Patents Issued in March 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9297320
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for exhaust catalyst temperature control by metering exhaust bypass flow from a dedicated EGR cylinder. A continuously variable bypass valve may be adjusted to vary an amount of exhaust directed to an exhaust catalyst from a dedicated EGR cylinder via a bypass passage relative to exhaust recirculated to the engine intake via an EGR passage. At lower catalyst temperatures, more exhaust is metered via the bypass passage to enable catalyst temperature to be maintained above an activation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Daniel Joseph Styles, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 9297321
    Abstract: A flexible crank angle position sensing device and data structure is provided. The device allows a user to enter specific data into a data structure relating to an encoder wheel used to determine the position of the crank shaft. The specific data is stored in the device and can be recalled for use in specific engine implementations. Furthermore, a user can enter data to describe other encoder wheels associated with a cam shaft of an engine. A data structure relating to a cam shaft encoder wheel relates to the data structure relating to the crank shaft encoder wheel such that various positional information, regarding both the cam shaft and crank shaft, can be detected by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Hawken, Doyle Kent Stewart
  • Patent number: 9297322
    Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine performs an air-fuel ratio feedback control to set an air-fuel ratio to a target air-fuel ratio, and determines abnormality of a fuel system based on a feedback correction amount by the air-fuel ratio feedback control. The control device of an internal combustion engine includes: a double tank type oil pan including: an inner tank and an outer tank for storing oil; and a mechanism which switches between connection and disconnection of the inner tank and the outer tank; and a controller configured to control the mechanism to connect the inner tank and the outer tank in a case where the feedback correction amount is equal to or larger than a first predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to prevent the air-fuel ratio from getting rich, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the erroneous determination of abnormality of the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hokuto
  • Patent number: 9297323
    Abstract: An unlock operation of a lockup clutch and a shift-up operation of an automatic transmission are performed together when an accelerator pedal of a vehicle is released in a state where the lockup clutch is in a lockup state. An engine rotation speed immediately after the shift-up operation is estimated on the basis of the engine rotation speed and a gear ratio of the automatic transmission after the shift-up operation. If a fuel recovery operation is predicted to be performed immediately after the shift-up operation, the fuel-cut operation is prevented, thereby suppressing a shock from occurring due to the fuel recovery when a foot release shift-up operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 9297324
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a detection unit, a control unit, a first setting unit, and a second setting unit. The detection unit is disposed in an exhaust path through which an exhaust gas flows, and detects a correlation value correlated with an amount of particulate matter (PM) attaching to an attachment element. The control unit controls a temperature of the attachment element to follow a target temperature while a regeneration process is performed to heat the attachment element so as to burn PM. The first setting unit sets the target temperature to be lower, as the amount of PM becomes larger. The second setting unit sets a completion timing of the regeneration process so that a period of the regeneration process becomes longer, as the amount of PM becomes larger or a temperature of the attachment element becomes lower while the regeneration process is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeto Yahata, Tomohiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 9297325
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for compensating a mass airflow (MAF) sensor reading to account for the bleeding or diversion of intake airflow for compressor operation in determining fresh air flow into an engine. The engine is downstream from the compressor diversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Ashwin Vyas
  • Patent number: 9297326
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for managing a state of a platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise receiving a desired state for the platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise receiving the state of the platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise selecting a combination of thrusters from a plurality of thrusters to operate. The combination of thrusters is selected to adjust the state of the platform to the desired state. The methods and apparatuses operate the combination of thrusters to adjust the state of the platform to the desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Teresa Anne Claggett, Darin William Brekke, Richard Donovan Jones
  • Patent number: 9297327
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately measuring an air-fuel-ratio of an engine. During a first condition of decreased scavenging, adjusting fuel injection based on a more-upstream air-fuel ratio, and during a second condition of increased scavenging, adjusting fuel injection based on one or more more-downstream air-fuel ratios and not based on the more-upstream air-fuel ratio. During the first condition, adjusting fuel injection may be further based on the one or more more-downstream air-fuel ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Helmut Hans Ruhland, Albert Breuer, Thomas Lorenz, Moritz Klaus Springer
  • Patent number: 9297328
