includes a rotor, a plurality of blades arranged side by side on the rotor in a circumferential direction, and a plurality of sealing apparatuses each disposed on a respective blade shaft of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of sealing apparatuses includes first and second bottom plates protruding in a respective axial direction on the respective blade shaft and first and second bulkheads which extend in a radial direction along the respective blade shaft and form a double-walled seal in the axial direction. A respective rounded or parabolic transitional cross-section from the bottom plates to the bulkheads is provided and at least one of the bulkheads is offset with respect to a blade root edge of the respective blade shaft in a direction toward a radial longitudinal axis of the respective blade shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Feldmann, Markus Uecker, Benedikt Heidenreich, Dieter Freno
  • Publication number: 20110293409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of repairing a flange of a casing for an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the flange including at least one through hole for passing a bolt for fastening equipment, the hole opening out in a face of the flange that is worn by friction against the equipment. The method consists in mounting a bearing member on the flange, the bearing member comprising a radial wall covering the worn face of the flange, said wall including a hole that comes into register with the hole in the flange and having thickness for compensating the wear of the face of the flange, said member further including an abutment for bearing against the periphery of the flange, and being fastened to the flange by adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Patrick Jean-Louis REGHEZZA, Julien Tran
  • Publication number: 20110293410
    Abstract: A turbine shroud apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate turbine shroud segment of low-ductility material and having a cross-sectional shape defined by opposed forward and aft walls, and opposed inner and outer walls, the walls extending between opposed first and second end faces. At least a portion of each of the forward and aft walls is oriented at an acute angle to the outer wall. Radially inner ends of the forward and aft walls are substantially closer together than radially outer ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Willard Marusko, Joseph Charles Albers, Aaron Michael Dziech, Christopher Ryan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110293411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a honeycomb core structure (202) for use in a structural panel for a jet engine nacelle, comprising at least one block with a honeycomb core (A, B) having a central part (5a, 5b) with core honeycomb cells (7a, 7b) and at least two lateral parts (9a, 9b) each comprising a number of honeycomb joining cells (11a, 11b) of which at least one part of the honeycomb joining cells (11a, 11b) has at least one additional wall (201a, 201b) to form a join, the honeycomb core block(s) (A, B) being connected by at least one joint zone (213) formed by punching two additional walls (201a, 201b) superimposed one o the other and provided by honeycomb joining cells (11a, 11b) belonging to the distinct lateral parts (9a, 9b). The invention further relates to a structural panel and a nacelle comprising such a structure (202) and a method for producing such a structure (202).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Thierry Deschamps, Bertrand Desjoyeaux, John Moutier
  • Publication number: 20110293412
    Abstract: A turbine engine vane assembly assembled using an anti-retention pin method can include a vane assembly having a vane supported on a shroud ring and a cavity seal coupled to the vane assembly by a securement mechanism. The cavity seal defines a securement receiving portion through which the securement mechanism is inserted. The securement receiving portion also includes a deformation receiver. The securement mechanism has a deformable rim at a first end and a key at a second end. The securement is rotatable between a first configuration and a second configuration where the key matingly engages the shroud ring and the cavity seal to reduce axial movement of the vane assembly. The deformable rim can be deformed into the deformation receiver to prevent rotation of the securement mechanism and disengagement of the securement mechanism from the vane assembly and cavity seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gennadiy Afanasiev
  • Publication number: 20110293413
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which protects various features of ceiling fixtures, such as fans, chandeliers, lights, and other fixtures, during painting and remodeling processes. The presently disclosed apparatus may be installed and removed quickly and easily, and both disposable and reusable embodiments are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AH-HA Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn R. May, Tracy G. Hinterman
  • Publication number: 20110293414
