Patents Issued in June 20, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130152561
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generator apparatus may include a high temperature member having an exhaust pipe, a ring-shaped first heat transfer plate surrounding the exhaust pipe, and a plurality of first heat exchange pins radially extending outwards from the first heat transfer plate in a predetermined degree, a low temperature member having an internal casing surrounding the exhaust pipe, an external casing surrounding the internal casing with a predetermined gap, a ring-shaped second heat transfer plate contacting with an internal wall of the internal casing, and a plurality of second heat exchange pins radially extending inwards from the second heat transfer plate in a predetermined angle, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules being in contact with the first heat exchange pins and the second heat exchange pins so as to generate electricity using a thermoelectric phenomenon caused by a temperature gap between the first heat exchange pins and the second heat exchange pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ho-Chan AN, Jong-Ho SEON
  • Publication number: 20130152562
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generator may include a high temperature member having an exhaust pipe, and a ring-shaped first heat transfer plate equipped with a first flange installed on an external wall of the exhaust pipe and formed along a longitudinal direction of the exhaust pipe, a low temperature member having a first coolant pipe enclosing an external wall of the exhaust pipe, and a ring-shaped second heat transfer plate installed inside the first coolant pipe, and on which a second flange extends along a longitudinal direction of the first coolant pipe, and ring-shaped thermoelectric modules, which may be formed by joining a P-shaped semiconductor and an N-shaped semiconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ho-Chan An, Jong-Ho Seon
  • Publication number: 20130152563
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold including a manifold body made of a first material and at least one heat shield insert provided inside the manifold body and made of a second material. The first material is a low cost material and the second material is a higher grade, temperature-resistant material. The manifold body includes a plurality of runners, collector and an outlet. The shield insert is preferably provided in the collector region adjacent to the outlet. The heat shield insert may have a curved sheet configuration or a tubular configuration depending on applications. The heat shield properly insulates the manifold body from the exhaust gas to protect the manifold body. The exhaust manifold, which is made from a combination of different materials, provides a more cost-effective solution in high temperature applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: WESCAST INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: WESCAST INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130152564
    Abstract: A hill hold control system and method for a closed loop transmission of a machine is disclosed that includes performing the following steps while the transmission is in neutral: sensing motor shaft movement; and generating fluid flow to offset motor shaft movement and cause substantially zero shaft movement. The method can include comparing a brake timer to a delay value, and activating a brake when the timer exceeds the delay value. The method can include sensing when a brake is applied, and discontinuing the step of generating fluid flow to offset motor shaft movement when a brake is applied. Motor shaft movement can be sensed by sensing rotational speed. Generating fluid flow to offset motor shaft movement can include determining direction and magnitude of fluid flow as a function of the sensed movement; and adjusting the direction and magnitude of fluid flow based on recurring readings of the sensed movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Bryon P. Neumann, Chris J. McDonald, Mark E. Breutzman
  • Publication number: 20130152565
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a swing motor driven by pressurized fluid to swing a body of the machine relative to an undercarriage, and a first circuit fluidly connecting the pump to the swing motor. The hydraulic system may also have an energy recovery motor mechanically connected to the swing motor, at least one accumulator, and a second circuit fluidly connecting the at least one accumulator to the energy recovery motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Jeremy T. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20130152566
    Abstract: System for converting mechanical energy such as ocean power into fluid power which is directed to energy conversion systems or other purposes. Included are fluid inflatable containers arranged to receive mechanical energy from a plunger mounted on a shaft, such that the flexible wall of the container forms a rolling lobe in response to changes in volume, enclosed within a drum, said shaft running axially through the drum and coupled to the drum by bearings so that the drum and shaft may move in relation to one another, a vane runs longitudinally on the drum and extending radially from an attachment point at the inner surface of the drum to the surface of the shaft. The mechanical energy is connected directly or indirectly to either the shaft or to the drum. Mechanical forces cause the plunger to press into the fluid inflatable container expelling fluid and creating fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CBE GLOBAL HOLDING, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Childers, Jonathan N. Blitz, James Carucci, Ronald Draper
  • Publication number: 20130152567