    Abstract: A fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine includes a first and a second fuel pump, a leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve arranged in a fuel line between the first and the second fuel pump, and a control unit configured to actuate the first fuel pump as a function of a position of the leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve, such that the leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve serves as the sole actuating element for pressure regulation in the fuel injection system. An associated pressure regulating method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Klesse, Hans Riepl, Wolfgang Stapf, Tobias Ritsch, Uwe Lingener
  • Patent number: 9297329
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for fuel injected into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting injection of fuel during start so that a portion of fuel is port injected and a remaining portion is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. The injections are adjusted based on the alcohol content of the injected fuel to take advantage of the charge cooling properties of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Steven Schwochert, Peter C. Moilanen, Eric Krengel
  • Patent number: 9297330
    Abstract: An engine system is provided. The engine system includes an ambient condition module configured to generate a signal indicative of a state of ambient air. The engine system also includes an operational parameter sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of one or more operational parameters associated with the engine. The engine system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the ambient condition module and the operational parameter sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure of ambient air and the signal indicative of the one or more operational parameters associated with the engine. The controller estimates the temperature of at least one of a valve, a piston, a liner, a cylinder head, and a pre-chamber of the engine as a function of the received signals and parameters associated with fuel delivery to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenth Svensson, Carl Hergart, Chad Koci, Jason J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9297331
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. The methods and systems selectively operate the direct injection fuel pump with varying levels of efficiency. In one example, an amount of piston lift of a direct fuel injection pump may be adjusted to selectively alter the pump's operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Ken Jahr
  • Patent number: 9297332
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine has a body, a rigid center spacedly surrounded by the body, an annular outer valve seat on the body, and an annular inner valve seat on the center. A ring-shaped valve has an outer seat face and an inner seat face and is displaceable along an axis into a closed position bearing on the outer valve seat with the outer seat face and on the inner valve seat with the inner seat face. The inner valve seat or outer valve seat is slidable axially. A seal member set in a groove in the center or in the body engages the one slidable seat. At least one biasing member connected to the one slidable valve seat urges same toward the ring-shaped valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: KNOB ENGINES S.R.O., CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN PRAGUE
    Inventors: Vaclav Knob, Ondrej Bolehovsky
  • Patent number: 9297333
    Abstract: A variable geometry inlet for a ducted fan is selectively transitionable between a first and second mode. The inlet includes a retractable ring that extends circumferentially about the inlet and is selectively movable between an axially extended position in the first mode and an axially retracted position in the second mode. A tube extends circumferentially proximate the retractable ring, and is pressurizable to a relatively deflated state in the first mode and to a relatively inflated state in the second mode. A stretchable skin extends circumferentially proximate the retractable ring, and is elastically deformable in at least a circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis of the fan. A leading edge of the inlet in the first mode is defined by the stretchable skin disposed against a forward edge of the retractable ring, and in the second mode by the stretchable skin disposed against at least a portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Evan J. Filter
  • Patent number: 9297334
    Abstract: Systems and methods for influencing thrust of a gas turbine engine are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of pipes positioned at an exhaust nozzle of the gas turbine engine. Each one of the plurality of pipes includes: an inlet inside the exhaust nozzle; an outlet inside the exhaust nozzle; and an intermediate portion outside the exhaust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Omair M. Alhatim
  • Patent number: 9297335
    Abstract: An exhaust duct assembly includes an attachment hanger system having at least one component manufactured by metal injection molding (MIM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew H. Harris
  • Patent number: 9297336
    Abstract: A carburetor includes a body with an air intake path, a fuel pump and a fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator are positioned on the same side of the body. A fuel pump and metering chamber diaphragm is sandwiched between the body of the carburetor and a pump body and cover. The diaphragm separates a pump chamber from a pulse chamber of the fuel pump and separates a fuel chamber from an air chamber in the fuel pressure regulator. Inlet and outlet flapper valves are part of the diaphragm or a separate flapper valve member positioned between the body and the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ZAMA JAPAN KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: David R. Shebuski, Toshiyuki Kuyo, Takumi Nonaka, Jay A. Perry
  • Patent number: 9297337
    Abstract: An improved internal combustion and waste hat steam engine having an heat recovery steam generator optimized for the steam cycle, that can operate on steam, fuel, or a water-fuel composition where the mixture is at a critical temperature and in a homogeneous single phase. The condensing waste heat recovery steam generator exhaust manifold is close-coupled to the engine cylinder exhaust ports and provides heat to create the homogeneous mixture and steam. The primary heat source is internal combustion. An external heat source may be coupled with the engine to increase the heat available to the condensing waste water recovery steam generator exhaust manifold to produce additional steam. The engine can be operated as a pure diesel engine, for warm-up or for when an external source of steam is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew A. Janssen
  • Patent number: 9297338
    Abstract: The systems and method described above in the present disclosure allow for regeneration of a diesel particulate filter while a vehicle is in stationary power take-off mode. Described is a method of: during select power take-off conditions, reducing an EGR rate responsive to an indication to regenerate a diesel particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Reich, Frank M. Korpics, Dean Pennala, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, David Wynn Philion, James Campbell, Timothy Webb
  • Patent number: 9297339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control device applied to an internal combustion engine provided with a fuel vapor treatment system for treating collected fuel vapor by purging the collected fuel vapor into intake air downstream from an air flowmeter (6) and an exhaust gas recirculation system for recirculating part of exhaust gas in the intake air using intake negative pressure. An electronic control unit (22) performs an advance correction corresponding to the exhaust gas recirculation quantity regarding the MBT ignition timing and the knock limit ignition timing, and corrects the volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine, which is used for the calculation of the advance correction quantity used for the advance correction, according to the purge air quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takumi Anzawa, Kenya Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9297340
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying leaks on each of a fuel tank and a canister side of a fuel system using a single leak check module. A position of a switching valve coupled in the vapor line of the fuel system is adjusted to selectively couple the leak check module to either the fuel tank or the canister. Leak is detected based on a change in pressure at a reference orifice of the leak check module following applying of vacuum from a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Patent number: 9297341
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for engine systems including a multiple tap aspirator with a throat tap and a diffuser tap. Suction passages coupled to the throat and diffuser taps, respectively, may fluidly communicate via a leak passage with a flow restriction. During conditions where the pressure at a suction flow source of the diffuser tap is less than the pressure at the diffuser tap, backflow from the diffuser tap may travel through the leak passage into the throat tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brad Alan VanDerWege
  • Patent number: 9297342
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to integrated injector/igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injectors/igniter can include a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion. The base portion receives the fuel into the body and the nozzle portion can be positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber. The injector further includes a valve carried by the nozzle portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. An actuator is coupled the valve and extends longitudinally through the body towards the base portion, and a driver is carried by the body and is movable between a first position and a second position. Thermochemical regeneration of waste heat produced by combustion and associated combustion events is captured and invested in endothermic reactions to improve efficiency of the combustion event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 9297343
    Abstract: A needle for use in a needle valve, such as the needle valve of a fuel injector, comprises a tip section (2), a first guide section (1a) and a second guide section (3). The tip section (2a) has a needle tip. The first guide section (1a) is remote from the needle tip. The second guide section comprises a tube, wherein the first guide section (1a) and the tip section (2a) are comprised in an integrated inner needle component (7) extending through the tube (3). A method of manufacturing such a needle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Stephen O. Crossley, Andrew J. Limmer, Mervyn J. Hackett
  • Patent number: 9297344
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an internal combustion engine may include an injector body having a receiving hole for an injector needle. The receiving hole may be implemented as a blind hole and may form an injector ring chamber in the injector shaft and a cone-shaped valve seat at the base thereof, and a blind injector hole at the tip of the valve seat cone, from which at least one injector hole extends. The injector needle may include an at least partially cone-shaped needle tip and may seal off the blind injector hole, and thus the at least one injector hole, from the injector ring chamber. The needle tip may include a needle pilot adapted in contour and extent to the blind injector hole in the valve seat, the pilot protruding into the blind injector hole and thus reducing a compression volume formed between the valve seat and injector hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gerber, Thomas Hofmann, Uwe Leuteritz
  • Patent number: 9297345
    Abstract: A high pressure control valve system with a valve body with an inlet and an outlet, whereby the outlet is shaped by at least one radially oriented opening in the valve body, an essentially discoidally shaped valve seat arranged on the valve body between inlet and outlet and features a valve body bore that connects inlet and outlet, a sealing element that is appropriately arranged on an actuating element in order to close the valve bore, and an actuating device suitably shaped to move the actuating element in such a way as to cause the opening and closing of the valve, characterized in that the valve seat on the exit site features a revolving extension, extending from a foot print axially in direction of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KENDRION BINDER MAGNETE GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Burkart, Wolfram Maiwald, Wei Yu, Frank Zelano, Ralf Heingl, Stefanie Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 9297346
    Abstract: Various methods for determining camshaft position based on position indicated by an electric motor controller are provided. In one example, a method comprises: during cranking of an engine, driving a camshaft of the engine by an electric motor controlled by a motor controller which indicates motor position and position of the camshaft; determining one or more engine operating parameters for controlling the engine during the cranking by an engine controller from the indicated cam position; and after the cranking, identifying the cam position from a sensor coupled to the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 9297347
    Abstract: An engine starting apparatus is provided which can start an engine without inducing malfunctions of various electronic components. The engine starting apparatus comprises a pinion adapted to be brought into meshing engagement with a ring gear linked to an engine, a magnet switch supplied with current from a battery to move the pinion in the direction of the ring gear, a starter motor supplied with the current to rotate the pinion, a control unit for instructing the starter motor to start the engine, and a starter control unit for controlling, on the basis of the instruction, a first semiconductor switch subject to PWM control, wherein the starter motor and the magnet switch are stored in a first housing, the starter control unit is stored in a second housing, and the first housing is integral with the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kokubun, Shigehiko Omata, Shigenori Nakazato, Masato Saito
  • Patent number: 9297348
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Patent number: 9297349
    Abstract: In one implementation, a hydropower module for use in a flowing body of water is described. The module includes an axle and a plurality of paddle fans rotatably coupled to the axle and having a paddle fan rotation. Each paddle fan of the plurality of paddle fans includes a plurality of blades configured to be driven by the body of water. The plurality of paddle fans are oriented in an arc wherein the blades of adjacent paddle fans are closer together at a top of the paddle fan rotation than at a bottom of the paddle fan rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven R. Kent
  • Patent number: 9297350
    Abstract: A combined offshore system for generating electricity includes of an offshore windmill unit with a generator for extracting power from wind and transferring it into electricity, a electricity export cable connected to the windmill for exporting produced electricity to offshore or onshore consumers, and at least one offshore wave power unit for extracting power from waves. This offshore wave power unit is characterized in that electricity produced by the wave power unit is transferred via the same electricity export cable as the electricity generated by the windmill unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Hein Wille, Sophie Boureau
  • Patent number: 9297351
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system uses a pair of wave energy converters (WECs) on respective active mountings on a floating platform, so that the separation of the WECs from each other or from a central WEC can be actively adjusted according to the wavelength of incident waves. The adjustable separation facilitates operation of the system to cancel reactive forces, which may be generated during wave energy conversion. Modules on which such pairs of WECs are mounted can be assembled with one or more central WECs to form large clusters in which reactive forces and torques can be made to cancel. WECs of different sizes can be employed to facilitate cancelation of reactive forces and torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Atargis Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan G. Siegel
  • Patent number: 9297352
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) for extracting energy from waves in a body of liquid. The converter (10) comprises an inflatable sleeve (12) having an air inlet (14) at or towards one end and an air outlet (18) at or towards its other end. A flexible diaphragm (22) is located within the sleeve (12) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The diaphragm (22) is sealingly engaged with the sleeve (12) along opposed, elongate edges (22a,22b) thereof. A flexible spine (24) is retained within the diaphragm (22) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The spine (24) is fixed with the diaphragm (22), relative to the sleeve (12), at or towards each end of the sleeve (12). The converter (10) also comprises a loading device operable to apply an axial compressive force to the spine (24) relative to the sleeve (12) such that, on operation of the loading device, the spine (24) and the diaphragm (22) are buckled into a waveform (26) constrained within the sleeve (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Norman West Bellamy, Neil Michael Bellamy, Robert Ian Smith
  • Patent number: 9297353
    Abstract: An apparatus has a base and a flow path assembly movably supported by the base and defining a serpentine flow path having an entry opening and an exit opening. An actuator is coupled with the flow path assembly and the base and is configured to rotate the flow path assembly between a vertical and an angled position relative to the base. The flow path is configured to allow a column of a first fluid with a first density to be trapped between columns of a second fluid with a second density higher than the first density. The first fluid column has a first height and the second fluid columns have second heights, so that a volume of the first fluid and a volume of the second fluid flow through the flow path and through the exit opening as the flow path assembly is rotated between the vertical and angled positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Wayne S. Travis
  • Patent number: 9297354
    Abstract: Hydroconveyors are described which utilize magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension to support a collection of conveyor elements. The hydroconveyors are located above or partially within a flowstream such as a river. Additional versions of the hydroconveyors are described which include velocity increasing waterways located upstream of an end of the hydroconveyor. The various hydroconveyors can be used in conjunction with electrical generators to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Patrick Cunnane
  • Patent number: 9297355
    Abstract: A method for transporting an offshore turbine, by which a frame construction is first mounted on the deck of a transportation and installation ship; a pre-made wind turbine foundation is then connected to the frame construction from beneath and temporarily fixed thereon by a steel wire tightened by a hoisting device provided on the ship; on the top of the pre-made turbine foundation a transition segment is connected; and finally, on the top of the transition segment, a wind turbine tower, a wind turbine head and blades are assembled in turn to form a finished wind turbine machine, which is now ready to be transported to an installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TIANJIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jijian Lian, Hongyan Ding, Puyang Zhang, Aidong Li
  • Patent number: 9297356
    Abstract: The use of a shroud surrounding turbine blades to enhance the energy output creates a distribution of wind speeds in the plane of the blades. A unique class of such shrouds previously patented by the author creates zones of higher velocity near the tips. In order to take advantage of this new distribution of velocity, new principles of propeller design are required. One of the designs involves increasing the P/D ratio and the PHI in the outer portion of the blades. This solution works for liquids and gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: LEVIATHAN ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Patent number: 9297357
    Abstract: A blade insert for coupling a first blade segment to a second blade segment is disclosed. The blade insert may generally include an aerodynamic body extending between a forward end configured to be coupled to the first blade segment and an aft end configured to be coupled to the second blade segment. The aerodynamic body may include a top side extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. The top side may define a top scarfed section at its forward edge. The aerodynamic body may further include a bottom side extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. The bottom side may define a bottom scarfed section at its forward edge. Additionally, at least a portion of the forward edge of the top side may be configured to be offset relative to the forward edge of the bottom side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce Clark Busbey, Darren John Danielsen
  • Patent number: 9297358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Magnus rotor having a cylindrical body of revolution for converting wind power into a feed force using the Magnus effect. The Magnus rotor having: a rotational shaft about which the body of revolution rotates; a support member on which the body of revolution is mounted; and a body of revolution which has stiffening ribs for the reinforcement thereof. The body of revolution is primed in at least two planes arranged at a mutual spacing in the axial direction perpendicular to the rotational shaft of the body of revolution in order to accommodate balancing weights. The invention further relates to a method for balancing a body of revolution according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Rohden, Thomas Bohlen
  • Patent number: 9297359
    Abstract: A pitch control assembly for a vertical axis wind turbine provides greater efficiency to the vertical axis wind turbine. The pitch control assembly comprises a pitch control assembly housing mechanically coupled to a first stop bar, a second stop bar and a cushion mass. The pitch control assembly housing is mechanically coupled to a pitch control assembly bottom plate where the pitch control assembly bottom plate is mechanically coupled to a dampening spring. The dampening spring is mechanically coupled to a blade control plate, where the blade control plate is mechanically coupled to a first blade control pusher bar, a second blade control pusher bar and a blade control plate stem. A heavier mass and a lighter mass rest upon the blade control plate; the blade control plate stem is mechanically coupled to a vertical axis, which is used in the vertical axis wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis Alan Liljegren
  • Patent number: 9297360
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wind turbine having a machine support (5), a rotor (6) which can be driven by wind (13) to rotate about the rotor axis (7) and is mounted so that it can rotate on the machine support (5) about a rotor axis (7). The rotor includes a rotor hub (8) and several rotor blades (9, 10) which extend respectively in the direction of a blade axis (11, 12) running transverse or essentially transverse to the rotor axis (7). The rotor blades (9,10) are mounted so that they can rotate on the rotor hub (8) about the respective blade axis (11, 12). Blade angle adjustable drives (17, 18) are arranged on the rotor (6) and enable the rotor blades (9, 10) to rotate about the blade axes thereof (11, 12). A blade angle control device (24) is coupled to the blade angle adjusting drives (17, 18) and can control the blade angle adjusting drives (17, 18). An electric generator (15) is mechanically coupled to the rotor (6) and can be driven by the rotor to generate electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SSB Wind Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fabio Bertolotti, Hermann Kestermann, Marc-Andre Thier, Tobias Bueltel, Josef Upsing, Tobias Daemberg, Norbert Wibben
  • Patent number: 9297361