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device (9) designed to be arranged in a junction region of a nacelle, comprising a locking system (10), intended to be mounted on a first half-shell of the nacelle, engaging with a retention member (11) intended to be mounted on a second half-shell, the locking system (10) being actuable between a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to the retention number (11), the locking system (10) and the retention member (11) being movable with respect to one another between a drawn-together position in which they can be locked with respect to one another and a spaced-apart position. The locking system (10) and/or the retention member (11) comprise locking means (25) designed to allow the locking system (10) to be locked with respect to the retention member (11) when they are in the drawn-together position and to prevent them from being locked when they are in the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pascal-Marie Paul Marcel Soulier, Aurélie De Sorbay
  • Publication number: 20110293415
    Abstract: The present utility model relates to ventilation products, and particularly to a drum fan. The drum fan comprises a cylindrical housing (1), a front grid guard (3) at a front end face of the cylindrical housing (1), a rear grid guard (4) at a rear end face of the cylindrical housing (1) and fan blades (2) for wind supply, characterized in that the fan blades (2) are totally or partially disposed outside the rear end face of the cylindrical housing (1). The drum fan is advantageous in a large wind supply, a low noise and a longer wind supply distance and can be extensively applied in factories, farms, warehouses and other public sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: JIANGMEN KEYE ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiangming He, Guanglian Lin
  • Publication number: 20110293416
    Abstract: There is provided a hydropower plant having a flow passage in the form of an S-pipe and having first, second and third portions. The flow passage has a first diameter and a first center line in the first portion and a second diameter and a second center line in the third portion. A spacing is provided between the first and second center lines. The hydropower plant further has turbine blades in the first portion and a generator coupled to the turbine blades by a shaft in the third portion. The flow passage substantially comprises steel in the region of the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Publication number: 20110293417
    Abstract: In order to provide a wind turbine generator and an operation method of the wind turbine generator which is not subjected to damages caused by foreign objects inside a rotor hub, the wind turbine generator comprises blades, a rotor hub to which the blades are fixed, a rotating shaft such as a main shaft and a coupling being connected to the rotor hub and rotating with the rotor hub, a FO detection sensor arranged inside the rotor hub for detecting a foreign object inside the rotor hub, a brake device such as a pitch control unit and a parking brake for stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a controller for controlling the brake device to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft when the FO detection sensor detects the foreign object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISIHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD
    Inventor: Naota Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110293418
    Abstract: In a conventional technique, a shutdown sequence indicating a sequential operation from a start of the feathering of a wind turbine to the stop is started in response to an alert signal caused by an external factor. In the present invention, when the alert is called off during the shutdown sequence, the shutdown sequence is stopped, and the recovery control by which the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade is controlled toward the fine state is performed. By such a control, the stop period of the wind turbine under the shutdown can be shortened, so that the decrease in the operating rate of the wind farm can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsuya BABA
  • Publication number: 20110293419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for harvesting wind energy from air exhausted by other systems. Ventilation and heat exchange systems force air movement using fans. Exhaust airflow may also be the result of a combustion system. The exhaust air is generally wasted as it is diffused back to the atmosphere. Significant energy may be recovered from this exhaust air using relatively small turbines inserted into the airflow. Careful positioning of the turbine maximizes the recovery efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Hisanori Koya, David William Yang, Roland Emlyn Williams
  • Publication number: 20110293420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade comprising a device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of the blade in an area of the trailing edge, and activation mechanisms for controlling the position and/or movement of the device. The device is at least partly divided into a number of sections by interstices or connecting portions having a higher elasticity. Hereby the overall longitudinal bending flexibility of the device is increased which in turn increases the operability of the aerodynamic device and reduces the wear of the system. The interstices may be open, comprise a filler material, or optionally be covered by an elastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Mark Hancock