    Abstract: The Lungie Pet Leash system uses an elastic material attached to a static control leash to: reduce and/or eliminate the effects of sudden impact, hyper-extension or other forces caused by a pet's movements; avoid being pulled off balance, or injured; prevent or lessen injury to a pet from sudden stopping during a full tilt run. The system allows for control and training of a creature without having the control associated directly with the trainer. The optional configuration allows for choice to use direct control without the shock absorbing feature. In all applications the Lungie is attachable to an existing restraint provided by the end user. Applications include, but are not limited to, control and protection of children, animals and other creatures requiring handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Clair Pockrandt
  • Publication number: 20130152568
    Abstract: In various embodiments, valve efficiency and reliability are enhanced via use of hydraulic or magnetic valve actuation, valves configured for increased actuation speed, and/or valves controlled to reduce collision forces during actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Modderno, Samar Shah, Randall Strauss, Joel Berg, Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, David Perkins, Arne LaVen
  • Publication number: 20130152569
    Abstract: A method for efficiently decelerating a vehicle having front and rear wheel brakes by isolating the rear wheel brakes and applying pressurized brake fluid only to the front wheel brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY
    Inventor: Arnold H. Spieker
  • Publication number: 20130152570
    Abstract: A fluid flow path control unit includes a fluid supply unit supplying fluid to a hydraulic connection/disconnection unit and a fluid supplied portion, and a flow path selector valve disposed on a fluid flow path between the fluid supply unit and the fluid supplied portion or stradding between a hydraulic path communicating between the fluid supply unit and the hydraulic connection/disconnection unit and the fluid flow path. The selector valve includes a valve element switchable between a first operating position and a second operating position, a restoration member biasing the valve element from the second position toward the first position and a fluid chamber accomodating fluid biasing the valve element from the first position toward the second position. The fluid flow path has a flow path resistance differing between when the valve element is in the first position and when the valve element is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshinoya, Shigeru Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20130152571
    Abstract: In various embodiments, valve efficiency and reliability are enhanced via use of hydraulic or magnetic valve actuation, valves configured for increased actuation speed, and/or valves controlled to reduce collision forces during actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffery Modderno, Samar Shah, Randall Strauss, Joel Berg, Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, David Perkins, Arne LaVen
  • Publication number: 20130152572
    Abstract: In various embodiments, valve efficiency and reliability are enhanced via use of hydraulic or magnetic valve actuation, valves configured for increased actuation speed, and/or valves controlled to reduce collision forces during actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Madderno, Samar Shah, Randall Strauss, Joel Berg, Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, David Perkins, Arne LaVen
  • Publication number: 20130152573
    Abstract: When the actuator drive torque of a hydraulic pump is lower than a switching torque ?0, a controller closes a solenoid switching valve and makes a rotary electric machine function as a generator. With the increase in the actuator drive torque, the controller controls a pressure compensated flow control valve so that the flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump to a rotary hydraulic device decreases. When the actuator drive torque is higher than the switching torque, the controller opens the solenoid switching valve, makes the rotary electric machine function as an electric motor, and controls the pressure compensated flow control valve so that the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump is not supplied to the rotary hydraulic device. Consequently, shocks due to flow rate fluctuation are prevented when operational states of the rotary hydraulic device and the rotary electric machine are switched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Tsuruga, Kiwamu Takahashi, Hajime Ishii, Hajime Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20130152574
    Abstract: A working vehicle travel control apparatus, comprising: a variable displacement hydraulic pump; a variable displacement hydraulic motor connected in a closed circuit to the hydraulic pump and driven upon pressure oil from the hydraulic pump; a first control unit controls a motor displacement angle of the hydraulic motor by an electrical signal; a constant mesh transmission includes a clutch device that includes a High clutch section transmits power at a first transmission gear ratio and a Low clutch section that transmits power at a second transmission gear ratio, which is greater than the first transmission gear ratio, the constant mesh transmission transmits or interrupts power from the hydraulic motor; and a second control unit controls the first control unit so as to reduce the motor displacement angle to a predetermined value when the transmission is switched from the first transmission gear ratio to the second transmission gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamazaki, Shouroku Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20130152575
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic driving apparatus for a working machine, preventing an excessive decrease in pressure on a meter-in side and moving a load at a stable speed in a lowering direction. The apparatus comprises: a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic actuator; a manipulation device; a working hydraulic circuit including a meter-in flow passage and a meter-out flow passage; a control valve for changing a state of supply of hydraulic fluid to drive the hydraulic actuator at a speed designated by the manipulation device; a meter-in flow adjuster and a meter-out flow adjuster adapted to adjust a meter-in flow rate and meter-in flow rate respectively to respective value corresponding to the speed designated by the manipulation device; and a relief valve. The meter-in and meter-out flow adjusters have respective flow adjustment characteristics such that the meter-in flow rate is greater than the meter-out flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.), Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
