Patents Issued in February 6, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140033688
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to suppress a short circuit between a heat generation element and a case in an electrically heated catalyst. An electrically heated catalyst (1) according to the present invention is provided with a heat generation element (3), a case (4), an insulating support member (5) arranged between said heat generation element (3) and said case (4), an inner pipe (6) inserted into said insulating support member (5) with its ends protruding into an exhaust gas from end faces of said insulating support member (5), and a catalyst (10) having an oxidation function that covers at least outer peripheral surfaces of protrusion portions (6a, 6b) of said inner pipe (6) protruding into the exhaust gas from the end faces of said insulating support member (5), except for predetermined ranges which are in contact with the end faces of said insulating support member (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20140033689
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first passage and a second passage and discharge fluid into the other of the first and second passages, and an actuator coupled to the pump via the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may also have at least a first control valve fluidly connected between the first and second passages to selectively direct fluid from one of the first and second passages to bypass the pump and flow into the other of the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may further have at least a second control valve fluidly connected in parallel with the at least a first control valve to selectively direct fluid from one of the first and second passages to bypass the actuator and flow into the other of the first and second passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick OPDENBOSCH
  • Publication number: 20140033690
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a hydraulic actuator, and at least one valve configured to regulate fluid flows associated with the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may also have an operator interface device configured to generate a position signal indicative of a desired movement velocity of the hydraulic actuator, a mode switch movable to generate a mode signal indicative of desired operation in one of a normal control mode and a fine control mode, and a controller. The controller may be configured to move the at least one valve to a first position based on the position signal when the mode signal indicates desired operation in the normal mode, and to move the at least one valve to a second position based on the position signal when the mode signal indicates desired operation in the fine control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hillman, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Rustu Cesur
  • Publication number: 20140033691
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is provided. The hydraulic circuit includes a primary pump, a displacement actuator, a charge pump, a direction control valve, and a pressure control valve. The displacement actuator is associated with the primary pump. The charge pump is configured to generate a flow of a pilot fluid. The direction control valve is configured to control the flow of the pilot fluid to the displacement actuator to affect a movement direction of the displacement actuator. The pressure control valve is configured to control a pressure of the pilot fluid to affect a movement amount of the displacement actuator. Further, the hydraulic circuit includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the direction and the pressure control valves to adjust a displacement of the primary pump based at least on one of a sensed engine parameter or a mode of operation of the primary pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpilar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy T. PETERSON, Bryan E. NELSON
  • Publication number: 20140033692
    Abstract: A method for charging an accumulator is disclosed. The method includes pumping pressurized fluid from an output port of a hydraulic pump to the accumulator to charge the accumulator, and flowing makeup fluid from a hydraulic actuator system to an input port of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140033693
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system having at least an implement pump, a fan-steering-braking (FSB) pump, a valve assembly, a fan drive system and one or more accumulators. The method may determine an operational state of a power source associated with the hydraulic system, actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the FSB pump charges the accumulators and operates at least the fan drive system if the power source is operating at less than maximum power, and actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the accumulators operate at least the fan drive system and such that the FSB pump supplements the implement pump as needed if the power source is operating at maximum power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Edward Nelson, Jeremy Todd Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140033694
    Abstract: A vehicular torque converter includes: a pump impeller having a pump covering and vanes disposed within an output-side portion of the pump covering; a turbine impeller having vanes opposed to the pump impeller vanes; a stator impeller; a one-way clutch between the stator impeller and a stationary member; and a lock-up clutch configured to connect the turbine impeller to an inner surface of a wall of said pump covering. The vanes are offset with respect to the one-way clutch toward the output side. The vehicular torque converter further includes: a thrust bearing between the stator impeller and the turbine impeller, the thrust bearing having a sliding surface with respect to the stator impeller, the sliding surface being positioned radially outwardly of the one-way clutch and offset from an end face of each of sprags of the one-way clutch toward the output side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiya Yamashita, Takuya Okada
  • Publication number: 20140033695
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for a hydraulic excavator. The hydraulic system inputs rotary power from a rotary power producing means to a hydraulic pump to produce hydraulic power, and operates an actuator by the hydraulic power. A hydraulic oil drain line from the actuator is branched into a flow rate control line as a line connected to a spool of a flow rate control valve controllable by manipulation of a lever and a power regeneration line as a line connected to a variable displacement motor for converting hydraulic power of discharged hydraulic oil to reusable energy. A regeneration ratio control means is also arranged to control the variable displacement motor such that a flow rate of the power regeneration line satisfies a preset fixed ratio ? relative to a flow rate occurred in the flow rate control line by the manipulation of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20140033696
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrostatic drive with a closed hydraulic fluid circuit comprising a hydraulic motor and a variable displacement pump. A feed pump feeds hydraulic fluid under pressure. A control device regulates pressure to a double-sided servo control unit comprising a control piston in a double-sided control cylinder so that the control piston can open a feed line for hydraulic fluid to one side while opening a discharge line on the other. The control device comprises an actuator at the cylinder by means of which force can be exerted onto the piston. A preload element exerts force onto the piston. The pressure generated by the variable displacement pump returns via a return line such that force is exerted in the direction of the piston, if inactive, the piston is maintained by the preload element and the pressure of the variable displacement pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS GmbH & CO. OHG
    Inventor: Reinhardt THOMS
  • Publication number: 20140033697
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed having a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and second passage, and discharge fluid into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the passages, a charge circuit, a makeup valve movable to pass fluid from a higher pressure one of the first and second passages, and a force modulation control valve disposed between the makeup valve and the charge circuit. The force modulation control valve may be movable between a first position at which fluid passed from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into the charge circuit, and at least a second position at which fluid from the higher-pressure one of the first and second passages is directed into a lower-pressure one of the first and second passages and blocked from the charge circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick OPDENBOSCH
  • Publication number: 20140033698
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump configured to draw low-pressure fluid from one of a first and a second passage, and discharge fluid at an elevated pressure into the other of the passages. The hydraulic system may also have an actuator coupled to the pump via the first and second passages, a charge circuit, and a makeup valve movable by a pressure differential between the first and second passages to connect the charge circuit with a lower pressure one of the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may further have a first force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the second passage to bypass the actuator, and a second force modulation control valve configured to selectively direct fluid from the pump through the makeup valve to the first passage to bypass the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick OPDENBOSCH
  • Publication number: 20140033699
    Abstract: A travel control device for a work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump; a plurality of hydraulic motors connected to the hydraulic pump in parallel through a closed-circuit connection, that drive different wheels with pressure oil delivered from the hydraulic pump; a slip detection device that detects a slip occurring at each of the wheels; and a flow control device that reduces, upon detection of a slip occurring at any of the wheels by the slip detection device, a quantity of pressure oil supplied to a hydraulic motor for driving the wheel at which the slip has been detected, among the plurality of hydraulic motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Udagawa, Eiji Egawa, Tsukasa Toyooka, Makoto Sugaya, Hideo Sorata, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Akira Nakayama, Kazuo Takiguchi, Kensuke Satou
  • Publication number: 20140033700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic energy store (1) having a first (2) and a second fluid reservoir (6), the fluid levels (4, 12) of which extend at different heights, which are connected to one another via a turbine/pump arrangement (10) and during the operation of which a fluid (3) can be moved to and fro between the first (2) and second fluid reservoir (6) and energy can be converted in the process. The second fluid reservoir (6) is configured as a container which is arranged within the fluid (3) in the first fluid reservoir (2), wherein, during operation, the fluid level (12) in the second fluid reservoir (6) can be changed in such a way that, as a result, the immersion depth (h1) of said second fluid reservoir (6) in the first fluid reservoir (2) can Ere changed owing to buoyancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITAT INNSBRUCK
