Patents Issued in July 12, 2016
  • Patent number: 9388682
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product utilize infeasible regions projected onto sets of substantially parallel feasibility planes extending through a subsurface region to perform anti-collision and other types of hazard avoidance analysis. Hazards, e.g., existing well trajectories, that intersect the feasibility planes, as well as any uncertainties associated therewith, may be represented as infeasible regions in the feasibility planes, such that an analysis of the feasibility of a proposed well trajectory may be determined in a computationally efficient manner through a comparison of the locations, within one or more feasibility planes, of the proposed well trajectory and any infeasible regions defined in such feasibility planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter Gerhard Tilke
  • Patent number: 9388683
    Abstract: A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc
    Inventor: John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 9388684
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, William F. Boelte, Douglas J. Streibich
  • Patent number: 9388685
    Abstract: Various disclosed distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) based systems and methods include embodiments that process the DAS measurements to detect one or more contrasts in acoustic signatures associated with one or more fluids flowing along a tubing string, and determine positions of the one or more contrasts as a function of time. The detected contrasts may be changes in acoustic signatures arising from one or more of: turbulence, frictional noise, acoustic attenuation, acoustic coupling, resonance frequency, resonance damping, and active noise generation by entrained materials. At least some of the contrasts correspond to interfaces between different fluids such as those that might be pumped during a cementing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Ravi, Etienne Samson, John L. Maida, William John Hunter
  • Patent number: 9388686
    Abstract: A method of flowing fluid from a formation, the method comprising: sensing presence of a reservoir impairing substance in the fluid flowed from the formation; and automatically controlling operation of at least one flow control device in response to the sensing of the presence of the substance. A well system, comprising: at least one sensor which senses whether a reservoir impairing substance is present; and at least one flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from a formation in response to indications provided by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Konopczynski, Eric Davis, John L. Maida, Jr., Etienne M. Samson, Michel J. Leblanc, Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 9388687
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to advance a geological formation probe with a surrounding pad to seal the pad against a borehole wall, to adjust the size of the area associated with a fluid flow inlet of the probe, where the size of the inlet area is selectably and incrementally variable, and to draw fluid into the fluid flow inlet by activating at least one pump coupled to at least one fluid passage in the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Johannes Dirksen, Mark A. Proett, Jim Wilson, Abbas Sami Eyuboglu, Lizheng Zhang, Wei Zhang, Abdolhamid Hadibeik
  • Patent number: 9388688
    Abstract: A wet scrubber 1 with a low energy requirement, i.e. with reduced throughflow resistance has a demister 5, whose filter package 25 is shaped corrugated or folded. This makes a large surface available to ensure reliable soaking of the inflowing dust. Further advantages are a sloping bottom plate 15 in the demister part housing 4, specially positioned and designed moistening nozzles 6, 7 as well as above all a partitioning of the demister 5 into several complete packages 31, 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: CFT GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Both, Christian Haubold
  • Patent number: 9388689
    Abstract: A mining vehicle includes one or more crawlers, a first deck positioned above the crawlers, and a second deck positioned above the first deck. The first deck includes a first floor surface providing a walking surface, and one or more first deck maintenance components configured to allow a person to move among and access the first deck maintenance components. The second deck includes a second floor surface providing a walking surface, one or more second deck maintenance components, and one or more aisles configured to allow a person to move among and access the second deck maintenance components. The first and second decks are configured to provide maintenance access to the first and second deck maintenance components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: David T. Bienfang, Frank R. Szpek, Jr., Carl D. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 9388690