  • Publication number: 20130152576
    Abstract: A closed cycle system for waste heat recovery is provided. The system comprises: a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from an external heat source to a working fluid; an expander fluidly connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid and produce mechanical energy; a recuperator fluidly connected to an outlet of the expander and configured to remove heat from the working fluid; a condensing unit fluidly connected to an outlet of the recuperator and configured to condense the working fluid; and a pump fluidly connected to an outlet of the condensing unit and configured to pump the condensed working fluid back to the recuperator, wherein the recuperator is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger such that the working fluid follows a closed path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
  • Publication number: 20130152577
    Abstract: A compression vapor engine which, being at its core a cylinder and piston, the latter attached to a rotary wheel, moves the piston to compress air, thereby heating it; introduces water to the compressed air, converting it from liquid to vapor, water to steam; and uses the expanding steam to move the piston reciprocally: all organized as a reciprocal cylinder-piston engine creating continuing rotary movement which can be made to do work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: RALPH WILLIAM MOORE
  • Publication number: 20130152578
    Abstract: A power generation system in which a thermally expandable fluid, e.g., R134a, CO2, is circulated in a loop between a first location and a second location, the second location being at a higher elevation than the first location. The fluid is heated at the first location to expand it, so that it rises to the second location where it is cooled and contracted. The cooled fluid, being denser, then falls back to the first location under hydrostatic pressure, causing a circular fluid flow. This flow is used to generate power in a power transfer system. The system is regulated so that the fluid does not flash to a vapor, i.e., the fluid does not change state, which improves the efficiency of the system. The system is suitable for use in any situation where a height difference exists, and is particularly suited for geothermal heating sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: YELLOW SHARK HOLDING APS
    Inventor: Sigurd Solem
  • Publication number: 20130152579
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly made of a compensating tank and a master cylinder for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, wherein the compensating tank has two fastening attachments, each with an opening, wherein openings align with an opening in the master cylinder, and the compensating tank is fastened by a detachable connection by a fastening pin that extends through the aligned openings. In order to improve the installation and possible dismantling of the fastening pin, and at the same time to maintain an optimized assembly weight, the invention proposes that the fastening pin be made of plastic and interact in a positive- or force-locking manner with at least one of the openings of the fastening attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Peter Tandler, Stephan Schlicht
  • Publication number: 20130152580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating stable operation of an exhaust-gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine having a fresh-gas supply device, a switchover valve, a control device, a compressor for generating compressed air and an air-processing unit with a discharge valve. The compressor is operated in a suction intake mode in which the compressor is connected to an air inlet, and based on monitored operating parameters, the switchover valve switches the compressor from the suction intake mode into a pressure-charged in which the compressor is connected to an exhaust-gas turbocharger compressor. Based on monitored operating parameters when in the pressure-charged mode, the switchover valve switches the compressor from the pressure-charged mode into the suction intake mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130152581
    Abstract: A supercharging system (6) for an internal combustion engine includes a turbo charging device with a turbine (7) and a compressor (8), the compressor having a compressor shaft (8a); a planetary gear (25) coupled to the compressor shaft (8a) and a drive shaft (32); a clutch unit (18); a power transmission for connecting a crank shaft (4) of the combustion engine (1) to the drive shaft (32) via the clutch unit (18); and an electric motor or electric generator (20) connected to the drive shaft (32). The compressor shaft (8a) is at least on one end movably arranged between the compressor (8) and the planetary gear (25) to allow relative movements between the compressor (8) and the planetary gear (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KASI TECHNOLOGIES AB
    Inventor: Isak Lofgren
  • Publication number: 20130152582
    Abstract: To solve the problems of compressor wheel blade flow separation causing surge type noises when a compressor return or recirculation valve is opened or closed, bypass airflow from a compressor recirculation valve is fed into an annular volume, defined between inner and outer walls or shaped as a radially expanded, axially flattened cylindrical space in the compressor inlet, so that the generally unidirectional radial flow from the compressor recirculation valve is re-directed and organized as it is turned from generally radial to generally axial, merging with the general inlet flow and presenting the compressor wheel with airflow of “circumferentially uniform” flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Paul K. Anschel, David G. Grabowska, Brock Fraser
