Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9371706
    Abstract: Gripper dies for a continuous coiled rod injector are machined from a single, unitary, integral steel body forming both the base portion for connection to the injector drive chain and the gripping portion for engagement of the continuous coiled rod. Curved transitions are provided between ends of a gripping portion of the die and a profiled gripping face thereof, which features an arcuate surface and diverging planar surfaces extending therefrom to accommodate varying sizes of round and elliptical rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Celtic Machining Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin E. C. Gubbins, Sven W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9371707
    Abstract: A transportable separator for separating particulate matter from wellbore fluid having a portable separation system and a hydrodynamic jetted gas separator. The portable separation system having a particulate fluid separation chamber fluidly engaging a variable speed screw conveyor for conveying particulate matter forming particle free fluid, a skim chamber removing oil from particle free fluid, a water leg compartment with an adjustable water leg adjusting a level of fluid in the skim chamber, and an oil settling compartment receiving the oil from the skim chamber, and recycling basic sediment and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Glennwood E. Warncke
  • Patent number: 9371708
    Abstract: Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are disclosed. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
  • Patent number: 9371709
    Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 9371710
    Abstract: A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g., while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Tarek M. Habashy, Badarinadh Vissapragada
  • Patent number: 9371711
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Graeme Foubister, Graeme K. Smith, Andrew Thomson, Kannan Devarajan, Andres Fuenmayor
  • Patent number: 9371712
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method may comprise providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; activating the set-delayed cement composition with a liquid additive to produce an activated cement composition, wherein the liquid additive comprises a monovalent salt, a polyphosphate, a dispersant, and water; and allowing the activated cement composition to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Boul, Thomas Jason Pisklak, Samuel J. Lewis, Kyriacos Agapiou, Lance Everett Brothers, Pauline Akinyi Otieno, Ronnie Glen Morgan, Baya Adams, Cody Glenn Harris
  • Patent number: 9371713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring physical parameters in an oil and/or gas well, the apparatus being connectable to a wellhead of the oil and/or gas well. The apparatus comprises a flange assembly configured with a through bore and an end termination, in which through bore a sensor and associated electronics are arranged. The sensor, including a first electronic circuitry, is connected to a second electronic circuitry via transmission devices that are passed through a pressure-tight element arranged in the through bore. The invention also relates to a wellhead for use with an oil and/or gas well with a plurality of casings defining a plurality of annili. The wellhead is configured with a plurality of through-holes, each leading into a respective annulus of the well, and each through-hole is connected to an apparatus as mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventor: Erling Kleppa
  • Patent number: 9371714
    Abstract: A wellbore insert comprises a housing that further comprises an inner annulus and one or more ports dimensioned and configured to provide a fluid pathway between the inner annulus of the housing and the outer surface of the housing. A selectively movable port seal, operable via a port seal mover, is dimensioned and configured to selectively occlude or open these ports. A movable plug, controlled by a plug mover, operates within the housing to selectively permit or occlude fluid flow within the housing. A power supply and a detector are typically present within the housing. An individually addressable electronic control module is operable to effect a change in the position of the selectively movable port seal and/or the movable plug. The wellbore insert can be used for downhole operations such as frac operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Tubel Energy LLC
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Rogelio Cantu, Jorge Laurent, James Kendall Warren, Sagar Shinde, Amanda Tubel
  • Patent number: 9371715
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering and engaging a casing against a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a valve body locatable in-line with the casing the valve body having an outer casing extending between first and second ends and a central passage therethrough, and at least one radially movable body extending therethrough. Each radially movable body has an aperture therethrough so as to permit an exterior of the valve body and the central passage to be in fluidic communication with each other. The apparatus further comprises a cylinder and a piston therein operable connected to the radially movable body in selective fluidic communication with the central passage. The method comprises locating the valve body in line with a wellbore casing, pressurizing the casing with a pressurizing fluid and transmitting the pressurizing fluid the cylinder so as to displace a piston located therein and extend the radially movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Grant George, Shane Sargent