    Abstract: This tunnel excavation method includes a step of excavating three first tunnels that are substantially parallel to each other in a first excavation step. Second tunnels are excavated that intersect the first tunnels in a second excavation step. A boring machine is used that performs excavation in a state in which a gripper pushes against the side wall of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunari Kawai, Shinichi Terada, Yuuichi Kodama, Masaaki Uetake, Hiroshi Asano, Takashi Minami, Junya Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 9388691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element (20) for connecting to a concrete element (10) of a tunnel lining, to the concrete element (10) and to the method for producing the concrete element (10). It is an object of the invention to provide a protective element (20) for a tunnel lining, or the associated concrete element, which ensures that the protective casing of the tunnel lining is better safeguarded against corrosive gases or liquids. The solution of the invention provides that the protective element (20) is produced from an injection-moldable plastics material, that a protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a seal (30), wherein the connection is gas-tight and liquid-tight, that the protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a connecting element (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and that the single-piece connection is produced by injection molding of the plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Herrenknecht AG
    Inventor: Marc Peters
  • Patent number: 9388692
    Abstract: A dust collection tube arrangement is provided. The tube arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube and the inner tube have a hollow configuration. The inner tube has a diameter lesser than that of the outer tube. The inner tube moves fore and aft with respect to the outer tube. The outer and inner tubes provide a passage for dust and airflow along with adjustable length of tube arrangement based on a position of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Taylor, James W. Coe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9388693
    Abstract: A conveyor system including a track extending between a loading region and a discharge region, an endless belt bendable into a tubular shape, the endless belt having thickened edges, a number of carriages moveably mounted to the track, the carriages including belt rollers for engaging the edges of the belt to thereby support the belt, a loading carriage for allowing material to be loaded onto the belt, the loading station being moveable at least within the loading region, a discharge carriage for allowing material to be discharged from the belt, the discharge station being moveable at least within the discharge region and a number of intermediate carriages positioned between the loading and discharge carriages for supporting the belt along transport and return paths with the tubular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DW Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Darren John Whelan
  • Patent number: 9388694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resonant mechanism for compressors which comprises a tubular body (1) containing at least two slot sets (12) that delimit an intermediate surface (13) which central portion has substantially ellipsoidal conformation (14) on which it is located a hole (15) through which the resonant spring will be affixed (2); a resounding spring (2) housed within the tubular body (1); at least two fastening sets (3) for fastening the resonant spring (2) to the tubular body (1), and leaf flat springs (4) alternately and successively mounted with spacers (not shown) along with the circular side faces (11) of the tubular body (1). The slot sets (12) have a specific configuration to allow rigidity and flexibility suitable for the mechanism operation in situations where the resulting axial force differs from zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Celso Kenzo Takemori, Alisson Luiz Roman, Paulo Rogerio Carrara Couto
  • Patent number: 9388695
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine including: —a cylinder that contributes to define a chamber (3), —a first piston (4), said first piston (4) and cylinder are subjected to a first relative back-and-forth motion, —an output shaft (8), —a second piston (14), said second piston (4) and cylinder are subjected to a second relative back-and-forth motion, said output shaft (8) mounted coaxially to said pistons (4, 14), —a first means for converting (5) said first relative back-and-forth movement into rotational motion of the output shaft (8), including, on one side, a first corrugated guide track (9) and, on the other side, a first guide element (10) designed to move along said guide track (9), —a first adjustment member (5) to position the first guide track (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Antar Daouk
  • Patent number: 9388696
    Abstract: A pump assembly comprises a base, a cam, a cylinder, a piston, and a shim clip. The cam rotates about a rotational axis with respect to the base. The cylinder attaches to the base, and has an inlet port and an outlet for fluid. The piston is reciprocally driven by rotation of the cam to draw fluid into the cylinder through the inlet port during a fill stroke, and to close the inlet port and pump fluid in the cylinder toward the offset during a pump stroke. The shim clip is removably insertable between the cylinder and the base to increase the distance between the inlet port and the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Celotta, John C. Holman
  • Patent number: 9388697