  • Publication number: 20130152583
    Abstract: A flow rate adjustment method for a variable geometry turbocharger may include steps as follows. An adjustment apparatus drives an actuator to an abutment position where a power transmission member abuts a stopper. The apparatus acquires the abutment position opening amount based on an opening detection sensor's signal. The apparatus drives the actuator until the detection amount attains a pre-set amount, moving the power transmission member to a temporary control position. The apparatus acquires a temporary control position flow rate. It is acquired when an adjustment gas inflow apparatus causes the adjustment gas to flow into an exhaust turbine, and a flow rate measurement sensor measures the flow rate of the adjustment gas. The apparatus obtains a correction amount based on a difference between the temporary control position flow rate and a real control position flow rate, which is a proper flow rate corresponding to the pre-set amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
  • Publication number: 20130152584
    Abstract: A method for correcting a total cylinder air flow during scavenging by way of an oxygen sensor is disclosed. Additionally, cylinder trapped air amount and cylinder scavenging air amount are adjusted based on the corrected total cylinder air flow. The approach may reduce sensitivity between cylinder air flow estimates and fuel supplied for combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Amey Y. Karnik
  • Publication number: 20130152585
    Abstract: Thermal expansion of U-shaped tubes is permitted to prevent damage to it. A heat exchanger includes a casing having a first fluid inlet provided at one end thereof and a first fluid outlet provided at the other end thereof, the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet being connected to each other via a first flow path extending in a straight line from the first fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; and multiple tube sets accommodated inside the casing so that a fluid that flows through the interiors thereof undergoes heat exchange with a fluid that flows via the first flow path. The multiple tube sets are arrayed along the first flow path, and multiple U-shaped tubes constituting the tube sets are fixed only to a tube plate disposed parallel to the first flow path and located at both ends of the U-shaped tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130152586
    Abstract: An integrated solar combined cycle power generation system includes a solar heat collector for collecting solar heat and generating solar heat steam; a gas turbine; a gas turbine exhaust heat recovery boiler; and a steam turbine; wherein the solar heat steam is decreased in temperature by a solar heat steam desuperheater under a normal condition, and the temperature decrease is stopped or a temperature decrease rate is reduced when the solar heat steam temperature falls due to a cause such as a sudden weather change, wherein the solar heat steam is joined to generated steam by a high-pressure drum or exit steam of a primary superheater, and wherein a main steam temperature control by a main steam temperature control valve is combined so that the main steam, the temperature of which is controlled to a predetermined temperature, is supplied to the steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitachi, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130152587
    Abstract: A system for warming up a steam turbine includes a gas turbine and a controller operably connected to the gas turbine. The controller is programmed to receive a plurality of measured input signals and control the gas turbine to produce an exhaust having a desired energy. A first measured input signal is reflective of a measured operating parameter of the gas turbine and a second measured input signal is reflective of an operating parameter of the steam turbine. A method for warming up a steam turbine includes sending a plurality of measured input signals to a controller, wherein a first measured input signal reflects a measured operating parameter of a gas turbine and a second measured input signal reflects an operating parameter of the steam turbine. The method further includes controlling the gas turbine based on the plurality of measured input signals and producing an exhaust from the gas turbine, wherein the exhaust has a desired energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Publication number: 20130152588
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an output of a pressure setting signal to automatically control a steam bypass control system includes a pressure setting signal output unit for outputting a pressure setting signal according to a cold leg temperature of a reactor coolant; a first logic value output unit for outputting a first logic value that is changed according to reactor power; a second logic value output unit for outputting a second logic value that is changed according to a temperature difference between an average temperature of the reactor coolant and a reference temperature; a NAND gate circuit unit for outputting an inverse logic value according to the first and second logic values; and a first output control unit for controlling whether to output the pressure setting signal according to the inverse logic value of the NAND gate circuit unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KEPCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
    Inventors: Myung Jun SONG, See Chae JEONG, Chan Eok PARK, Ju Han LEE, Jong Joo SOHN
  • Publication number: 20130152589
    Abstract: A steam turbine direct contact condenser prevents cooling water sprayed from spray nozzles from reaching turbine blades of an axial-flow turbine, while introducing turbine exhaust gases exhausted by a steam turbine in the horizontal direction to cool such gases. The condenser includes an exhaust gas inlet part that introduces the turbine exhaust gases containing steam of the steam turbine and non-condensable gases in the horizontal direction, a steam cooling chamber that sprays cooling water to the introduced turbine exhaust gases to cool them, and a water storage disposed at the bottom of the steam cooling chamber that stores condensed water cooled from the steam and the cooling water. The steam cooling chamber includes a first cooling water spraying mechanism and a second cooling water spraying mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Moriyama, Ryoji Muramoto, Yoshiki Oka
