Patents Issued in January 12, 2016
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Patent number: 9234401Abstract: A blowout preventer comprises a pair of ram assemblies which are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of a BOP housing. A cylinder-ram is slidably received within each ram assembly and includes a cylindrical cavity. A back plate couples with the outer end of the cylinder-ram and a piston head is positioned in the cavity, forming first and second piston chambers. Hydraulic pressure in the first and second piston chambers forces the cylinder ram from an open position to a closed position, thereby sealing the BOP bore.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John E. Lawson
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Patent number: 9234402Abstract: Method to modify an existing subsea arranged oil production well having installed a hydraulically operated downhole valve, characterized in using coiled tubing technology to: arrange an electrically operated downhole pump in the production tubing, lock the hydraulically operated downhole valve in an open position by placing a sleeve body in the open positioned valve, arrange an electrically operated downhole valve above the downhole pump. A modified oil production well.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventor: Torstein Vinge
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Patent number: 9234403Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a wave seal packer including a wave portion having a wave form shape in an un-expanded condition. The wave portion configured to radially encircle a tubular with alternating and interconnected uphole and downhole portions. The packer having a substantially uniform internal radius in the un-expanded condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Rex, Detlev Benedict
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Patent number: 9234404Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluidic module having a turbine chamber. A flow control turbine is rotatably disposed within the turbine chamber. The flow control turbine is operable to provide fluid discriminating flow resistance such that a pressure drop for a desired production fluid passing through the fluidic module is less than a pressure drop for an undesired production fluid passing through the fluidic module. For example, the flow control turbine is operable generate a greater pressure drop in water produced therethrough as compared to oil produced therethrough due to differences in the density, viscosity or other property of the produced fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Frederic Felten
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Patent number: 9234405Abstract: A device is described for a fluid operated valve body 200 for activation of a fluid operated tool, said valve body 200 is connected to a pipe section 11 of a pipe 160 arranged in a well 120 in a formation 140, and the device is characterized in that the valve comprises a plunger piston 5 in a channel 232, which plunger piston 5 is reset from a closed to an open position to let fluid into the tool, said resetting takes place with a piston 210, said piston 210 is brought to a number of stepwise forwards and backwards movements by increasing and decreasing, respectively, the fluid pressure P2, and said movements affect a slide body 14 which is moved stepwise, in one direction, to a position where it opens for balls 8 to fall out of channel 232, thereby releasing the plunger piston 5 to move and open for fluid flow P to the fluid operated tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TCO ASInventor: Viggo Brandsdal
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Patent number: 9234406Abstract: A specially designed rotary indexing system and associated operational methods are incorporated in a downhole control device, representatively a sliding sleeve valve, having an outer tubular member in which an annular plug seat is coaxially disposed. The plug seat is resiliently expandable between a first diameter and a larger second diameter and is illustratively of a circumferentially segmented construction. The rotary indexing system is operative to detect the number of plug members that pass through and diametrically expand the plug seat, and responsively preclude passage of further plug members therethrough when such number reaches a predetermined magnitude. Such predetermined magnitude is correlated to the total rotation of an indexing system counter ring portion rotationally driven by axial camming forces transmitted to the rotary indexing system by successive plug member passage-generated diametrical expansions of the plug seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: UTEX Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark Henry Naedler, Derek L. Carter
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Patent number: 9234407Abstract: The present invention provides a process for simultaneously extracting and upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon mixture, said process comprising: i) injecting supercritical or near-supercritical CO2 at a temperature of around the critical temperature and a pressure of from around the critical pressure into a heavy hydrocarbon deposit; and ii) removing a stream of CO2 from the deposit, which stream is charged with a hydrocarbon mixture having a lower average molecular weight than that of the heavy hydrocarbon deposit, wherein the removed CO2 is optionally recovered and either recycled for subsequent re-injection or injected for long-term sub-surface storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventor: Trygve Meyer