    Abstract: A first stage compressor disk of a gas turbine engine includes a body. The body includes a forward end, an aft end, and an outer surface. The body also includes a plurality of forward balancing holes through the outer surface. The forward balancing holes align circumferentially about the body. The body further includes a plurality of aft balancing holes through the outer surface. The aft balancing holes align circumferentially about the body and are located aft of the forward balancing holes. The first stage compressor disk also includes a radial flange at the aft end of the body. The radial flange extends radially outward from the body. The radial flange includes slots for mounting airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Dover M. Fernandez, Cory Patrick Muscat, Gary Paul Vavrek, James Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 9388698
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to rotor cooling and, more particularly, to a stator member having at least one passage for the delivery of cooling steam to a bucket root. In one embodiment, the invention provides a turbine comprising: a rotor including a first bucket root; and a stator member having: a rotor bore within which at least a portion of the rotor is disposed; a facing end adjacent to the first bucket root of the rotor; a plurality of seals within the rotor bore for sealing against the rotor, the plurality of seals including a first seal nearest the facing end and a second seal adjacent to the first seal; and a plurality of passages, each extending from a surface of the rotor bore at a point between the first seal and the second seal and extending through the facing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Sanjay Chopra, Thomas Joseph Farineau, Tai Joung Kim, Richard James Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9388699
    Abstract: A cooling circuit for a turbine bucket having an airfoil portion includes a trailing edge cooling circuit portion provided with a first radially outwardly directed inlet passage intermediate leading and trailing edges of the airfoil portion of the bucket, extending from a platform portion of the bucket to a location adjacent a radially outer tip of the bucket, and connecting to a second radially inwardly directed passage extending from a location adjacent the radially outer tip to a location adjacent the platform portion. The second radially inwardly directed passage connects to a third trailing edge region passage, and a plurality of crossover passages connect a radially outer half of the second radially inwardly directed passage to a radially outer half of the third trailing edge region passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhirui Dong, Xiuhang James Zhang, Melbourne James Myers, Camilo Andres Sampayo
  • Patent number: 9388700
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to one exemplary embodiment includes an airfoil body that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge. A cooling circuit can be defined within the airfoil body. The cooling circuit can include at least one trip strip disposed within a cavity of the cooling circuit between a leading edge inner wall and a first rib. The at least one trip strip can include an increasing height in a direction from the first rib toward the leading edge inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Edward F. Pietraszkiewicz, Rafael A. Perez, Anton G. Banks
  • Patent number: 9388701
    Abstract: A turbine (1) of the present invention comprises that at one part of a tip part (51) of the blade (50) and an area (11a) of the structure (11) corresponding to the tip part (51) of the blade, a stepped part (52) is formed, a seal fin (15) is provided at the another part of the tip part (51) of the blade and the area (11 a) of the structure (11), a cavity (C) is formed between the tip part (51) of the blade and the area (11a) of the structure (11) and between the seal fin (15) and a partition wall (54, 15). The seal fin (15) comprises a fin main body part (16), and a space restriction part (17). Thus, the present invention provides a high performance turbine in which the leakage flow rate is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kuwamura, Kazuyuki Matsumoto, Hiroharu Oyama, Yoshinori Tanaka, Asaharu Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9388702
    Abstract: The problem to be solved of the present invention is to provide a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having excellent tissue stability, strength, toughness, and corrosion-resistance, requiring no sub-zero treatment, and having excellent productivity; and also a steam turbine long blade using the same. The problem is solved by providing a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel containing, by mass, 0.1% or less of C; 0.1% or less of N; 9.0% or more and 14.0% or less of Cr; 9.0% or more and 14.0% or less of Ni; 0.5% or more and 2.5% or less of Mo; 0.5% or less of Si; 1.0% or less of Mn; 0.25% or more and 1.75% or less of Ti; 0.25% or more and 1.75% or less of Al, and the rest is Fe and inevitable impurities; and a steam turbine long blade using the precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Oikawa, Hideo Yoda, Masahiko Arai, Hiroyuki Doi
  • Patent number: 9388703
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided, which comprises an outlet guide vane provided downstream of a compressor; an outer casing supporting a radially outward part of the outlet guide vane; and an inner diffuser supporting a radially inward part. The outlet guide vane includes a radially inward inner flange; a projecting part projecting radially inward from the inner flange; and an engagement part protruding to one side in an axial direction of the projecting part. The inner diffuser includes a smaller-diameter part having a smaller outer diameter than the other part located upstream. The inner diffuser is provided with an engagement groove extending to one side in the axial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the smaller-diameter part or a region in the vicinity thereof. The engagement part is inserted into the engagement groove with a gap between the engagement part and groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Ikeguchi, Yusuke Sakai, Koji Terauchi
  • Patent number: 9388704
    Abstract: A vane array adapted to be coupled to a vane carrier within a gas turbine engine is provided comprising: a plurality of elongated airfoils comprising at least a first airfoil and a second airfoil located adjacent to one another; a U-ring; first connector structure for coupling a radially inner end section of each of the first and second airfoils to the U-ring; second connector structure for coupling a radially outer end section of each of the first and second airfoils to the vane carrier; a platform extending between the first and second airfoils; and platform connector structure for coupling the platform to one of the U-ring and the vane carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Lohaus, Christian Xavier Campbell, Samuel R. Miller, Jr., John J. Marra
  • Patent number: 9388705
    Abstract: The sealing device includes: an outer peripheral ring 2000 that is in contact with a side wall surface of an annular groove 4100 at a low pressure side (L), and slides with respect to an inner peripheral surface of a shaft hole in a housing 5000 through which a shaft 4000 is inserted. An inner peripheral ring 3000 made of a rubber-like elastic body that is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral ring 2000 and a groove bottom surface of the annular groove 4100, respectively. The outer peripheral ring 2000 is formed on its outer peripheral surface with a concave portion 2220 which extends from an end of a high pressure side (H) to a position which does not arrive at an end of a low pressure side, so as to introduce fluid thereinto from the high pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunari Seki, Koji Watanabe, Wataru Tokunaga, Yuki Takao, Fangman Xu, Hirotaka Mizuta, Keisuke Nakashima, Takuya Igawa, Yusuke Yoshida, Hideya Watanabe, Yosuke Kondo
  • Patent number: 9388706
    Abstract: A turbine and method of operating the same includes a housing having a volute and an outlet and an impeller rotatable coupled to the housing. The turbine includes a nozzle ring having a plurality of primary nozzles and a plurality of secondary nozzles. The plurality of primary nozzles and the plurality of secondary nozzles direct fluid toward the impeller. An auxiliary valve assembly selectively communicates fluid from the volute to the plurality of secondary nozzles. An actuator is coupled to the valve auxiliary assembly moving the auxiliary valve assembly from a first position communicating fluid from the volute into the secondary nozzles to a second position blocking flow of fluid to the secondary nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company
    Inventors: Ryan Kitzmiller, Jason B. Hunt
  • Patent number: 9388707
    Abstract: A flow control device for a turbocharger, the flow control device comprising a variably restricting flow restrictor for restricting flow in a turbocharger inlet by a variable amount, the flow control device being arranged such that the flow restrictor position varies flow restriction in response to force acting on a surface of the flow restrictor caused by a pressure pulse in a flow direction, the flow restrictor being biased in a direction opposed to the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ricardo Martinez-Botas, Srithar Rajoo, Apostolos Pesiridis, Harminder Flora
  • Patent number: 9388708
    Abstract: A turbocharger (1) with variable turbine geometry (VTG), having a blade bearing ring (6), which has a multiplicity of guide blades (7), and which has a stop (25) at least for adjusting the minimum throughflow through the nozzle cross sections formed by the guide blades (7), wherein the stop (25) has a fixing peg (32) on which a deformable, arched adjusting section (26) is arranged. Since the stop is formed as a deformable component which can be fixed in the guide grate, it is possible after the assembly of the guide grate to rework said stop in a simple manner in order to precisely set the required stop position, since said stop is not integrally connected to the guide grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Leif Heidingsfelder, Thomas Ramb
  • Patent number: 9388709
    Abstract: A system and method for maintenance and inspection of a rotor and exhaust assembly that includes a maintenance skid. The maintenance skid includes an exhaust portion that holds an exhaust and a rotor portion that holds a rotor. A pair of movable stands are part of the exhaust portion, where the movable stands move along tracks. At least two stands are part of the rotor portion, where the stands include rollers that allow the rotor to be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9388710
    Abstract: An exhaust diffuser arrangement for a turbine system includes an inlet for receiving a flow proximate a last stage bucket of the turbine system, the flow flowing in a first flow direction. Also included is a flow redirecting component. The flow redirecting component includes a first wall having a first side of a concave surface geometry for redirecting the flow and a second side of a convex surface geometry. The flow redirecting component also includes a second wall spaced downstream of the first wall and having at least one flow exit for reducing a boundary layer along the second side of the first wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sachin Kumar Rai, Richa Awasthi, Shruti Kulkarni, Moorthi Subramaniyan
  • Patent number: 9388711
    Abstract: A cryogenic engine system and method for delivering cryogen to a cryogenic engine are provided. The cryogenic engine system comprises a tank for storing liquid cryogen, a cryogenic engine, a pump configured to pressurize cryogen from the tank, a first conduit for transporting cryogen between the pump and the cryogenic engine, a second conduit for transporting cryogen from the pump back to the tank, and a first valve disposed in the second conduit for controlling the flow of cryogen from the pump back to the tank. A pre-mixing system for a cryogenic engine and a method for mixing cryogen with a heat exchange fluid (HEF) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Dearman Engine Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Ayres, Henry Clarke, Peter Dearman, Dongsheng Wen
  • Patent number: 9388712
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an oxy-fuel combustion power cycle are provided, including converting gaseous carbon dioxide to liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which may include the use of a cryogenic pump, removing a portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide from the cycle, combusting oxygen and a combustion fuel with the remaining liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide in an oxy-fuel combustor to generate steam and additional liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which replaces the portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide sequestered from the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Klaus Brun, Marybeth G. Nored, Jason T. Gatewood, James J. Moore
  • Patent number: 9388713
    Abstract: A camshaft for an internal combustion engine may include a shaft and at least one component thermally joined thereto. The at least one component may be connected via a component-side joining face to a shaft-side joining face of the shaft. At least one of the component-side joining face and the shaft-side joining face may include a predefined roughness introduced and hardened via a laser. The predefined roughness may define at least one track composed of a plurality of individual laser spots. Each of the plurality of individual laser spots may include a center point arranged offset to each other. The plurality of individual laser spots may respectively be arranged to overlapping each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Lettmann, Ralf Rieger, Falk Schneider
  • Patent number: 9388714
    Abstract: A method of cold-forming a ball plunger blank includes providing a slug having first and second ends and backward extruding the slug at its first end to form a cavity that is defined by a wall. The method further includes forming a generally ball-shaped outer surface at the second end of the slug to final dimensions. The method also includes upsetting at least a portion of the wall to form a shoulder that at least partially closes the cavity and defines a ball seat surface to final dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Janowiak
  • Patent number: 9388715
    Abstract: An assembling apparatus of this invention includes a main pallet and a sub pallet detachable from the main pallet, and can convey a cylinder head and parts thereof. The apparatus includes a mechanism disconnecting, from the main pallet, the cylinder head placed on the main pallet and lifting/lowering the cylinder head, a mechanism detaching the sub pallet from the main pallet and lifting/lowering the sub pallet, a mechanism holding the cylinder head lifted to a work operation region, an operation unit extracting a valve retainer from the sub pallet lifted to a part preparation region and assemble it to a cylinder head, and a device arranged between the work operation region and the part preparation region and detaching a pair of cotter pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Kikukawa, Tadashi Kashiyama
  • Patent number: 9388716
    Abstract: A system, for use in accounting for an effect of a long-trip cycle on remaining life of engine oil, being used in a vehicle, using a long-trip rebate value. The system includes a computer processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that is in operative communication with the processor and has instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include determining a long-trip time indicating an amount of time that the vehicle was operated recently in the long-trip cycle. The operations further include determining the long-trip rebate according to a rebate function using the determined long-trip time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Donald John Smolenski, Eric W. Schneider, Daniel Hicks Blossfeld, Matthew J. Snider, Eric R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9388717
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Global Solutions Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward O. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9388718
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes an exhaust system. The exhaust system includes a first and a second conduit configured to receive an exhaust from an engine having at least two cylinders and configured to operate at a range of less than 600 revolutions per minute. The exhaust system further includes a first chamber configured to receive the exhaust from the first and the second conduits, and a second chamber downstream of the first chamber and fluidly coupled to the first chamber by using a third conduit. The exhaust system additionally includes a third chamber downstream of the second chamber and fluidly coupled to the second chamber by using a fourth and a fifth conduit and an exhaust stack downstream of the third chamber and fluidly coupled to the third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Compression Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ken Herman Ashraph
  • Patent number: 9388719
    Abstract: Provided is a muffler comprising: an outer shell; an outlet pipe, which is formed into a tubular shape containing a pair of open end-parts and is comprising an inlet port, wherein one of the open end-parts and the inlet port are arranged inside the outer shell; a valve body formed into a plate-like shape to cover the inlet port from the inside of the outlet pipe; an axis member that pivotally supports the valve body to the outlet pipe so that the valve body pivots inside the outlet pipe; and a biasing member that applies a biasing force in the radial direction of the outlet pipe to the valve body so as to occlude the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUTABA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kainuma, Masahiro Kajikawa
  • Patent number: 9388720
    Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine involves introducing less fuel into at least one first cylinder of the internal combustion engine than into at least one second cylinder of the internal combustion engine. Exhaust gas emerging from the at least one first cylinder is at least partially recycled into a supply air section of the internal combustion engine. At least the exhaust gas of the at least one second cylinder is supplied to an exhaust gas after-treatment unit. An exhaust gas line, by means of which exhaust gas of the at least one first cylinder of the exhaust gas after treatment unit can be supplied, is at least partially blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Stefan Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 9388722
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas treatment system includes an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, a generator, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The EHC device includes an electric heater and an EHC catalyst that is heated to an EHC light-off temperature. The generator is selectively operable in a target voltage mode to supply a target voltage to the electric heater. The target voltage represents a voltage required by the electric heater in order to maintain the EHC catalyst at a catalyst temperature. The SCR device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The SCR device is located downstream of the EHC device and includes an SCR catalyst that is selectively heated by the EHC device to a SCR light-off temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Chandra S. Namuduri
  • Patent number: 9388723
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering liquid reducing agent includes a reducing agent tank. At least a delivery unit, at least one first compensation element, a reducing agent line and a metering unit together have an overall volume to be filled with a reducing agent and are configured for delivering, conducting and metering the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank. The at least one first compensation element is configured for reducing the overall volume when a negative pressure occurs in the delivery device. A method for compensating freezing of a reducing agent in a delivery device and a motor vehicle having a delivery device, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Sven Schepers
  • Patent number: 9388724
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device has a housing and a hollow body through which exhaust gas flows and which is accommodated in the housing. The hollow body consists at least partly of a gas permeable substrate. The hollow body is connected at least one end to a wall member arranged in the housing and formed to be flexible in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Noller, Erich Forster, Manfred Stiglmair
  • Patent number: 9388725