  • Publication number: 20130152590
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel delivery system which includes an external fuel manifold fastened to the outer surface of a casing surrounding the combustor of the engine and which includes a plurality of inlet manifold tubes circumferentially disposed in serial flow communication. A plurality of fuel nozzles are mounted to the casing and are axially spaced apart from the fuel manifold on the outer surface of the casing. A plurality of jumper tubes are disposed outside the casing and feed fuel flow from the fuel manifold to the fuel nozzles. The jumper tubes have a rigidity that is less than that of the inlet manifold tubes of the fuel manifold such that the jumper tubes elastically deflect under load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Aleksandar Kojovic, Saeid Oskooel, Bryan Bond
  • Publication number: 20130152591
    Abstract: A system of integrating baffles for enhanced cooling of CMC liners is comprised of a combustor assembly having a dome mount assembly, outer liner and inner liner. Liners include those manufactured from and in a process for CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite). One or more liner baffles such as outer baffle and inner baffle, are provided to reduce the pressure drop across the liner, allowing the addition of more cooling holes and thereby reducing the cooling hole spacing while not increasing the required amount of cooling air. CMC liners are incorporated, as desired, to take advantage of shapes and hole dispositions made possible by use of CMC over past designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130152592
    Abstract: A flow passage defined between an inner and an outer boundary for guiding a fluid flow in an axial direction. A flow control vane is supported at a radial location between the inner and outer boundaries. A fluid discharge opening is provided for discharging a flow of the compressed fluid from a trailing edge of the vane, and a fluid control surface is provided adjacent to the fluid discharge opening and extends in the axial direction at the trailing edge of the vane. The fluid control surface has a curved trailing edge forming a Coanda surface. The fluid discharge opening is selectively provided with a compressed fluid to produce a Coanda effect along the control surface. The Coanda effect has a component in the radial direction effecting a turning of the fluid flow in the flow path radially inward or outward toward one of the inner and outer boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Orosa, Pawel Matys
  • Publication number: 20130152593
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine may include an injector housing having a central cavity configured to be fluidly coupled to a combustor of the turbine engine. The central cavity may also be configured to direct a first fuel into the combustor substantially unmixed with air. The fuel injector may also include an annular air discharge outlet circumferentially disposed about the downstream end of the central cavity. The air discharge outlet may be configured to discharge compressed air into the combustor circumferentially about the first fuel from the central cavity. The fuel injector may also include an annular fuel discharge outlet circumferentially disposed about the air discharge outlet at the downstream end. The fuel discharge outlet may be configured to discharge a second fuel into the combustor circumferentially about the compressed air from the air discharge outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Gareth W. Oskam
  • Publication number: 20130152594
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes an injector housing having a central cavity configured to fluidly couple with a combustor of the gas turbine engine. The fuel injector may include a fuel nozzle at the upstream end of the central cavity. The fuel nozzle may be configured to direct a first fuel into the central cavity. The fuel injector may also include an annular air inlet disposed circumferentially about the fuel nozzle at the upstream end of the central cavity, and an annular air discharge outlet circumferentially disposed about the exit opening of the central cavity. The fuel injector may further include an annular fuel discharge outlet circumferentially disposed about the air discharge outlet. The fuel discharge outlet may be configured to discharge a second fuel into the combustor circumferentially around the air discharge outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Gareth W. Oskam
  • Publication number: 20130152595
    Abstract: Improved methods and systems for power plants with CO2 capture and especially power plants with CO2 capture for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander Alekseev, Rob Smith, Ramachandran Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20130152596
    Abstract: A fossil fuel-fired power station having a removal apparatus for carbon dioxide which is located downstream of a combustion facility and through which an offgas containing carbon dioxide may flow is provided. The removal apparatus comprises an absorption unit and a desorption unit. The desorption unit is connected to a renewable energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hermann Kremer, Nicolas Vortmeyer
  • Publication number: 20130152597
    Abstract: A system and method for flame stabilization is provided that forestalls incipient lean blow out by improving flame stabilization. A combustor profile is selected that maintains desired levels of power output while minimizing or eliminating overboard air bleed and minimizing emissions. The selected combustor profile maintains average shaft power in a range of from approximately 50% up to full power while eliminating overboard air bleed in maintaining such power settings. Embodiments allow for a combustor to operate with acceptable emissions at lower flame temperature. Because the combustor can operate at lower bulk flame temperatures during part power operation, the usage of inefficient overboard bleed can be reduced or even eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark David Durbin, Mark Anthony Mueller, Lance Kenneth Blakeman, David Albin Lind
  • Publication number: 20130152598
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine that includes a compressor section configured to generate compressed air and a combustor coupled to the compressor section. The combustor is configured to combust a first mixture comprising the compressed air and a first fuel to generate a first combustion gas. The gas turbine engine also includes a turbine section coupled to the combustor. The turbine section is configured to expand the first combustion gas to generate an exhaust gas. The gas turbine engine also includes a boiler coupled to the turbine section. The boiler is configured to combust a second mixture comprising a portion of the first combustion gas and a second fuel to generate a second combustion gas that is routed to the turbine section. In addition, the boiler generates a first steam from heat exchange with the second combustion gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Pradeep Stanley Thacker, Aaron John Avagliano
  • Publication number: 20130152599
    Abstract: A turbine power generation system with enhanced stabilization of refractory carbides provided by hydrocarbon from high carbon activity gases is disclosed. The disclosure also includes a method of using high carbon activity gases to stabilize hot gas path components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William Paul MINNEAR, Ronald Scott BUNKER, Narendra Digamber JOSHI, Andrei Tristan EVULET
  • Publication number: 20130152600
    Abstract: A method to detect shaft break includes monitoring first and second parameters and defining a two-dimensional parameter space that is a function of the first and second parameters, the two-dimensional parameter space includes integration regions. The method also includes defining an integration function for each integration region. For measured values of the first and second parameters, the method determines the applicable integration region and applies the integration function to the first parameter to give an integration result; and then sets a shaft break signal to TRUE when the integration result exceeds a predetermined threshold. The present invention also provides a shaft break detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130152601
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has, in flow series, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section. The gas turbine engine further has a system for cooling the turbine section and providing tip clearance control between turbine blades and circumferentially distributed segments forming an annular shroud surrounding the blades outer tips. The turbine section cooling sub-system diverts a first cooling air flow, regulated by a first valve arrangement, from the compressor section to a heat exchanger and then to the turbine section to cool its components. The tip clearance control sub-system supplies a second cooling air flow, regulated by a second valve arrangement, to an engine case where the segments are mounted, which regulates thermal expansion of the case and controls the clearance between the segments and outer tips. The system further includes a closed-loop controller which issues demand signals to the first and second valve arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130152602
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has, in flow series, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section. The engine further has a cooling system which diverts a cooling air flow received from the compressor section to a heat exchanger and then to the turbine section to cool a component thereof. The cooling air flow by-passes the combustor and is cooled in the heat exchanger. The cooling system has a valve arrangement which regulates the cooling air flow. The engine further has a closed-loop controller which estimates and/or measures one or more temperatures of the cooled component, compares values derived from the estimated and/or measured temperatures with one or more corresponding targets, and issues a demand signal to the valve arrangement based on the comparison and a value of the demand signal at a previous time step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Rolls-Royce PLC
  • Publication number: 20130152603
    Abstract: A combustion chamber in which the injection system is attached so as to prevent any axial motion of the injection system, the combustion chamber includes: a baffle including a tubular portion having a first upstream end surrounded by a first radially projecting collar; and an injection system including a bowl which includes a cylindrical portion inserted into the tubular portion, the cylindrical portion including a second upstream end surrounded by a second radially projecting collar, the second collar axially bearing against the first collar, wherein the combustion chamber includes a clamp which axially clamps the first and the second collars against one another, and a fastener which retains the clamp clamped on either side of the first and second collars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jacques Marcel Arthur Bunel, Brice Arnaud Demoulin, Mario César De Sousa, Guillaume Sevi
  • Publication number: 20130152604
    Abstract: A fluid temperature adjusting device includes: a heater configured to heat a fluid passing through a fluid passageway; a peltier module including a plurality of peltier elements, the peltier module configured to heat or cool the fluid passing through the fluid passageway; and a controller configured to supply thermal energy from both the heater and the peltier module to the fluid and switch magnitudes of an operation amount of the heater and an operation amount of the peltier module when heating the fluid so that the fluid is kept at a target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KELK LTD.