  • Publication number: 20110293421
    Abstract: A rotor blade includes a bleed path opening to a suction surface, extending through the blade, exiting to at least one of the suction or a trailing surface, and through which working fluid flows under centrifugal pumping forces when the blade rotates, to passively bleed working fluid from the suction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brett W. Denner, Neal D. Domel
  • Publication number: 20110293422
    Abstract: A high pressure turbine (HPT) blade includes a substantially arcuate trailing edge including one or more fluid injection elements disposed therein. Each fluid injection element injects a fluid such as air into a desired trailing edge region of the HPT blade or vane to enhance mixing out of the wakes generated via the HPT blade or vane. The enhanced mixing out reduces HPT/LPT interaction losses and/or the axial gap between the HPT and LPT components in a gas turbine engine. The interaction losses include unsteady thermal wake segregation effects that lead to unexpected heat-up of endwalls (planforms and blade/vane-tips) of downstream blades/vanes, and further include aerodynamic losses, both transonic and subsonic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anurag Gupta, Jixian Yao
  • Publication number: 20110293423
    Abstract: An article is described, including an inner surface which can be exposed to a first fluid; an inlet; and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface, which can be exposed to a hotter second fluid. The article further includes at least one row or other pattern of passage holes. Each passage hole includes an inlet bore extending through the substrate from the inlet at the inner surface to a passage hole-exit proximate to the outer surface, with the inlet bore terminating in a chevron outlet adjacent the hole-exit. The chevron outlet includes a pair of wing troughs having a common surface region between them. The common surface region includes a valley which is adjacent the hole-exit; and a plateau adjacent the valley. The article can be an airfoil. Related methods for preparing the passage holes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, Benjamin Paul Lacy
  • Publication number: 20110293424
    Abstract: A lightning protection system is provided for a wind turbine blade via charge initiation (Charge Initiated Lightning Protection). The lightning protection system includes at least one electric charge generator for generating electric charge at a lightning receptor of the wind turbine blade such that an electrostatic field is generated at the lightning receptor leading lightning current directly to the lightning receptor. Additionally a wind turbine blade having at least one such lightning protection system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Florian Krug, Bastian Lewke
  • Publication number: 20110293425
    Abstract: There is provided a wind turbine generator that includes an improved grease supply and discharge system of lubricant oil used in a blade rotating ring bearing of a wind turbine blade, and can reliably recover discharged grease. The wind turbine generator includes a pitch control mechanism that can adjust a pitch angle of the wind turbine blade via the blade rotating ring bearing provided between the wind turbine blade and a rotor head, a grease supply and discharge device is provided in the rotor head, and the grease supply and discharge device includes a grease supply device that pumps lubricant oil in a supplied grease tank with a grease supply pump and supplies the lubricant oil to the blade rotating ring bearing, and a grease discharge device that forcibly sucks and recovers the discharged grease from the blade rotating ring bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Numajiri, Yoshihiro Fujioka, Atsushi Imanaga
  • Publication number: 20110293426
    Abstract: An adjusting device is provided for pivoting blades of a rotor via a transmission that is actuatable by a co-rotating, axially-displaceable actuating shaft. The adjusting device includes a roller bearing having a first side or ring that is attachable to the actuating shaft and a second side or ring connected with an actuating body that is non-rotatably supported in a support body. The adjusting device further includes a screw drive that axially displaces the actuating body within the support body to thereby linearly actuate the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Thomas Fucks, Jean Pierre Grattler, Laurent Benoit
  • Publication number: 20110293427
    Abstract: A rotor for a rotary wing aircraft is provided, which includes a hub and a number of rotor blades. Each rotor blade includes an elongate central body that has a leading edge and a flap along the leading edge. The body is pivotally connected to the hub, to pivot about a longitudinal pivot axis, and the flap is pivotally attached to the body. The rotor blade includes a leading camber adjustment mechanism that pivots the flap downwards relative to the body when the body is pivoted in a direction in which its leading edge is lifted. Similarly, the rotor blade has a trailing flap and a trailing camber adjustment mechanism that pivots the trailing flap downwards relative to the body when the body is pivoted in a direction in which its trailing edge is lifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Alan Beachy Head