    Abstract: A reducing agent tank is provided which enables detachment of a top cover and a heat exchanger while maintaining a long path length of a heat exchanger in a reducing agent tank. A first pipeline and a second pipeline respectively have extension portions which extend from lower ends of a suspended portion along a bottom face toward a side face of a container main body, and rising portions which extend from leading ends of the extension portions along the side face toward an upper face of the container main body. A length of the extension portions along the bottom face is larger than a maximum inside length of an opening. The rising portions and a turning portion form a leading end bent portion, and a rising length of the leading end bent portion is smaller than a minimum inside length passing through a center of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogawa, Taisuke Kusaba, Yasutaka Kuse
  • Patent number: 9388726
    Abstract: A delivery unit for a liquid additive includes a block having at least three ducts, at least one active component mounted on the block for delivering the liquid additive, a cylindrical collecting chamber into which the at least three ducts open, and a deformable, sleeve-shaped element disposed in the collecting chamber. A motor vehicle having a delivery unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Julie Ferreira, Frederic Supernat, Badoual Loic, Philippe Mertes, Eric Fiorucci, Georges Maguin
  • Patent number: 9388727
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling regeneration of diesel particulate filter in construction machinery. The regeneration controlling method for the diesel particulate filter of construction machinery according to the present disclosure includes: a first active generation operation of actively regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) according to a predetermined first active regeneration schedule when a quantity of soot inside the DPF within is a predetermined allowance section; and a second active regeneration operation of actively regenerating the diesel particulate filter according to a second active regeneration schedule, which is different from the first active regeneration schedule, according to the quantity of soot when the quantity of soot exceeds the allowance section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Cheol Yun, Yun Jung Choi
  • Patent number: 9388728
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for diagnosing gain rationality of an NOx sensor that is downstream of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. Sensor diagnostics are performed while maintaining reductant dosing to the SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Archana Chandrasekaran, Xiao Lin
  • Patent number: 9388729
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes an engine, a revolving frame supporting the engine, a vehicle body frame, a first exhaust treatment apparatus and a connecting pipe. The vehicle body frame includes a plurality of column members disposed upright on the revolving frame. The first exhaust treatment apparatus is supported by the vehicle body frame and treats exhaust from the engine. The connecting pipe connects the engine and the first exhaust treatment apparatus. At least a portion of the connecting pipe includes an extendable and contractable bellows portion. The connecting pipe includes a fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body frame. The fixing portion is positioned in the connecting pipe between the bellows portion and the first exhaust treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Himoto, Osamu Nishimura, Tadashi Mori
  • Patent number: 9388730
    Abstract: A ventilation structure of an engine compartment that houses an engine and is adjacent to a cooling fan that supplies cooling air to a heat exchanger in a form of a radiator is provided. A ventilation structure of the engine compartment includes: an exterior cover with which the engine and the cooling fan are covered; and a ventilation duct that includes an inner surface of the exterior cover, in which a first end of the ventilation duct is open in the engine compartment while a second end of the ventilation duct intercommunicates with a surrounding area of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Tsutsumi, Hirofumi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9388731
    Abstract: A noise suppression system for an air-cooled internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system may include an acoustically designed shroud forming a cavity and configured for attenuating noise produced by a cooling air fan associated with the engine. In one system, the shroud is mountable on a housing of the air fan. A pair of air inlet passages may be provided which are operable to draw ambient cooling air into the shroud to the fan. The air inlet passages are acoustically configured and tuned to attenuate noise generated by the fan. In one system, the air inlet passages may each be formed in a rear quadrant of the shroud. Various configurations of the shroud may include quarter wave resonators and/or micro-perforated panels to further attenuate fan noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Tyler W. Le Roy, Jonathan T. Bykowski, Roger W. Albert
  • Patent number: 9388732
    Abstract: The propensity for gas and soot leakage around a shaft, which extends through a bore which connects volumes of differing pressures, e.g., a turbocharger turbine housing and the ambient air, is minimized with the addition of a pair of seal rings axially biased by a spring to provide a continuous gas and soot seal. The spring may bias the seal rings apart from each other or towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy House, Paul Diemer