    Inventor: Kelk Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130152605
    Abstract: A fluid temperature adjusting device includes: a heater configured to heat a fluid passing through a fluid passageway; a peltier module including a plurality of peltier elements, the peltier module being configured to heat or cool the fluid passing through the fluid passageway; and a controller configured to divide a total thermal energy for keeping the fluid at a target temperature into a thermal energy to be supplied from the heater and a thermal energy to be supplied from the peltier module to give the total thermal energy from both the heater and the peltier module to the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KELK LTD.
    Inventor: Kelk Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130152606
    Abstract: A heating and cooling device includes a cylinder having a chamber for receiving a gas. A guiding groove is defined in an inner periphery of the chamber. A piston assembly is movably received in the chamber of the cylinder. The piston assembly includes first and second pistons and a connecting rod connected to the first and second pistons. The first piston is mounted to a side of the second piston and rotatable relative to the connecting rod. Each of the first and second pistons includes a plurality of openings. A guiding block is formed on an outer periphery of the first piston and is slideably received in the guiding groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Chang-Hsien TAI, Uzu-Kuei Hsu, Jr-Ming Miao, Geng-Ren Liu
  • Publication number: 20130152607
    Abstract: A process and plant for the vaporization of liquefied natural gas includes obtaining electric energy during the vaporization operation by way of thermal exchange by transformation of an energy source for obtaining electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Liberato CICCARELLI
  • Publication number: 20130152608
    Abstract: Provided are cryogenic injection compositions, methods and systems to introduce a cryogenic injection composition into a fluid within a conduit such that at least a portion of the temperature of the fluid is reduced to a temperature below which at least a portion of the fluid becomes a solid thereby reversibly plugging the conduit. Also provided are methods and systems for cooling or freezing a conduit and a fluid therein using a pressurized fluid cryogen as a thermal transfer fluid for controlled removal of thermal energy from a thermal conducting metal conduit and a fluid contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel X. Wray
  • Publication number: 20130152609
    Abstract: An adder adds a phase ?plus, which is n times a size of 60 degrees, to a phase output from a phase switching unit and outputs the phase as a voltage command phase ?. A voltage generation unit generates voltage command value based on the voltage command phase output by the adder and outputs the command value. A drive-signal generation unit, based on an output from the voltage generation unit generates drive signals corresponding to respective switching elements of an inverter, and outputs respective generated drive signals to the corresponding switching elements of the inverter, and generates a high-frequency AC voltage in the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Hatakeyama, Takuya Shimomugi, Shinya Matsushita, Naoki Wakuta, Tsutomu Makino, Shinsaku Kusube
  • Publication number: 20130152610
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for a frozen product dispenser is controlled to have a variable cooling capacity that is determined by variable cooling load demands of the dispenser. This is accomplished, in part, by providing the refrigeration system with a variable speed compressor and one or more adjustable expansion valves for metering refrigerant to associated evaporators that are heat exchange coupled to associated freeze barrels of the dispenser, and by controlling the metering setting of the expansion valves and the speed of operation of the compressor in accordance with the cooling load demands of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for efficient operation of the refrigeration system from an energy standpoint and for a reduction in on/off cycling of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Leaver, Gregory M. Billman