  • Patent number: 9371716
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for a self-extendable hydraulic wellbore cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes one or more extending nozzles which eject cleaning fluid onto the walls of a wellbore with increased impact momentum due to the shorter range. The extending nozzles can extend from the cleaning tool to a distance away from the cleaning tool, bringing the point of ejection closed to the walls of the wellbore. In certain example embodiments, the cleaning tool also includes one or more flow guides which direct the flow of cleaning fluid ejected from the nozzles. The flow guides cause the cleaning fluid to rotate when ejected from the nozzles, and causes the cleaning fluid to impact the walls of the wellbore at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Namhyo Kim, Antonio Lazo, Earl B. Claiborne, Jr., Dexter G. Pazziuagan
  • Patent number: 9371717
    Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Eslinger
  • Patent number: 9371718
    Abstract: An electromagnetic perforation device for well casings includes a coil disposed around a core carried by a mandrel. The device further includes a power supply coupled to a current supply device, which is coupled to said coil. A stabilizing member extends from the mandrel and spaced apart on the mandrel from the coil core. The electromagnetic perforation device may be positioned in a well casing, and the current supply device may rapidly supply a current to the coil to created an electromagnetic field in the coil and simultaneously induces a magnetic field in the well casing. The coil, current, and well casing may be selected such that electromagnetic field and the magnetic field produce repulsive magnetic forces that are sufficient to overcome a yield strength of the well casing and perforate the well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bittar, Jing Li, Daniel Dorffer, Clive Menezes
  • Patent number: 9371719
    Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: David Underdown
  • Patent number: 9371720
    Abstract: An autonomous inflow control system for use downhole comprises a flow ratio control system comprising one or more fluid inlets, and a pathway dependent resistance system comprising a vortex chamber. The one or more fluid inlets provide fluid communication between the flow ratio control system and the pathway dependent resistance system, and at least one of the one or more fluid inlets comprises a super hydrophobic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke William Holderman
  • Patent number: 9371721
    Abstract: Drain wells can be used to direct a fluid to a central production well in a subsurface well system. Subsurface well systems can include a production well extending from the earth's surface, a collection region having a fluid connection to the production well and either being contiguous with the production well or comprising a collection well that intersects or is in fluid communication with the production well, and at least one branched drain well extending laterally from the production well and including one or more branches that extend from the at least one branched drain well, wherein at least one of the one or more branches intersects or is in fluid communication with the collection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Hay, Gary Althoff
  • Patent number: 9371722
    Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a natural gas hydrate reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Balczewski
  • Patent number: 9371723
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Novotny, Scott Richie, Reza Talabi
  • Patent number: 9371724
    Abstract: A system and method for separation of liquids and gases within a multiphase fluid are provided herein. The method includes flowing a multiphase fluid into a number of divisions within a multiphase separation system, wherein the divisions are configured to lower a velocity of the multiphase fluid. The method also includes separating the multiphase fluid among a number of lower pipes and a number of upper pipes, wherein each lower pipe includes an expansion zone configured to lower a pressure within the lower pipe to allow entrained liquids to drain from a corresponding upper pipe via a downcomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Grave, Adam S. Bymaster, Tracy A. Fowler
  • Patent number: 9371725
    Abstract: A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Burrows, Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 9371726
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Abdullah Saleh Hussain Al-Yami, Jerome Schubert
  • Patent number: 9371727
    Abstract: Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventors: Steven Martin Hudson, Robert Charles Bromwich, Alexandra Vasil'evna Rogacheva, Bridget Mary Weston
  • Patent number: 9371728
    Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a pressure compensation system for a sensor in a wellbore having a wellbore fluid therein. The system includes a downhole tool (104) and at least one pressure compensator (112) positionable therein. The pressure compensator includes a first compensating fluid section having a first compensating fluid (238) therein, a first pressure compensation section having a first pressure regulation device (226) for adjusting a compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid based on a wellbore pressure of the wellbore fluid, at least one second compensating fluid section having a second compensating fluid (252) therein, and at least one second pressure compensation section having a second pressure regulation device (246) for adjusting a sensor pressure of the second compensating fluid based on the compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregoire Jacob, Alain Nguyen-Thuyet
  • Patent number: 9371729
    Abstract: A permeameter probe, configured for performing hydraulic conductivity measurements of soil, includes a standpipe having a top section, a transitional section, and a bottom section. The transitional section provides a gradual change in diameter between the larger diameter bottom section and the smaller diameter top section. The standpipe also includes a lower lip for forming a pressure fitting between the standpipe and a casing placed in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: J.R. Simplot Company
    Inventors: Brock Brown, Ron Hager, Grant J. Williams
  • Patent number: 9371730
    Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer. The single packer comprises an outer bladder with drains positioned in the outer bladder to obtain formation fluid samples. Features also may be incorporated into the single packer to limit sealing in the circumferential spaces between the drains and to provide a larger sampling surface than provided simply via the drain surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Metayer, Jean-Louis Pessin, Kathiravane Tingat Cody, Alexander F. Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 9371731
    Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Highwall Mining Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Whitley, Dave Bundy
  • Patent number: 9371732
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a chamber and inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase in the chamber. First input valving admits a liquid into the chamber and a control system controls the first input valving such that the liquid is admitted to the chamber to compress at least one constituent of the combustible mixture. Outlet valving releases an outflow of the liquid from the chamber under an influence of the pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. Second input valving selectively admits a heated aqueous fluid into a region of the chamber in which combustion of the combustible mixture occurs to promote a hydrogen separation process in the chamber to provide hydrogen that is combusted in the chamber. A supply system supplies the heated aqueous fluid to the second input valving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Nigel A. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9371733
    Abstract: In a moving blade system for a turbomachine, in particular a gas turbine, having at least one moving blade (1), the moving blade system having at least one cavity (3) in which at least one tuning mass (2) is movably situated, the tuning mass and/or the cavity is/are adapted in such a way that the tuning mass rests against an inner wall (3.1) of the cavity in a predefined first operating state of the turbomachine and at least temporarily moves away from the inner wall in a second predefined operating state of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hartung
  • Patent number: 9371734
    Abstract: A turbine blade has a profile including a blade suction side line, a blade pressure side line, and a blade trailing edge formed by a curve connecting the rear ends of the blade suction side and pressure side lines to each other, wherein the curve forming the blade trailing edge of the profile is formed by connecting a pressure side curve portion which has an arc shape having a constant radius of curvature and extending from the rear end of the blade pressure side line toward the camber line of the profile, and a suction side curve portion which extends from the rear end of the blade suction side line toward the camber line while passing through a region closer to the camber line than a symmetric curve portion which is line-symmetric to the pressure side curve portion with respect to the camber line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Hamabe, Ayumi Mamada, Ruriko Yamawaki, Hiroshi Hamazaki
  • Patent number: 9371735
    Abstract: An impingement cover (460) for fusing to a gas turbine engine turbine nozzle (451) with a nozzle rail (455) includes a body and a plurality of tabs for forming a first fuse with the nozzle rail (455). The body has a plate like shape and includes a plurality of impingement holes (464), a first edge, a second edge, and a first airfoil cooling hole (470). The plurality of tabs includes a first tab (461) extending from the first edge, and a second tab (462) extending from the second edge. The second tab (462) is located in a different quadrant of the body than the first tab (461).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: William Landon Reilly, David Jeorling, Adrian Nazareno Reyes
  • Patent number: 9371736
    Abstract: A method and device for modifying a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The method for modifying a gas turbine engine includes accessing a first outward end of a first tube installed in the gas turbine engine, the first tube having a tube axis. Then attaching an extraction tool to the first outward end of the first tube, and applying an axial force to the first tube using the extraction tool, the axial force relative to the tube axis, thus breaking a first interference seal between a first interface surface on a first inward end of the first tube and a receiving member of the gas turbine engine. The method continues with removing the first tube from the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey Carl Brill
  • Patent number: 9371737
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes: a cooling air pipe disposed at a downstream side of a rotor main body without contacting with the rotor main body and configured to feed cooling air into a cooling air main passage of the rotor main body; a bearing downstream end shaft seal annularly disposed at an outer circumferential side of the rotor main body and at a downstream side of a bearing which rotatably supports the rotor main body; and a collecting flow passage member having a leaked air collecting flow passage that guides the cooling air, which is leaked from the bearing downstream end shaft seal to the bearing side, into an exhaust flow passage through which a combustion gas passing through a final blade stage flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Shinya Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9371738
    Abstract: A variable outer air seal support system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a case having a plurality of slots, and an extension of a variable outer air seal segment. The extension provides at least one extension aperture. A connector pin is configured to move within the slot to move the variable outer air seal segment from a first position to a second position. The variable outer air seal segment overlaps a circumferentially adjacent variable outer air seal segment more in the first position than in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Meggan Harris
  • Patent number: 9371739
    Abstract: A power-producing device, such as a ram air turbine, includes a controller that is used to control operation of a turbine of the power-producing device. The controller uses an input based on an airspeed of the aircraft as part of a control mechanism in the controller for controlling the turbine. For example controller may be used to control backpressure of the turbine, for example by controlling the angle of doors of that are used to adjust backpressure of the turbine. The control mechanism may include a PID controller, with the gain of one or more of the values of the PID controller being a function of the airspeed of the aircraft. In addition the control mechanism may include manipulating a setpoint as a function of load on the power-producing device. The power-producing device may be part of a detachable pod that is installed on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brendan H Robinson, John K Yook, John H Steele
  • Patent number: 9371740
    Abstract: A speed controller generates a speed control output signal based on an output target value and a detected speed of a steam turbine, an extraction pressure controller generates an extraction pressure control output signal based on an extraction flow rate target value and a detected extraction pressure of the steam turbine, and when operation signals of a governor valve and an extraction control valve are generated with reference to an extraction map for deriving opening degrees of the valves at an operation point determined depending on the signals, the extraction map is used with a scale of the extraction pressure control output signal in the extraction map being corrected to be multiplied by “extraction flow rate target value/extraction flow rate actual value” based on a regularly detected extraction flow rate actual value of the steam turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Jahami
  • Patent number: 9371741
    Abstract: A turbine blade of the present invention includes a blade body mounted on a rotor body so as to extend outward from the rotor body in a radial direction of the rotor body and a chip shroud fixed to the outside of the blade body in the radial direction. A cooling passage which extends in the radial direction of the rotor body and in which a cooling medium circulates is formed in the blade body. The chip shroud includes a shroud body where a recess opened to the outside in the radial direction and communicating with the cooling passage is formed on an outer peripheral end face, and a plug that includes a plurality of plug pieces closing an opening of the recess in cooperation with each other by being inserted into mounting grooves formed on side surfaces of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryuta Ito
  • Patent number: 9371742
    Abstract: A set of rotor disks for a turbine engine, or an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the set including disks rigidly connected together by bolts and shaped at their outer peripheries with slots for mounting blade roots. Each disk includes a rim extending radially and not having any axial flanges, two consecutive disks being connected together with help of an axially-extending ferrule that is fastened to the rims of the disks and that is fitted with a holder plate for holding the blade roots of the downstream disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Belmonte, Ludovic Gallego, Lionel Rene Henri Weller