  • Publication number: 20110293428
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the contact surfaces of abutting shroud segments of adjacent blades of a rotor blade row of a gas turbine includes providing a 3-D model of an individual blade. A geometry of the individual blade is calculated using the 3-D model while considering centrifugal forces, temperature stresses and pressure loads experienced in a loaded state of the blade during operation. The contact surfaces of the abutting shroud segments of adjacent blades are optimized in the loaded state of the blade. The optimization includes the surfaces of functionally serving interlocking surfaces and functionally serving wedge surfaces disposed on each side of the interlocking surfaces. A geometry of the interlocking surfaces and of the wedge surfaces in an unloaded state corresponding to the optimized contact surfaces in the loaded state of the blade is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Igor Tsypkaykin, Andre Saxer
  • Publication number: 20110293429
    Abstract: The blade dovetails and associated dovetail slots of a gas turbine engine rotor assembly are shaped so that during windmilling the high stress regions of the blade dovetails are shielded from rubbing against the disk and vice versa. Bumper surfaces are provided in low stress regions of the dovetail assembly such that the windmilling contact points between the blade dovetails and the disk are in non-critical areas of the dovetail assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Barry Barnett, Philippe Bonniere
  • Publication number: 20110293430
    Abstract: A turbine assembly has a casing, a turbine ring and a blade. The blade has a root portion having an axially extending first shape, an airfoil attaching to the root portion and having a trailing edge and a radially outward tip. The tip has a first portion disposed in parallel to the axis of rotation for minimizing escape of air between the tip and the casing and a second portion extending aft from the first portion at an inward angle. The ring has a cut-out having a second shape mating with the first shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shihming Jan
  • Publication number: 20110293431
    Abstract: Single-crystalline or stem-shaped turbine blades are difficult to produce. A turbine blade is provided which has varying structures for different areas of the turbine blade, wherein the airfoil region always includes a stem-shaped or single crystalline structure and the other regions may deviate therefrom. A method for producing the turbine blade is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Harald Harders, Oliver Lüsebrink
  • Publication number: 20110293432
    Abstract: Wind turbine blade comprising two or more blade sections each of which defines a non-joint zone and, at one or each of its ends, a joint zone. The blade sections are connected in pairs such that the joint zones of each pair are connected at a joint, whereby the joint is positioned between two non-joint zones. At least one of the joints have an increased thickness and a wider chord relative to the thickness and the chord of the two non-joint zone between which the joint is positioned so as to increase the second moment of inertia in the area of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Paul Hibbard, Mark Hancock
  • Publication number: 20110293433
    Abstract: Edgewise stiffness of a wind turbine blade is enhanced by arranging a tension element between anchor points at the ends of a load bearing member in the turbine blade such as a spar or a beam. The tension element is spaced away from the load bearing member on the trailing edge side of the load bearing member by struts and acts as a suspension cable. Several tension elements may be used and a similar tension element may be arranged on the leading edge side of the load bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Carsten Hein Westergaard
  • Publication number: 20110293434
    Abstract: A method of casting a component (42) having convoluted interior passageways (44). A desired three dimensional structure corresponding to a later-formed metal alloy component is formed by stacking a plurality of sheets (18, 20) of a fugitive material. The sheets contain void areas (22) corresponding to a desired interior passageway in the metal alloy component. A ceramic slurry material is cast into the three dimensional structure to form either a ceramic core (34) or a complete ceramic casting vessel (38). If just a ceramic core is formed, a wax pattern is formed around the ceramic core and an exterior ceramic shell (38) is formed around the wax pattern by a dipping process prior to the removal of the fugitive material and wax. An alloy component having the desired interior passageway is cast into the casting vessel after the fugitive material is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Gary B. Merrill, Andrew J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20110293435