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Patent number: 9234408Abstract: An example method may include determining a first planned stimulation location within the formation. The first planned stimulation location may be based, at least in part, on a pre-determined model of a formation. A borehole in the formation may be drilled with a downhole tool. The first planned stimulation location may be adjusted based, at least in part, on data received at the downhole tool. Additionally, the downhole tool may stimulate the formation at the adjusted first planned stimulation location. A second stimulation location also may be determined based on data received at the downhole tool after stimulation of the formation at the adjusted first planned stimulation location.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Stewart H. Fowler, Jr., Amit Sharma, Curtis E. Wendler, Keith E. Holtzman
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Patent number: 9234409Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus comprising an expandable tubular; and at least one section of the expandable tubular having a larger outer diameter than the remainder of the expandable tubular, forming at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring. In an embodiment, at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring is configured to centralize the expandable tubular when the tubular is in use; and wherein at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring has the same diameter as the expandable tubular after the tubular is radially expanded. Also disclosed herein are method of using and method of making the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Ronald C. Parsons and Denise M. ParsonsInventor: Ronald C. Parsons
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Patent number: 9234410Abstract: For controlling a hydrocarbons production installation, comprising at least one hydrocarbons production string activated by a gas injection using a gas injection choke, and a production choke on the string, a method comprises a production phase during which the position of at least one of the chokes is adjusted by cascaded control loops. The loops are driven according to continuously or sequentially developing setpoint parameters. The installation can be controlled more accurately and quickly than in the prior art, as a cascade control loop architecture makes it possible to simplify each of the loops in order to increase the speed of implementation, while still taking account of a greater number of setpoint parameters.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TOTAL S.A.Inventor: Pierre Lemetayer
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Patent number: 9234411Abstract: A tower frame combined transmitting pumping unit without guiding wheels includes a tower frame, a powering system, a transmitting system, a controlling system, a balancing weight box, a weight hauling cable, a rope wheel, a driving rope and rope hangers. The rope wheel is fixed on a side of an operation platform through a rope wheel supporting device. A central axis line of the rope wheel is located within the operation platform. A wheel rim of the rope wheel extends beyond the operation platform and a minimum distance between a most external rim thereof. The weight hauling cable and the driving rope twine around the rope wheel reversely. A free end of the weight hauling cable is connected to the balancing weight box through a rope hanger A. A platform moving device is installed between the operation platform and a top of the tower frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: International Business Alliance Management, Inc.Inventor: Hongwei Mao
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Patent number: 9234412Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports, using a tool assembly deployed on tubing or wireline.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: NCS Multistage, LLCInventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, Robert Nipper, Timothy H. Willems
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Patent number: 9234413Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a production facility at a topside of the well; a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some multivalent ions, then removing some monovalent ions, and then adding back some monovalent ions, and then injects the water into the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Subhash Chandra Bose Ayirala, Robert Wing-Yu Chin, Andreas Nicholas Matzakos, Ernesto Uehara-Nagamine
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Patent number: 9234414Abstract: Apparatus (10) permits injection of solid well treatment pellets into a producing well (25) having a positive well pressure. The apparatus (10) includes a water storage tank (12) connected to the input of a high pressure pump (14). The pump (14) generates a pressurized flow of water at a pressure greater than well pressure through a conduit (24) and/or through a container (30) holding the pellets to be injected. The pellets are entrained within the pressurized flow of water for well injection.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Jacam Chemical Company 2013, LLCInventors: Gene H. Zaid, Byron G. Owen, Ivan Clark Barr
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Patent number: 9234415Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprises an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic particulate material suspended therein and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The hydrophobic particulate material has a specified maximum volume median particle size d50 of not more than 200 micron, and/or a minimum surface area of at least 30 m2 per liter. Agglomerates of the particles contain gas and so have a bulk density lower than the density of the particles. This reduces the rate of settling. The fluid is particularly envisaged as a slickwater fracturing fluid in which the suspended particles are proppant. The small particle size and/or substantial surface area increases the amount of gas which can be retained within agglomerates and so enhances the buoyancy of the agglomerates. The end result is that a greater proportion of a hydraulic fracture is propped open.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Trevor Hughes, Evgeny Barmatov, Jill Geddes, Michael Fuller, Bruno Drochon, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov
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Patent number: 9234416Abstract: In-situ solution mining method of an ore bed, particularly containing trona, which comprises exposing to a solvent an ore region inside a borehole drilled in the ore, and dissolving a desired solute within the exposed region to provide a liquor and create a voided ‘undercut’, such undercutting making the ore susceptible to gravitational loading and crushing. Unexposed ore falls into the undercut by gravity without breaking the ore roof resulting in exposure of fresh ore to the solvent and in preventing solvent exposure to contaminating material near the roof. The desired solute is eventually dissolved away in the entire bed from its floor up to its roof. Solvent injection may be delivered through a conduit positioned inside the borehole, and may be moved by retracting or perforating the conduit. The method may employ an advancing undercut initiated up-dip and traveling down-dip, or a retreating undercut initiated down-dip and traveling up-dip.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SOLVAY CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Jean-Paul Detournay, Alain Vandendoren, Larry C. Refsdal, Joseph A. Vendetti, Michael C. Montoya
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Patent number: 9234417Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and a solvent; a mechanism to produce the water, solvent, oil, and gas from the formation; a separator to separate the oil, water, and a first portion of the solvent from the gas and a second portion of the solvent; and an absorption tower to expose the gas and the second portion of the solvent to water to remove the second portion of the solvent from the gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Andreas Nicholas Matzakos
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Patent number: 9234418Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed. The clamp assembly is made with a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a hinge assembly and a fastener. The first clamp part has at least one connection capable of receiving and securing the at least one downhole tool. The first clamp part also has a first inner clamp surface. The second clamp part has a second inner clamp surface extending between the third side and the fourth side. The hinge assembly connects a first side of the first clamp part to a third side of the second clamp part and is configured to permit the first clamp part and the second clamp part to be moved to a closed position and an open position to receive the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Christophe M Rayssiguier
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Patent number: 9234419Abstract: A gauge system and method for monitoring well pressure at temperatures in excess of 300° C. used in permanent monitoring of oil and gas wellbores. The gauge system includes an analogue output transducer and a long cable which is an extruded mineral insulated multi-core cable with a seam welded corrosion resistant metal outer sheath. The transducer is enclosed in a pressure tight corrosion resistant housing and the housing is pressure sealed to the metal outer sheath. The method includes applying signal conditioning and processing to the measurements to compensate for characteristics of the transducer, the cable and the environment and thereby provide continuous monitoring of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: ZENITH OILFIELD TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: David Sirda Shanks
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Patent number: 9234420Abstract: A system and method for determining characteristics of a multiphase flow in a well/pipe are disclosed. The disclosed system and method use an optical immersion probe including a flow gap across which two or more types of radiation are transmitted in order to measure absorptions of two or more substances within the multiphase flow. Primarily, broadband ultraviolet (UV) and/or near infrared radiations (NIR) are utilized with the probe to gather absorption data at and/or around at least one of the water peaks and at and/or around one or more oil or oil-condensate peaks. This data may be utilized to calculate the water-cut of the multiphase flow over a wider range of gas volume fractions. Additionally, pressure ports having pressure sensors being located on the optical immersion probe for determining the impact pressures and flow rates of different phases of the multiphase flow may also be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Cheng-Gang Xie
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Patent number: 9234421Abstract: A sample bottle assembly is installed in a bore drilled into a drill collar section, wherein the bore may be drilled into a side wall of a pocket in the drill collar. The sample bottle assembly may be passed through the pocket and inserted into the bore. Drill collar material between the bore and the outer surface of the drill collar retains the sample bottle assembly in a radially inward direction, and a retention member in the pocket may retain the sample bottle assembly in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Kristopher V. Sherrill
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Patent number: 9234422Abstract: A degradation assembly may comprise at least one sensor mounted on a pick; the pick comprising a first conductor in communication with the sensor. The assembly may also comprise a receiving element including a bore comprising a second conductor. The first and second conductors may combine to create a connection as the pick is inserted into the bore of the receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: David R. Hall
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Patent number: 9234423Abstract: A strike tip for a pick tool, comprising a strike structure joined to a substrate at an interface boundary, the strike structure comprising super-hard material and the substrate comprising carbide material. The strike structure has a strike end opposite the interface boundary, the strike end including a rounded apex having a radius of curvature in a longitudinal plane of at least 3.2 mm and at most 6 mm.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignees: Element Six Abrasives S.A., Element Six GmbHInventors: Peter Bush, Bernd Heinrich Ries, Robert Fries, Cornelis Roelof Jonker
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Patent number: 9234424Abstract: A bit assembly includes a bit having a bit head and a bit shank, a mounting sleeve being held in the region of the bit shank, and a support element that comprises a guidance region being associated with the bit. To allow the bit to be easily deinstalled from the bit receptacle and allow it, if applicable, to be easily installed again, provision is made that the support element comprises, in the region of its underside facing away from the bit head, a deflection segment.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: BETEK GmbHInventors: Thomas Lehnert, Heiko Friederichs
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Patent number: 9234425Abstract: A system for enabling movement of a machine is provided. The system includes a support member provided on the machine. The support member is configured to be in a raised position or a lowered position relative to a frame of the machine. The system also includes an actuation module configured to selectively enable the movement of the machine. The system further includes an enabler valve coupled to the actuation module and the support member. The enabler valve is configured to selectively send a pilot signal to the actuation module based on the position of the support member.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining America LLCInventor: Jeffrey D. Looney
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Patent number: 9234426Abstract: A method of monitoring a mine operation is disclosed. The method comprises collecting map data associated with a mine operation, the map data being indicative of at least one map representation associated with the mine operation, collecting mine equipment location data indicative of the location of at least one item of mine equipment relative to the mine operation, and facilitating selection and display of a map representation associated with a mine operation. When a map representation associated with a mine operation is displayed, a representation of at least one item of mine equipment on the map representation at a representative location relative to the mine operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. LimitedInventors: Mark Morrison, John Usher, Chris Green
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Patent number: 9234428Abstract: Turbine bucket nominal internal core profiles and core insert external profiles are provided. In one embodiment, a turbine bucket includes an airfoil, platform, shank and dovetail. The bucket has a nominal internal core profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1 wherein the Z values are non-dimensional values from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z values by a height of the bucket in inches, and wherein X and Y are non-dimensional values which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define internal core profile sections at each distance Z along the bucket, the profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form said bucket internal core profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Richard Good, Bradley Taylor Boyer, Xiaoyong Fu, Aaron Ezekiel Smith, Jacob C. Perry, II
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Patent number: 9234429Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a compressor blade, comprising the following steps: forging a blank made of an austenitic-ferritic steel; uniaxially stretching and plastically deforming the blank while at least the elongation and the deformation force of the blank are detected and monitored; and ending the stretching after a defined limit value for the stress has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Ralf Bode
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Patent number: 9234430Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Stephen DiMascio, Jason Robert Parolini
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Patent number: 9234431Abstract: A seal assembly (50, 60) for a gas turbine engine for controlling air flow between a diffuser (48) and rotor disks comprising first and second annular flange ends (52, 54) and an annular seal mid-section (56) between and operatively connected to the flange ends (52, 54). The first and second annular flange ends (52, 54) abut respective outer frame members (46) of the diffuser, whereby a fluid flow path is formed between the seal assembly (50, 60) and the rotor disks (42). The first and second end flanges (52, 54) are composed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially the same as a coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the outer frame members (46). In addition, the material of the seal mid-section (56) has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than that of the materials of the annular flange ends (52, 54) and outer frame members (46).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Christian Kowalski, Fan Zhang, Uwe Lohse, Robert W. Sunshine, Burkhard Voss