    Abstract: A device for generating electrical power from fluid flow energy comprising a shaft member; at least one sleeve, wherein the shaft member passed through the at least one sleeve; a stationary stator, wherein the stationary stator coupled to the shaft member, and wherein the stationary stator comprising a first stator and a second stator, wherein the first stator is positioned adjacent to the second stator; and at least one moving stator, wherein the at least one moving stator positioned in concentric relation to the stationary stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mehboob Lakhani
  • Patent number: 9297362
    Abstract: An exemplary wind turbine for providing electrical energy includes a tower having a turret and switchgear for switching an electric current. The switchgear is arranged in a housing in the turret. The wind turbine also includes a discharge chamber separate from the turret; and a pressure-relief device, which is connected between the interior of the housing and the discharge chamber, in order to relieve pressure when there is a pressure difference between the interior of the housing of the switchgear and the discharge chamber so that an overpressure in the discharge chamber can be dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Marco Becker, Stefan Kämpfer
  • Patent number: 9297363
    Abstract: A wind turbine main bearing realized to bear a shaft of a wind turbine, which shaft is caused to rotate by a number of blades connected to the shaft is disclosed. The wind turbine main bearing includes a fluid bearing with a plurality of bearing pads arranged about the shaft. Also disclosed is a wind turbine with a number of blades connected to a shaft and realized to rotate the shaft, which wind turbine includes as main bearing a wind turbine main bearing. Further described is a method of performing maintenance on a wind turbine, including the steps of halting a rotation of the shaft, operating a lifting arrangement to raise the shaft, and removing a bearing pad of the wind turbine main bearing from the bearing housing of the wind turbine main bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Pierre-Antoine Guerenbourg, Nigel New, Jason Stege, Kim Thomsen
  • Patent number: 9297364
    Abstract: Bogie plate (10) integrated or fastened to the planetary carrier (9) of a planetary gearbox (4) for a wind turbine (1), which, using a locking element (12) prevents faults in the gearbox (4), at moments of low torque, in which there is a grinding of the housing (13) of the planetary shaft (11) around a shaft perpendicular to the bogie plate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventors: Patrick Saenz De Ugarte Sevilla, Jose M. Zabala Zabala
  • Patent number: 9297365
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine assembly is disclosed. The offshore wind turbine assembly includes cable meshes or networks arranged on at least two respective levels along the longitudinal direction of the towers of floatable wind turbines in the offshore wind turbine assembly. The cable mesh at each level interconnects the wind turbines in the assembly so as to substantially maintain the position of each wind turbine relatively to the assembly when the entire assembly is located at an offshore position. By means of the arrangement of cable meshes, an upright orientation of the tower of each wind turbine in the assembly can be achieved by appropriately setting the interlevel spacing of the cable meshes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Hubertus Von Grunberg, Peter Terwiesch
  • Patent number: 9297366
    Abstract: A system or methodology for converting thermal energy obtained from solar thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal or industrial waste heat into electrical power is disclosed. The energy efficient way of transferring two steams of liquid solutions containing different concentrations of ionic species is disclosed. The combination of thermal gradient in addition to concentration gradient to improve efficiency, reduce or avoid fouling is disclosed. This invention describes a method of efficient ion migration from concentrated stream to dilute stream thereby improving DC power generation process. The utilization of solar thermal energy from solar collector or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) generator system or solar thermal power generation (CSP) system provides the additional driving force for ions transport from concentrated stream to dilute stream, apart from the concentration grading to generating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: SuGanit Systems Inc., The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Praveen Paripati, Rahul Patil, Gary Glenn Lipscomb, Mahabala Adiga
  • Patent number: 9297367
    Abstract: In a system where the thermal energy of a geothermal fluid is applied to an ORC system, the energy is enhanced by the use of solar energy to thereby increase the temperature of the fluid being applied by the ORC system. A single heat exchanger version provides for direct heat exchange relationship with the geothermal and solar fluids, whereas a two heat exchanger version provides for each of the geothermal and solar fluids to be in heat exchange relationship with the working medium of the ORC system. Control features are provided to selectively balance the various fluid flows in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sitaram Ramaswamy, Guangyan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9297368
    Abstract: An electric propulsion machine includes an ion thruster having a discharge chamber housing a large surface area anode. The ion thruster includes flat annular ion optics with a small span to gap ratio. Optionally, at least a second thruster may be disposed radially offset from the ion thruster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Michael J Patterson
  • Patent number: 9297369
    Abstract: A hydrostatic machine having an actuating device for adjusting a displacement volume of the hydrostatic machine is provided. The actuating device has a return element for actuating a control valve as a function of a position of the actuating device. A valve unit is further provided for adjusting an actuating pressure of the actuating device, which is activated mechanically by means of the return element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Duerr, Clemens Krebs