    Inventors: Robert Klar, Markus Aufleger
  • Publication number: 20140033701
    Abstract: A wave power generator device having hypoid racks includes a buoyant tank, a roller mechanism, guide posts, a power generation platform, a hydraulic energy conversion mechanism and a cross lifting lever. The power generation platform is mounted on guide posts extended into the seabed. The cross lifting lever is provided in the throughhole in the middle of the platform. The lower part of the cross lifting lever is fixed with the buoyant tank by a movable connection rod. The roller mechanism is mounted at both sides of the buoyant tank and appressed to the guide posts. The hydraulic energy conversion mechanism includes a housing, one-way hydraulic cylinders, rolling wheels and is mounted on the power generation platform in cooperation with the cross lifting lever to achieve energy conversion motion to solve the control and adaption problem for a water level difference during the wave power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Zhejiang Ocean University
    Inventors: Detang Li, Younghe Xie, Long Shao
  • Publication number: 20140033702
    Abstract: A device having a heat exchanger includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and an inner tube having a first end face extending in axial direction, an opposite second end face and a circumferential surface having openings. A plurality of heat exchanger tubes is disposed parallel to the axial direction on the outside of the circumferential surface. The housing encloses the heat exchanger tubes and the inner tube and the inlet is fluidically connected to the first end face. Guide elements are disposed between the heat exchanger tubes so that the fluid entering the inner tube through the first end face flows out across the heat exchanger tubes in radial direction starting from the inner tube. The device is used particularly for constructing a thermoelectric generator for positioning in the underbody of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: SIGRID LIMBECK, ROLF BRUECK
  • Publication number: 20140033703
    Abstract: A device having a heat exchanger includes a housing having a first end side and a second end side disposed along an axial direction, an inlet at the first end side and an outlet at the second end side for a fluid, a first annular channel connected to the inlet and a second annular channel upstream of the outlet, at least one outer jacket tube and at least one inner jacket tube disposed mutually concentrically and defining an intermediate space therebetween, a plurality of flow paths for the fluid extending in the axial direction in the intermediate space and interconnecting the first channel and the second channel, and at least one heat exchanger tube disposed in each of the plurality of flow paths. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: SIGRID LIMBECK, ROLF BRUECK
  • Publication number: 20140033704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction vehicle comprising a main drive for driving work equipment of the construction vehicle, which main drive comprises at least one internal combustion engine, wherein the construction vehicle comprises an energy converter, which is adapted to convert off gas heat energy from the internal combustion engine to mechanical kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Laux, Marco Reuter
  • Publication number: 20140033705
    Abstract: Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes during a first operating condition, directing exhaust gas from a first cylinder group into an engine air intake stream and directing substantially no exhaust gas from a second cylinder group to the engine air intake stream. The method further includes during a second operating condition, directing exhaust gas from the second cylinder group through a turbocharger bypass into the engine air intake stream and reducing a fuel injection amount of the first cylinder group relative to a fuel injection amount of the second cylinder group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Neil Xavier Blythe, Shawn Michael Gallagher, James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry
  • Publication number: 20140033706
    Abstract: A turbocharger for a supercharged internal combustion engine; the turbocharger has: a turbine, which is provided with a shaft mounted in a rotatory manner; a compressor, which is provided with a shaft mounted in a rotatory manner and is mechanically independent from the shaft of the turbine; and a single electrical machine, which is interposed between the turbine and the compressor, and is provided with a first rotor, which is mechanically connected to the shaft of the turbine, and with a second rotor which is mechanically connected to the shaft of the compressor to work as an electromagnetic joint between the shaft of the turbine and the shaft of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Publication number: 20140033707
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power plant includes a solar heat collector which collects solar heat and then supplies the solar heat to a heat medium. The power plant includes a heat exchanger which changes a secondary medium into steam by heat exchange with the heat medium. The power plant includes a turbine. The power plant includes a temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the heat medium. The power plant includes and a controller which supplies the heat medium with heat obtained by the conversion of an output variation component having a period shorter than a predetermined value in electricity generated by a wind power generator when the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined condition associated with the driving of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Mikhail Rodionov, Nobuo Okita
  • Publication number: 20140033708
    Abstract: To operate solar thermal technology economically, a cheap heat transfer fluid is used. To either completely spare or significantly reduce the energy-intensive auxiliary heating at night, a water tank is simply installed in the plant without a threat to the environment. With the water tank, the salt HTF is thinned by adding water when the solar heating is not in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Gröppel, Pascal Heilmann, Christian Müller-Elvers, Peter Mürau, Matthias Übler
  • Publication number: 20140033709
    Abstract: A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules that have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at least one set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules to, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Anatoly Sverdlin
  • Publication number: 20140033710
    Abstract: In a configuration in which a first shaft portion configured to drive a pump mechanism and a second shaft portion configured to drive an expansion mechanism are coupled to each other, a Rankine cycle system which is capable of continuing the circulation of working fluid by an expansion machine even when the pump mechanism is locked is provided. This Rankine cycle system of the invention employs a pump and an expansion machine coupled in a tandem manner. A first shaft of the pump and a second shaft of the expansion machine are concentric and the first shaft is capable of transmitting power to the second shaft. A pump torque limiter is provided between the first shaft and a main gear. A one-way clutch is provided between a sensing shaft and the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Hidefumi MORI, Masao IGUCHI, Fuminobu ENOKIJIMA, Hiroyuki TAKEI, Kojiro TAMARU, Fumihiko ISHIGURO, Kazuo KATAYAMA, Tomonori SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20140033711
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the use of systems that recover mechanical power from waste heat energy using multiple working expanders with a common working fluid. The system accepts waste heat energy at different temperatures and utilizes a single closed-loop circuit of organic refrigerant flowing through all expanders in the system where the distribution of heat energy to each of the expanders allocated to permit utilization of up to all available heat energy. In some embodiments, the system maximizes the output of the waste heat energy recovery process. The expanders can be operatively coupled to one or more generators that convert the mechanical energy of the expansion process into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ElectraTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Leibowitz, Hans Wain, David Williams
  • Publication number: 20140033712
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an M-type pulverized coal boiler suitable for ultrahigh steam temperature. The pulverized coal boiler comprises a hearth of which the bottom is provided with a slag hole and a tail downward flue of which the lower part is provided with a flue gas outlet. The pulverized coal boiler further comprises a middle flue communicated between the hearth and the tail downward flue, wherein the middle flue comprises an upward flue and a hearth outlet downward flue of which the bottoms are mutually communicated and the upper ends are respectively communicated with the upper end of the hearth and the upper end of the tail downward flue to form a U-shaped circulation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: HUANENG CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Minhua Jiang, Ping Xiao, Jianzhong Jiang, Li Zhong
  • Publication number: 20140033713
    Abstract: A system for controlled recovery of thermal energy and conversion to mechanical energy. The system collects thermal energy from a reciprocating engine, specifically from engine jacket fluid and/or engine exhaust and uses this thermal energy to generate a secondary power source by evaporating an organic propellant and using the gaseous propellant to drive an expander in production of mechanical energy. A monitoring module senses ambient and system conditions such as temperature, pressure, and flow of organic propellant at one or more locations; and a control module regulates system parameters based on monitored information to optimize secondary power output. A tertiary, or back-up power source may also be present. The system may be used to meet on-site power demands using primary, secondary, and tertiary power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Victor Juchymenko
  • Publication number: 20140033714
    Abstract: A regenerative thermal energy system includes a heat exchange reactor that includes a top entry portion, a lower entry portion, and a bottom discharge portion. The system also includes at least one fluid source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the lower entry portion. The system also includes at least one cold particle storage source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the top entry portion. The system further includes at least one thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication with the heat exchange reactor at each of the bottom discharge portion and the top entry portion. The heat exchange reactor is configured to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow heat exchange between solid particles and a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Salazar, Matthias Finkenrath, Mathilde Bieber
  • Publication number: 20140033715