  • Patent number: 9371743
    Abstract: A cap assembly includes a plunger mounted to a retainer pin and a latch operable to retract the retainer pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Kari L. Kisselbrack, Curtis J. Ruckey, Robert Howard
  • Patent number: 9371744
    Abstract: A heat engine is provided which includes: a boiler unit including an evaporation chamber and a fluid-pool chamber, the evaporation chamber heating a working fluid by supplied heat and generating vapor of the fluid, and the fluid-pool chamber collecting the fluid supplied to the evaporation chamber; an output unit through which the vapor flows, and which converts energy of the vapor to mechanical energy; a condensation unit which condenses the vapor that has passed through the output unit, and refluxes the condensed fluid to the fluid-pool chamber; and a working fluid guide member which is disposed in the boiler unit, and which sucks the fluid in the fluid-pool chamber by using capillary force and supplies the fluid to the evaporation chamber. The evaporation chamber is separated from the fluid-pool chamber. Pressure in the evaporation chamber is higher than pressure in the fluid-pool chamber. The working fluid guide member satisfies (2?/r)·cos ?>PH?PL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio Gouko, Masahiro Asano, Atusi Sakaida, Tomikazu Ishikawa, Keiji Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9371745
    Abstract: A vaporization method includes a preparing step of preparing a vaporizing tube that covers at least a part of a heat exchange unit for cold energy of a Stirling engine and is capable of forming an ascending flow of the liquid flowing from a bottom to a top of the heat exchange unit for cold energy, and a vaporizing step of feeding the liquid in the vaporizing tube to thereby form the ascending flow and bringing the liquid into contact with the Stirling engine to vaporize the liquid. In the preparing step, a flowing direction of the ascending flow is adjusted to suppress occurrence of separated flows of the liquid and gas in the vaporizing tube. In the vaporizing step, the liquid is fed at a flow velocity at which a gas-liquid two-phase flow in which the liquid and the gas are mixed is formed in the vaporizing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., CHUBU ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazuo Takahashi, Norio Oiwa
  • Patent number: 9371746
    Abstract: To provide a bearing member for a valve gear capable of reducing friction. A bearing member (34) for a valve gear (1) includes a cam shaft (20). The cam shaft (20) has: a cam (30) for opening/closing at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; and a plurality of journal parts (36). The bearing member (34) includes: a cam cap (38) supporting the journal part (36) from above, surrounding it; a bearing base part (40) supporting the journal part (36) from below; and a stepped part (46a) provided on an inner peripheral surface of the cam cap (38) facing the journal part (36), overhanging on an inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral surface. An upstream-side end portion (46c) of the stepped part (46a) is positioned more on a downstream side than an upstream-side abutting surface (38a) of the cam cap (38), whereas a downstream-side end portion (46d) of the stepped part (46a) is positioned more on an upstream side than a downstream-side abutting surface (38b) of the cam cap (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TAIHO KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shu Kamiya, Keiji Yuda
  • Patent number: 9371747
    Abstract: A dual independent phaser, including: one only single locking cover; a first phaser section including a first stator, a first rotor, a first plurality of chambers formed by a first rotor and the first stator, and first locking pin non-rotatably engaged with the first rotor and axially displaceable to non-rotatably connect the first rotor and the one only single locking cover; and second phaser section including second stator, a second rotor, a second plurality of chambers formed by a second rotor and the second stator, and second locking pin non-rotatably engaged with the second rotor and axially displaceable to non-rotatably connect the second rotor and the one only single locking cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kandolf, Roger Meyer
  • Patent number: 9371748
    Abstract: A holding structure of an oil control valve includes an oil control valve, a cam holder, and a head cover. A valve portion is provided on a second end side of the oil control valve opposite to a first end side in a longitudinal direction. The valve portion is configured to switch oil passages by driving a solenoid portion and has a drain hole at a shaft end portion of the valve portion. The cam holder is attached to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and rotatably supports a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. A valve portion side of the oil control valve is embedded in the cam holder and supported by the cam holder. An axis of the oil control valve in the longitudinal direction is oriented towards the camshaft. The head cover is provided on an upper portion of the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Konishi, Hirotaka Ogino, Takayuki Takatoku
  • Patent number: 9371749
    Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly has a metal retainer, an elastomeric seal, and a metal valve guide. The metal retainer and the elastomeric seal are attached to each other, and the elastomeric seal is in sealable contact with the metal valve guide, while the metal retainer is in metal-to-metal gripping contact with the metal valve guide. A stop may be formed in the metal retainer that cooperates with a shoulder formed in the metal valve guide in order to prevent over-installation of the assembly of the elastomeric seal with attached metal retainer, when this assembly is installed over the metal valve guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Hegemier, Alexander S. Williamson, Robert W. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 9371751
    Abstract: The invention related to a two-stroke internal combustion engine (1), comprising a crankcase (2), which has an air intake (3), and at least one cylinder (4), which is connected to the crankcase (2) and which, together with a piston (5) arranged therein, defines a combustion chamber (6). The cylinder (4) has at least one air inlet (7), which via an air duct (8) communicates with the crankcase (2), in which a mixture of air and lubricating oil and fuel, if any, is contained. The air duct (8) is connected to the crankcase (2) via a separator (10) for cleaning of air coming from the crankcase (2) from lubricating oil and fuel, if any.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Construction Tools PC AB
    Inventor: Johan Bram
  • Patent number: 9371752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary disk valve arrangement having a crankcase for accommodating a crankshaft, wherein the crankcase has an inlet opening for fresh air and at least two rotary disk valves for regulating an ingress of fresh air into the crankcase, wherein the at least two rotary disk valves have in each case one axis of rotation and are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another for the purpose of at least partially opening up and closing off the inlet opening, and wherein the at least two rotary disk valves are arranged on the crankcase at a coupling surface of the crankcase. The coupling surface has at least one further inlet opening, and the at least two rotary disk valves comprise in each case at least two rotary valve openings for the purpose of at least partially opening up the at least two inlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ARENS GMBH METALLBAU & BAUSCHLOSSEREI
    Inventors: Holger Arens, Lars Arens
  • Patent number: 9371753
    Abstract: A system and method automatically controls exhaust sound of a vehicle according to music chosen by a driver for the pleasure of driving. The system may include a media reproducing device which plays music and outputs a music playback signal, a control unit which analyzes a frequency of the music playback signal output from the media reproducing device and generates a drive signal according to the frequency, and a variable valve of a muffler installed in the muffler which adjusts the exhaust sound according to the drive signal output from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Chul Park
  • Patent number: 9371754
    Abstract: An after-treatment device that includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) requiring periodic regeneration includes a sensor providing a signal indicative of a soot accumulation and at least one device providing an operating parameter indicative of a work mode of the machine. A controller determines a soot level and a readiness level based on the work mode of the machine, and further classifies the soot level relative to a desired range for initiating a regeneration event and initiates the regeneration event when the soot level falls within the desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, David Kapparos, Tyler V. Richards, Glenn B. Cox, Matt Leustek, Rajiv Nanjundareddy, Vadiraj P. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9371755
    Abstract: A method and system are described for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a first waste heat recovery zone on board the vehicle for receiving the high temperature exhaust gas stream, at least one heat exchanger having an inlet for receiving the hot exhaust gas stream from the ICE for passage in heat exchange relation and a discharge outlet for discharging the exhaust stream at a lower temperature, the heat recovery zone further including at least one heat recovery device for converting the waste heat from the exhaust gas to electrical and/or mechanical energy; b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Esam Zaki Hamad
  • Patent number: 9371756
    Abstract: There is provided an exhaust purifying system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel supply valve for supplying fuel to an exhaust passage for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, an ignition device for igniting the fuel supplied from the fuel supply valve, and a controller for heating the ignition device to selectively realize at least an ignition temperature Ti in which the fuel can be ignited and a waiting temperature Ts in which the fuel cannot be ignited. The controller controls the waiting temperature Ts to be the lower as a predicted deceleration time tp that is the time for which a decelerating state of the vehicle lasts is larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mori, Hidetaka Fuse