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Patent number: 9234432Abstract: A gas turbine engine and a turbine stator assembly which is capable of being cooled effectively with a small amount of air. The stator assembly comprises a stator vane disposed to be exposed to a combustion gas passage. The stator vane comprises a cooling passage defined therein. The cooling passage is disposed on an upstream of the gas turbine engine and extending in a radial direction with respect to a central axis of the gas turbine engine. The stator vane also has an inlet communicated to a radially outward end of the cooling passage. The stator vane further has an adjustment member secured to the stator vane so that it covers the inlet. The adjustment member has two apertures for guiding a cooling air radially inwardly through the inlet into the cooling passage. The two apertures are spaced away from each other along a camber line of the stator vane.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji Shinoda, Tomoki Taniguchi
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Patent number: 9234433Abstract: A biasing means is provided for securing a plurality of sealing components which are arranged to seal gaps between adjacent structural components in a turbine, the biasing means having three foot regions joined in a substantially linear fashion by two resilient curved arms, wherein each arm has securing means for securing the biasing means to one of said structural components such that when the biasing means is secured to said one of said structural components, each of said foot regions contacts one of said sealing components and the curved arms urge the sealing components towards one of said structural components so that the sealing components collectively create a seal over the gap between said structural components. An apparatus for sealing gaps between adjacent structural components which includes the biasing means is also provided as is a method of sealing gaps in a turbine.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Caner H. Helvaci
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Patent number: 9234434Abstract: An improved labyrinth seal is described with the seal including a group of several fins forming circumferential barriers against the flow of a working fluid between stationary and rotating parts in a turbine, wherein within the group the volume between the penultimate fin and the last fin is altered compared to the average volume between other adjacent fins of the group.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Vasileios Stefanis, Christos Georgakis
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Patent number: 9234435Abstract: An integrally bladed rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a hub, a plurality of blades radially extending from the hub and being integrally formed therewith. The hub having a rim from which the blades project and a pair of axially opposed split hub members extending at least radially inward from the rim. Each of the split hub members has a radially outer flex arm portion extending form the hub and a radially inner moment flange portion. At least one moment inducing element separately formed from the hub is mounted axially between the opposed split hub members and acts on the moment flange portions of the opposed split hub members to generate an inward bending moment on the flex arm portions of the opposed split hub members during rotation of the rotor, thereby deflecting the rim and the blades of the rotor radially inwardly.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Alexandre Ayers
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Patent number: 9234436Abstract: A generator system uses compressed air as a power source and utilizes an electromagnetic auxiliary power unit. The generator system includes an engine (1), a multiple-column power distributor (2), a generator system (4), a controller system (6), an intake speed control valve (23), a high pressure gas tank (13), a constant pressure tank (16), an electronic control unit ECO (29), an electromagnetic auxiliary power unit (1000), a power distributor (1100) and an end gas recycle loop. The end gas recycle loop includes an air compressor (7), a condenser (11), an end gas recycle tank (9), an electro-drive turbine unidirectional suction pump (19) and an end gas muffler (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: BEIJING XIANGTIAN HUACHUANG AERODYNAMIC FORCE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Dengrong Zhou, Jian Zhou
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Patent number: 9234437Abstract: A hydrodynamic energy generation system comprises a pump and three vertically aligned compartments and a fourth compartment proximate to the lower ends of the vertically aligned compartments. Each of the three vertically aligned compartments has an opening on an upper end and a lower end. The first compartment has a first turbine mechanically coupled to a first generator producing electrical power when the first turbine is moved by water that falls into the first compartment. The first compartment has a controlled water level under the first turbine. A second turbine proximate to the opening at the second compartment's lower end is mechanically coupled to a pump through gear box and/or second generator producing electrical or rotational power when the second turbine is moved by water flowing out of the second compartment's lower end opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Ibrahim Hanna
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Patent number: 9234438Abstract: A component wall in a turbine engine includes a substrate and at least one cooling passage that extends through the substrate for delivering cooling fluid from a chamber associated with an inner surface of the substrate to an outer surface of the substrate. Each cooling passage is divided into at least two branches that receive cooling fluid from an entrance portion of the cooling passage that is in communication with the chamber. The branches each include an intermediate portion that extends transversely from the entrance portion and that receives cooling fluid from the entrance portion, and an exit portion that extends transversely from the respective intermediate portion. The exit portions receive the cooling fluid from the intermediate portions and deliver the cooling fluid out of the respective branch through exit portion outlets.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Ching-Pang Lee
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Patent number: 9234439Abstract: A bearing compartment for a gas turbine engine comprises a housing that surrounds an engine axis of rotation and has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced radially outward of the inner surface. The housing defines an open volume for a lubricant and includes a bearing seat to seat a bearing for rotation about the engine axis of rotation. The housing includes at least one cooling protuberance extending into the open volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Anthony Demitraszek, Sr., Woo Y. Soh
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Patent number: 9234440Abstract: A structure for a gas turbine casing, capable of preventing gas from leaking when the structure is subjected to pressure. A structure for a gas turbine casing, divided by a horizontal plane at flange sections into two halves comprising an upper-half casing (10) and a lower-half casing (11). The structure is provided with bolts (12) which are disposed in the inner surfaces of the upper-half casing (10) and the lower-half casing (11) so as to bridge therebetween, upper nuts (13) which are disposed in the inner surface of the upper-half casing (10) and attached to the bolts (12), and lower nuts (14) which are disposed in the inner surface of the lower-half casing (11) and attached to the bolts (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Yukihiro Hashimoto, Shinya Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9234441Abstract: A method of immobilizing a low pressure spool assembly including maintaining a body of the locking tool in the annular gas path, attaching a securing portion of the body across an aperture defined through an annular wall delimiting the gas path; positioning a stop connected to the body of the locking tool into a rotary path of a given one of the sets of blades of the low pressure spool assembly; and rotating the high pressure spool assembly thereby biasing a blade of the given set of blades of the low pressure spool assembly against the stop, thereby immobilizing the low pressure spool assembly. A locking tool and a method of performing engine maintenance are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Richard Root, Hugo Binette
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Patent number: 9234442Abstract: Steam turbine system and control system therefor are provided. In one embodiment, a steam turbine system includes an auxiliary turbine in fluid communication with an IP turbine via an auxiliary turbine inlet conduit branch of an IP exhaust conduit. A heat exchanger system may remove heat from an IP exhaust steam, and may add the removed heat to water flowing through a boiler feed-water conduit to a boiler of the steam turbine system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nestor Hernandez Sanchez, Kamlesh Mundra
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Patent number: 9234443Abstract: An engine structure is provided that basically includes a cylinder block, an oil circulation pathway and a lubricating oil reservoir. The cylinder block has an upper end for receiving a cylinder head, a lower end for receiving an oil pan, and a crankshaft receiving portion. The oil circulation pathway is arranged to convey lubricating oil by gravity to at least an area located above the crankshaft receiving portion of the cylinder block for supplying lubricating oil to a crankshaft. The lubricating oil reservoir is arranged to store lubricating oil. The lubricating oil reservoir has an open top end for receiving downwardly flowing lubricating oil. The open top end of the lubricating oil reservoir is arranged relative to the oil circulation pathway such that lubricating oil spilling out of the open top end of the lubricating oil reservoir falls into the oil circulation pathway.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takao Ito
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Patent number: 9234444Abstract: A flame detection system is disclosed. The system may have a flame chamber and a filter, wherein the filter includes filter media configured to collect matter from an engine exhaust. Additionally, the filter may be disposed downstream of the flame chamber. An ignition device may be disposed in the flame chamber and may be configured to ignite a flame in the flame chamber to regenerate the filter. A sensor may be disposed proximate the ignition device, and may be configured to sense a change in electrical conductivity that is indicative of a presence of the flame in the flame chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sergey Korenev, William Love, Kevin Dea, Jason Bloms, Timothy Feucht, Richard Holland
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Patent number: 9234445Abstract: A system is provided for delivery of diesel exhaust fluid or other reductant to an injector for release into an engine exhaust aftertreatment system. The injector includes a nozzle assembly that thermally shields the diesel exhaust fluid from the exhaust gas temperatures. A diesel exhaust fluid delivery procedure is also disclosed for nozzle cooling prior to operation of the injector for emissions reduction.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.Inventors: Aalok Trivedi, Andrew Myer, Stephanie L. Apewokin, Samuel Johnson, Srivardhan Chandrapati, George L. Muntean, Joshua D. Henry, John Anthis, Omkar Tendolkar
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Patent number: 9234446Abstract: A reduction in the accuracy of a failure determination of a filter due to a reduction in the detection accuracy of a PM sensor is suppressed. To this end, provision is made for an NOx selective reduction catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine to reduce NOx by means of a reducing agent supplied thereto, a supply device to supply urea water as the reducing agent from an upstream side of the NOx selective reduction catalyst, a PM sensor to detect an amount of particulate matter in an exhaust gas at the downstream side of the NOx selective reduction catalyst, and a control unit to make an amount of production of intermediate products from the urea water supplied from the supply device to ammonia smaller when an amount of particulate matter is detected by the PM sensor than when not detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazumasa Shimode, Makoto Ogiso, Kazuya Takaoka, Daisuke Shibata
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Patent number: 9234447Abstract: A control system for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a dosing control module, a comparison module, and a status determination module. The dosing control module controls a dosing system to inject a desired amount of ammonia into exhaust gas at a first location in an exhaust stream. The comparison module compares a measured amount of ammonia in the exhaust gas to the desired amount of ammonia, wherein the measured amount of ammonia is measured at a second location downstream from the first location and upstream from or within an SCR catalyst. The status determination module determines a pass/fail status of a component of the dosing system based on the comparison between the measured amount of ammonia and the desired amount of ammonia.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, James M. Perrin
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Patent number: 9234448Abstract: A muffler for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, the muffler including a muffler housing, at least one exhaust gas inlet, at least one gas outlet and at least one muffling device arranged in the muffler housing. At least one cooling element arranged in the muffler housing is configured to extract heat energy from the exhaust gas and is arranged in the muffler housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: FRIEDRICH BOYSEN GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Jürgen Schmidt, Michael Herbig
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Patent number: 9234449Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle is disclosed. A first difference module generates a first difference based on a first pressure measured at a first secondary air injection (SAI) valve and a previous value of the first pressure. A first summer module generates a first accumulated difference based on a sum of values of the first difference generated during a predetermined period. A second difference module generates a second difference based on a second pressure measured at a second SAI valve and a previous value of the second pressure. A second summer module generates a second accumulated difference based on a sum of values of the second difference generated during the predetermined period. A fault indication module selectively indicates that a fault is present downstream of one of the first and second SAI valves based on the first and second accumulated differences.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ian J. Mac Ewen, Steven Ward Majors, Eric Russell Clark, II
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Patent number: 9234450Abstract: This disclosure relates a water pump, a system for cooling internal combustion engine components including a water pump, and a method for operating an internal combustion engine including a water pump. The water pump, system and method provide protection of the pump impeller during dry pump operation, such as when a watercraft engine is started while the watercraft is out of water, by dispensing fluid from a reservoir to the pump's impeller chamber. The fluid enters the chamber via a controllable flow path and interacts with the impeller and chamber walls to cool and lubricate the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Roger D. England, Mike Abraham, Thomas M. Yonushonis
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Patent number: 9234451Abstract: A piston for a compression ignition internal combustion engine includes a piston body having a combustion face defining a combustion bowl, and the combustion face including a compound bowl surface and a compound rim surface. The combustion face is profiled to balance a combustion efficiency property of the piston with emissions properties of the piston. A ratio of a diameter of the combustion bowl to a diameter of the cylinder bowl bore is from 0.68 to 0.74. Other dimensional and proportional features of the piston support low smoke and NOx production during operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Aaron Karch, David A. Pierpont, Daniel Lang, James A. Subatch