    Abstract: A main stream temperature control system for a large boiler comprises a PID module, A/D converters (M2, M3, M4, and M5), D/A converters (M6 and M7), electrical water spray adjusting valves (AA101 and AA102) and main stream temperature sensors (T1, T2, T3, and T4) for the boiler. The system uses a function module (f (x)), a differential module, a division module, multiplication modules (F1 and F2), addition and subtraction modules (J1, J2, J3, and J4), set value modules (K1-K6), selection modules (N1 and N2), a time pulse module (S1) and small value comparison modules (Z1 and Z2) in a distributed control system, so as to construct a real-time online optimized circuit and form an independent automatic control system for dynamic tracking and stable control, thereby increasing the thermal economic index of the boiler, and achieving the objective of energy saving and emission reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicants: SHANXI ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SHANXI ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
    Inventors: Zijun Ni, Chanbao Zhang, Qiugang Duan, Bing Zhang, Zhiqiang Long, Xiaojun Ma, Lihua Du, Lihua Hao, Yanwen Liu, Zhiyu Ni, Hong Yang, Yansheng Du
  • Publication number: 20140033716
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a steam turbine plant includes a first turbine driven by steam from a boiler, a second turbine driven by steam from a reheater, a third turbine driven by the steam exhausted from the second turbine, and a carbon dioxide capturing system including a reboiler to heat an absorbing liquid with the steam exhausted or extracted from the second turbine. The plant further includes a steam pipe to feed the steam exhausted from the second turbine to the third turbine, and a first steam extraction pipe to send the steam exhausted or extracted from the second turbine to the reboiler. The plant further includes a pressure detector to detect a pressure of the steam flowing through the steam pipe or the first steam extraction pipe, a pressure adjustment valve provided on the steam pipe, and a controller to control the valve based on the detected pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Shinsuke ITOU, Masahiko Sanada, Norihide Egami, Kensuke Suzuki, Kiyohiko Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20140033717
    Abstract: A support structure for a burner tube in a combustor cap assembly for a gas turbine combustor includes an outer annular ring; an inner annular hub; and a plurality of struts extending radially between said outer annular ring and the inner hub. The inner hub is provided with a piston ring groove and a piston ring adapted to receive and seal an inner end of the burner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ansley Michelle PANGLE, Matthew Bernard WILSON, William Michael POSCHEL
  • Publication number: 20140033718
    Abstract: A combustor includes a cap assembly that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor, wherein the cap assembly includes an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface, and a combustion chamber downstream from the cap assembly. A plurality of tubes extend from the upstream surface through the downstream surface of the cap assembly, and each tube provides fluid communication through the cap assembly to the combustion chamber. The downstream surface is sloped at an angle with respect to the upstream surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Madanmohan Manoharan, Rahul R. Kulkarni, Mahesh Bathina
  • Publication number: 20140033719
    Abstract: The present application provides a combustor for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustor may include a number of fuel nozzles and a combustion zone downstream of the fuel nozzles. The combustion zone may include a number of steps such that the combustion zone expands in a radial direction downstream of the fuel nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Rahul Ravindra Kulkarni, Shreenivansan Obla Jayaprakash
  • Publication number: 20140033720
    Abstract: A controller for use in a gas turbine power plant includes a compressor that compresses combustion air; a water-atomization cooling apparatus that sprays water drops of atomized water supplied via a water-atomization flow-rate regulating valve over a flow of air drawn in the compressor; a combustor that mixes the compressed combustion air with fuel to thereby burn a fuel-air mixture and generate combustion gas at high temperature and performs combustion switching during operation; a turbine that uses the combustion gas to drive the compressor and a generator; the water-atomization flow-rate regulating valve that controls a flow rate of the atomized water; and a compressor inlet inner blade that controls a flow rate of air drawn in the compressor. The controller includes control means that calculates a fuel-air ratio correction command signal for compensating for reduction in a fuel-air ratio in the combustor occurring during the combustion switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eunkyeong Kim, Kazuhito Koyama, Shigeo Hatamiya, Yukinori Katagiri, Takuya Yoshida, Naohiro Kusumi, Kazuo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140033721
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for use with a turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a tube that is configured to channel at least a first type of fuel through the turbine engine. A flow member includes a first end portion and a second end portion that is removably coupled to the tube such that the flow member is severally removable from the tube to enable a plurality of different types of fuel to be channeled through the turbine engine for operation of the turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Elias Marquez, Lucas John Stoia, Oscar Flores
  • Publication number: 20140033722
    Abstract: A fuel-air mixer for use with a combustor is provided. The fuel-air mixer includes an outer ring, an intermediate hub disposed coaxially within the outer ring such that a first plenum is formed therebetween, and an inner hub disposed coaxially within the intermediate hub such that a second plenum is formed therebetween. A first swirler including a plurality of first swirler vanes is positioned between the outer ring and the intermediate hub, wherein the first swirler is configured to rotate fluid flowing therethrough in a first direction. A second swirler including a plurality of second swirler vanes is positioned between the intermediate hub and the inner hub, wherein the second swirler is configured to rotate fluid flowing therethrough in a second direction. A plurality of fuel injection conduits are also defined within the fuel-air mixer for channeling fuel to the first and second plenums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ahmed A. Abdel-Hafez, Ahmed Mostafa EL Kady, Nan Zong, Richard Bradford Hook, JR., Steven Handelsman
  • Publication number: 20140033723
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-turbine combustion chamber with mixing air orifices, with a combustion chamber wall, with tiles arranged on the inside of the combustion chamber wall at a certain distance from said combustion chamber wall as well as with mixing air orifices passing through the combustion chamber wall and the tiles, characterized in that the mixing air orifices are formed by chutes which are designed tube-like and pass through the tiles, and that several chutes are formed on a mixing air wall element extending at least around part of the circumference of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas DOERR, Leif RACKWITZ, Stefan PENZ
  • Publication number: 20140033724
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for use with a turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a tube assembly that includes a plurality of openings, wherein the tube assembly is configured to channel at least a first type of fuel through the turbine engine. A plurality of fasteners are removably coupled to the tube assembly such that each of the fasteners are severally removable from the tube assembly to enable a plurality of different types of fuel to be channeled through the turbine engine for operation of the turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Elias Marquez, Lucas John Stoia, Oscar Flores
  • Publication number: 20140033725
    Abstract: An injector seal for a gas turbomachine includes a seal body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, a central opening configured and disposed to receive a gas turbomachine injector, an outer edge, and a plurality of passages extending through the seal body. The plurality of passages are configured and disposed to guide a fluid at the first surface through the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Kevin Weston McMahan
  • Publication number: 20140033726
    Abstract: A liner cooling assembly for a gas turbine system includes a liner having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior region. Also included is a sleeve disposed radially outwardly of the outer surface of the liner, the sleeve and the outer surface of the liner defining a channel configured to receive a cooling flow. Further included is a cooling jacket extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the outer surface of the liner and disposed between the liner and the sleeve, wherein the cooling jacket comprises at least one support operably coupled to the cooling jacket and the outer surface of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Jerome David Brown
  • Publication number: 20140033727
    Abstract: A method for cooling a downhole gas generator that includes a combustion housing and a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments. A flow of water is provided into inlet ports, and out of outlet ports, of each of the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments, for cooling the downhole gas generator. The flow of water into the inlet ports, and out of the outlet ports is regulated to provide optimal cooling of the downhole gas generator, and to also optimize the flow of water through the plurality of apertures of the combustion housing and into the combustion chamber, to minimize heat damage to the combustion housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: K2Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Rom McGuffin
  • Publication number: 20140033728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas turbine assembly which substantially includes at least one compressor, at least one first burner, at least one second burner that is connected downstream of the first burner, and at least one turbine that is connected downstream of the second burner. At least the first and second burner form a component of a tubular or quasi-tubular combustion chamber element in the flow direction of the combustion path of the burners. The combustion chamber element being closed or quasi-closed and extending between the compressor and the turbine. The combustion chamber elements are arranged around the rotor of the gas turbine assembly in the shape of a ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Robert MARMILIC, Jaan HELLAT, Ewald FREITAG, Adnan EROGLU
  • Publication number: 20140033729
    Abstract: A method for mounting an aircraft engine on a pylon includes positioning at least a first shear pin either in a first opening provided in a front engine fastener which is previously attached to the engine using connecting rods, or in a first bore provided in a front surface of the pylon; prepositioning the assembly including the engine and the front engine fastener relative to the pylon by placing the first shear pin opposite a receiving cavity, the receiving cavity being either the first bore, if the first shear pin has been positioned in the first opening, or the first opening, if the first shear pin has been positioned in the first bore; and inserting the first shear pin into the receiving cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Pierre-Alain Jean-Marie Philippe Hugues Chouard, Maryline Besnard
  • Publication number: 20140033730
    Abstract: The fluid pressure regulating valve is for use in an aircraft engine. The valve has at least a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The valve comprises: a valve housing having a first valve spool interior cavity; a first fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet; a first valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the first valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the first valve spool having a second valve spool interior cavity and being spring-biased to its first position; and a second valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the second valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the second valve spool being spring-biased to its first position, the second valve spool closing the first fluid path at its second position when the first valve spool is substantially at its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Johnny Vinski, Daniel Blais, Stephane Fortier
  • Publication number: 20140033731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the fuel temperature of a gas turbine, where parameters are determined as input values, where the parameters are compared with emission-optimized nominal values and an optimum fuel temperature is determined, and where the fuel to be supplied to a combustion chamber is heated or cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Leif RACKWITZ
  • Publication number: 20140033732
    Abstract: The method and the apparatus described are used for generating electrical energy in a combined system comprising a power plant and a low-temperature air separation unit. A feed air stream is compressed in a main air compressor, cooled, and introduced into a distillation column system having a high-pressure column and a low-pressure column. A first oxygen-enriched stream from the distillation column system is introduced into the power plant. In a first operating mode, cryogenic liquid from the distillation column system is introduced into a liquid tank and is stored there at least in part. In a second operating mode, stored cryogenic liquid is removed from the liquid tank and introduced into the distillation column system. A second process fluid from the distillation column system is heated and then actively depressurized in a hot expansion turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dimitri GOLOUBEV
  • Publication number: 20140033733
    Abstract: A bleed flow discharge device (136) adapted to discharge a bleed fluid flow into a main fluid flow, wherein the bleed flow discharge device comprises an outer wall (135) defining a passage (137) for the bleed fluid flow, the outer wall comprising a wave-shaped edge (139) where the bleed fluid flow meets the main fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Vincent Benoit SAVARIN, Kevin Mark BRITCHFORD, Pamela Joan PHILLIPSON
  • Publication number: 20140033734
    Abstract: A compressor assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a case including at least one opening and a stator assembly supported within the case. A lug assembly is secured to the case and sets a position of the stator assembly relative to the case. The lug assembly includes a lug engaging the stator assembly and a boss extending from the lug through the opening in the case. The boss including a threaded hole receiving a threaded member holding the lug assembly to the case and defines a seat for the threaded member that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene Lockhart, Jess A. Weinstein, David P. Dube
  • Publication number: 20140033735
    Abstract: A gas turbomachine includes a casing having a first casing half including first and second edge portions and a second casing half including first and second edge sections. The first edge portion is configured and disposed to be joined to the first edge section to form a first horizontal joint and the second edge portion is configured and disposed to be joined to the second edge section to form a second horizontal joint. At least one of the first edge portion and the first edge section including a first fluid passage, and at least one of the second edge portion and second edge section including a second fluid passage. The first and second fluid passages are configured and disposed to guide heated fluid along respective ones of the first and second horizontal joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sendilkumaran Soundiramourty, Srinivasa Rao Pakkala
  • Publication number: 20140033736
    Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body portion, a cooling circuit disposed within the body portion and including at least a first cavity and a microcircuit in fluid communication with the first cavity. A plunged hole intersects at least a portion of the microcircuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Steven Bruce Gautschi, San Quach
  • Publication number: 20140033737
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes at least one filament configured to emit thermal radiation in a relatively broad and substantially continuous wavelength band that is at least partially representative of a temperature of the at least one filament. The system also includes an optical system configured to receive at least a portion of the thermal radiation emitted from the filament. The optical system includes a wavelength splitting device configured to split the emitted thermal radiation into at least one relatively narrow wavelength band of thermal radiation. The optical system also includes a detector array configured to receive the at least one relatively narrow wavelength band of thermal radiation and to generate electrical signals at least partially representative of the received thermal radiation. The temperature measurement system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detector array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanghua Wang, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan, Todd Garrett Wetzel, Ronald Scott Bunker, Robert Michael Zacharias, Shawn David Wehe, Robert David Briggs, Jonathan Edward Slepski