    Abstract: A composite blade (26) comprises a three-dimensional arrangement of reinforcing fibres (58) and a matrix material (60) infiltrated around the three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibres (60). The three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibres (58) defines a plurality of cavities (56) within the aerofoil (28). The composite blade (26) comprises an aerofoil portion (38) and a root portion (36). The aerofoil portion (38) comprises a leading edge (44), a trailing edge (46), a concave pressure surface wall (50), a convex suction surface wall (52) and a tip (48). The aerofoil portion (36) comprises a plurality of webs (54) extending between, and being secured to, the concave pressure surface wall (50) and the convex suction surface wall (52) to produce a Warren girder structure. The three-dimensional arrangement of woven reinforcing fibres (58) are arranged to produce the concave pressure surface wall (50), the convex suction surface wall (52) and the plurality of webs (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Alison J. McMillan
  • Publication number: 20110293436
    Abstract: A turbine blade comprising a root portion, and an airfoil portion extending outward from the root portion and defining a blade tip at an outermost end thereof. The airfoil portion having a pressure side and a suction side opposite the pressure side, and including a stiffening rib at the blade tip. The stiffening rib extends in a substantially tangential direction on the pressure side of the airfoil portion of the turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Domenico Di Florio, Aldo Abate
  • Publication number: 20110293437
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade is provided having a base body with a base material and at least one coating of the base body with a coating material, wherein the coating material includes a composite material with conductive particles. The composite material includes fiber glass. In one embodiment, the fiber glass forms a glass fiber mat. Additionally a method for manufacturing such a wind turbine blade is provided. The method includes: a) providing the base body of the wind turbine blade; and b) applying the coating on a surface of the base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Florian Krug, Bastian Lewke
  • Publication number: 20110293438
    Abstract: In one aspect, a pump for moving air includes an inlet, an outlet, an outer housing adapted to couple to an inflatable device, and an inner housing located within the outer housing. An air conduit is defined between the inner housing and the outer housing. A motor is at least partly positioned within the inner housing, and a plurality of vanes are positioned within the air conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20110293439
    Abstract: The invention reduces waste of flow volume of pressurized oil discharged from a hydraulic pump when the rotational speed of a cooling fan is increased to the target rotational speed. The target rotational speed of the cooling fan is set at a target rotational speed setting portion. An acceleration pattern for increasing the cooling fan to the target rotational speed is set at an acceleration pattern setting portion based on the rotational speed of the cooling fan, the target rotational speed set at the target rotational speed setting portion, and magnitude of force due to inertia of the cooling fan and the hydraulic motor. The rotational speed command value calculation portion controls the pressurized oil to be supplied to the hydraulic motor at a flow rate required. Thus, it is possible to reduce wasted relief flow volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imaizumi, Minoru Wada
  • Publication number: 20110293440
    Abstract: A sucker rod pump with no travelling valve consisting of, from the bottom: hold down with pump inlet, lower standing valve, hollow coupling, upper standing valve suspended within the coupling, relief valve, hollow pump housing, solid piston within the housing, and barrel to clean and retain the piston in the housing. The piston attaches to and reciprocating with the rod string. Peripheral channels in the relief valve communicate between the coupling and the housing. A central channel in the relief valve communicates between the upper standing valve and the pump's outlets. The upstroke pulls fluid from the bottom of the well upward through the open lower standing valve, around the closed upper standing valve and into the housing chamber. The down stroke pushes fluid from the housing chamber past the closed lower standing valve and through the open upper standing valve to the pump's exit into the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Gene Fisher
  • Publication number: 20110293441
    Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, a pump system is provided. The pump system includes a pump casing having a process fluid inlet chamber connected to a process fluid inlet through the pump casing, and a process fluid outlet chamber connected to a process fluid outlet through the pump casing. The pump system also includes rotors disposed inside the process fluid inlet chamber and the process fluid outlet chamber. The rotors are configured to pump a process fluid from the process fluid inlet chamber to the process fluid outlet chamber. In addition, the pump casing comprises one or more fluid injection inlets axially located between the process fluid inlet and the process fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Deloyd Anderson, Vasanth Srinivasa Kothnur, Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo