Patents Issued in September 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9447662
    Abstract: The invention presents a method for plugging and abandoning spent wells. An expandable liner hanger having sealing elements positioned thereon, is run-in and expanded, creating at least one seal against fluid migration. A redundant seal is created using a swellable annular sealing device, such as a swell packer. The swell packer and liner hanger are run-in and expanded. A bottom valve is closed and the expansion and running tools released from the liner hanger. After pulling out of the running tool, the wellbore is cemented creating an effective plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Blake Arabie
  • Patent number: 9447663
    Abstract: An abrasive perforator tool with a bypass flow channel. The tool comprises a tubular body or housing with perforating nozzles in the sidewall. A sleeve assembly inside the central bore of the tool provides for sequential deployment of first and second sleeves. Prior to deployment of the sleeve assembly, pressurized fluid can be passed through the tool to operate other tools beneath the perforator in the bottom hole assembly. Deployment of the first sleeve diverts pressurized fluid through the nozzles for perforating. Deployment of the second sleeve redirects the pressurized flow through the outlet of the tool to resume operation of other tools below the perforator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert J. Farkas
  • Patent number: 9447664
    Abstract: A formation evaluation system and method. A formation evaluation system includes an assembly interconnected as part of a tubular string and displaceable to multiple positions proximate each of multiple zones intersected by a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one formation evaluation instrument for determining a characteristic of formation fluid, and a pump which draws the fluid into the assembly. A method of evaluating multiple subterranean zones during a single trip into a wellbore includes the steps of: interconnecting a formation evaluation assembly in a coiled tubing string; for each of the multiple zones, displacing the formation evaluation assembly to a position proximate the respective zone, receiving formation fluid from the respective zone into the formation evaluation assembly, and determining at least one characteristic of the formation fluid; and performing the multiple displacing, receiving and determining steps during the single trip of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel H. Pettinato, Federico Sorenson, Robert F. Shelley, Saul Plavnik, Ricardo Jorquera
  • Patent number: 9447665
    Abstract: In a well extending from the surface of the earth to a deposit of production fluid there beneath, a system for delivering the contents of the deposit to the earth's surface. The system comprising a rod string capable of being driven by a source of motive power at the earth's surface, including an internally overshot assembly rod at the end of the rod string; a downhole assembly, including a pump and receiver with a shaft extending upwardly from the downhole assembly, the receiver shaft being connectable to the overshot assembly such that rotation of the rod string and overshot assembly drives the pump to push the production fluid to the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: William Bruce Morrow
  • Patent number: 9447666
    Abstract: A system for disengaging a power supply at the surface of a well from a downhole assembly having a pump for pumping fluid in the well to the surface thereof. A captured spline assembly interposed in the rod string, selectively connected to the downhole assembly to provide torsional drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: William Bruce Morrow
  • Patent number: 9447667
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling combustion gas output in direct steam generation for oil recovery. A direct combustion steam generator burns a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas mixture to produce combustion products including steam, CO2 and N2. Supplemental oxygen is separately supplied to the combustion steam generator to adjust the oxygen content of the oxygen-containing gas mixture during the combustion process in order to adjust the ratio of CO2 to N2 produced in the combustion products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Quinn Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Cochrane, Norman Arrison, Charles E. Slavens, Ronald Foster
  • Patent number: 9447668
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of injecting steam into a wellbore. One disclosed injection tool includes a body defining an inner bore and a radial flow channel, one or more fluid conduits defined in the body at the radial flow channel, a shroud arranged about the body such that an annulus is defined and in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits and the surrounding wellbore environment, a sleeve arranged within inner bore and movable between a first position, where the sleeve occludes the one or more fluid conduits, and a second position, where the one or more fluid conduits are exposed, and first and second seals generated at opposing axial ends of the radial flow channel when the sleeve is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John Charles Gano
  • Patent number: 9447669
    Abstract: A method for improving and maintaining well productivity is disclosed. The method comprises placing acoustic devices within wells of a geological formation, measuring parameters for initial pulsed acoustic impact, and continuing to measure parameters in order to change impact parameters during production to optimize the acoustic effect. The method may be used to restore, maintain, or increase the productivity of an entire geological formation (oil or gas), and to reduce the water cut in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Yevgeny B. Levitov, Ernest Orentlikherman, Isaak Orentlikherman
  • Patent number: 9447670
    Abstract: A self-orientating fracturing system including a swivel sub having opposing sections rotatable relative to one another; at least one ported sleeve defining a flowpath and having a ported housing with an outer surface that includes at least one planar engagement surface and at least one port providing a communication path to the interior of said housing, and an insert moveable within the ported housing between a first position and a second position, for opening and closing the ported sleeve. The system includes a centralizer having an outer surface configured to impart rotational force to the centralizer when the centralizer is pushed or culled alone the surface of a wellbore. The sorted sleeve and the centralizer are installed in the assembly on the same side of the swivel sub such that the rotational force imparted to the centralizer is also imparted to the swivel sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Raymond Hofman
  • Patent number: 9447671
    Abstract: A fracturing system includes a fracturing spool that mounts onto a wellhead assembly for injecting fracturing fluid into a well beneath the wellhead assembly. An isolation sleeve is included with the fracturing system that couples to the fracturing spool and extends into the wellhead to isolate and protect portions of the wellhead assembly from the fracturing fluid. A seal is between the isolation sleeve and bore of the wellhead assembly, which is threaded to the isolation sleeve. Manipulating the threaded connection between the isolation sleeve and seal selectively positions the isolation sleeve to designated axial positions within the wellhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Khang V. Nguyen, Eugene Allen Borak, Saurabh Kajaria
  • Patent number: 9447672
    Abstract: Propellant structures and stimulation tools incorporating propellant structures may comprise composite propellant structures including two or more regions of propellant having different compositions, different grain structures, or both. An axially extending initiation bore containing an initiation element may extend through a center of the propellant structure, or may be laterally offset from the center. An offset initiation bore may be employed with a composite grain structure. Methods of tailoring ballistic characteristics of propellant burn to result in desired operational pressure pulse characteristics are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Arrell, Jr., Steven E. Moore
  • Patent number: 9447673
    Abstract: A proppant pack may be formed in a fracture that extends from a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation and is accomplished through different methods. The methods involve providing multiple spaced apart proppant slugs within a hydraulic fracturing fluid that is introduced into the wellbore at a pressure above the fracturing pressure of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anatoly Vladimirovich Medvedev, Oleg Medvedev, Alexander Vuacheslavovich Mikhaylov, Christopher N. Fredd, Kreso Kurt Butula, John Lassek, J. Ernest Brown, Konstantin Mikhailovich Lyapunov
  • Patent number: 9447674
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to the in-situ removal of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, etc., from produced fluids such as gases and crudes from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A sufficient amount of a fixing agent is injected into formation with a dilution fluid. The fixing agent reacts with the heavy metals forming precipitate, or is extracted heavy metals into the dilution fluid as soluble complexes. In one embodiment, the heavy metal precipitates remain in the formation. After the recovery of the produced fluid, the dilution fluid containing the heavy metal complexes is separated from the produced fluid, generating a treated produced fluid having a reduced concentration of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the dilution fluid is water, and the wastewater containing the heavy metal complexes after recovery can be recycled by injection into a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sujin Yean, Darrell Lynn Gallup, Lyman Arnold Young, Russell Evan Cooper, Matthew Bernard Zielinski, Mark Anthony Emanuele, Brian Christopher Llewellyn, Dennis John O'Rear
  • Patent number: 9447675
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to the in-situ removal of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, etc., from produced fluids such as gases and crudes from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A sufficient amount of a fixing agent is injected into formation with a dilution fluid. The fixing agent reacts with the heavy metals forming precipitate, or is extracted heavy metals into the dilution fluid as soluble complexes. In one embodiment, the heavy metal precipitates remain in the formation. After the recovery of the produced fluid, the dilution fluid containing the heavy metal complexes is separated from the produced fluid, generating a treated produced fluid having a reduced concentration of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the dilution fluid is water, and the wastewater containing the heavy metal complexes after recovery can be recycled by injection into a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sujin Yean, Darrell Lynn Gallup, Lyman Arnold Young, Russell Evan Cooper, Matthew Bernard Zielinski, Mark Anthony Emanuele, Brian Christopher Llewellyn, Dennis John O'Rear
  • Patent number: 9447676
    Abstract: An electronically activated tool (50) comprising a tool body, cutter blocks and sensors with means for attachment to a drilling support and rotation so as to permit the simultaneous underreaming and measurement of the diameter of a wellbore (especially in oil and gas drilling) characterized by a means of activation using an electronic signal sent by mud-pulse, fiber-optics, wireless transmission or other means which may also communicate commands and receive data from the underreamer during drilling, at least one radially extendable cutter block (62) incorporating positional sensors adapted to measure the relative position of the cutter block to the tool, at least one calliper means (76) to measure wellbore diameter, all of which are inter-linked by a means of communication using receivers, sensors and microprocessors and a system that optimizes underreaming or expansion (22) by simultaneously comparing and correlating wellbore diameter data (22) and underreaming parameters in real-time or in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Wajid Rasheed
  • Patent number: 9447677
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing wellbore conditions in artificial lift wells using low profile sensors that are installed on down hole production equipment that makes them easier to install and retrieve. In one embodiment, low profile sensors are installed on a rod string making their insertion and removal much easier than it would be if they were mounted on production tubing. The sensors can be attached directly to the rod string or can be attached to a cable that is attached to the rod string. The sensors can transmit their data electrically through the cable or through the rod string. Alternatively, the sensors can transmit their data acoustically through the rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ESP COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lance I. Fielder, Robert P. Fielder, III
  • Patent number: 9447678
    Abstract: A sensing subassembly for use with a downhole tool comprises a housing, a cavity disposed within the housing, at least one electronic component disposed within the cavity, and at least one isolating member disposed within the cavity. The at least one isolating member is configured to attenuate at least a portion of frequency components of a mechanical wave above a threshold and transmit at least a portion of frequency components below the threshold to the at least one electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Walter, John P. Rodgers, Timothy S. Glenn, Marco Serra
  • Patent number: 9447679
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and monitoring an acoustic response to particular fluid flow conditions in a wellbore include incorporating a sound-producing element into each inflow control device installed in a wellbore. Each of the sound-producing elements generates an acoustic signature that is readily identifiable from each other sound-producing element installed in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Jinjiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 9447680
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for matching the lithology effect of a downhole tool having a lower-energy neutron source, such as AmBe, using a downhole tool having a higher-energy neutron source, such as an electronic neutron generator, are provided. One such downhole tool may include a neutron source, first and second neutron detectors, and data processing circuitry. The neutron source may emit neutrons into a subterranean formation, which may scatter off the formation. The first neutron detector may detect neutrons of a relatively lower spectrum of energies than the second neutron detector. From counts of these neutrons, the data processing circuitry may determine a property of the subterranean formation having a lithology effect that substantially matches another lithology effect associated with another downhole tool having a lower-energy neutron source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: James L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9447681
    Abstract: Apparatus, computer readable medium, and program code for identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of an embodiment of such an apparatus includes a downhole sensor subassembly connected between a drill bit and a drill string, acoustic sensors operably coupled to a downhole data interface, and a surface computer operably coupled to the downhole data interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Yunlai Yang
  • Patent number: 9447682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon-based fluorescent nano-agent tracers for analysis of oil reservoirs. The carbon-based fluorescent nano-agents may be used in the analysis of the porosity of a formation. The nanoagents are suitable for injection into a petroleum reservoir and may be recovered from the reservoir for the determination of hydrocarbon flow rates and retention times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Cornell University
    Inventors: Mazen Y. Kanj, Mohammad Harunar Rashid, Emmanuel Giannelis
  • Patent number: 9447683
    Abstract: A coring bit assembly for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The coring bit assembly includes a coring shaft and a thrust ring coupled to an end of the coring shaft. A static sleeve is disposed inside the coring shaft and having a flange coupled to the thrust ring to space the static sleeve from the coring shaft to form a drilling fluid passageway between the coring shaft and the static sleeve. An axial fluid pump is disposed on the coring shaft to engage with the static sleeve to drive drilling fluid through the drilling fluid passageway formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Rachel Lavaure
  • Patent number: 9447684
    Abstract: A mine stopping panel is disclosed. The panel includes first and second channel-shaped panel members having a telescoping sliding fit one inside the other. An end cap is fitted in the first panel member. One or more louver connections between the first panel member and the end cap hold the end cap against movement relative to the first panel member when an extending force is applied to the end cap tending to telescopically extend the first panel member relative to the second panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9447685
    Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9447686
    Abstract: An axial piston machine includes a housing having a casting which is optimized with respect to casting. An insert ring which is optimized with respect to a pressure load is formed in the bottom of the housing. The insert ring is configured to be used with such an axial piston machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Clemens Krebs
  • Patent number: 9447687
    Abstract: A heat engine comprises two coaxial discoidal sectors and a mechanism of control of the rotational speed of the sectors that makes their respective rotational speeds to vary cyclically between a maximum and a minimum speed. The mechanism includes a linked structure provided with four links arranged in a deformable parallelogram and connected to each other by corresponding rotary joints located at their ends, each link including a roller located adjacent one end of the link. The mechanism further includes at least one cam profile for the rollers to follow, the cam profile being the locus of the path followed by the rollers when the sectors follow a motion such that the speed of each sector is kept at a maximum for at least 90% of the duration of a half-cycle, and is kept at a minimum for at least 90% of the duration of the other half-cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Juan Antonio Castillo Álvarez
  • Patent number: 9447688
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an indexing system for a rotor assembly where in one example the indexing system regulates the rotational location of drive rotors. In one example the rotors are configured to rotate about a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Exponential Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Juan, Curtis Patterson, Kristjan Gottfried, Soheil Farshchian
  • Patent number: 9447689
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine nozzle having at least one vane disposed between an inner and an outer band. Embodiments of the method can comprise separating the inner band from the outer band and securing a replacement part to the inner band. In one embodiment, the methods accommodate replacement parts that include vanes with a base feature that comprises a non-airfoil shape and that integrates cooling features useful for operation of the turbine nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nathaniel Patrick Brown, Glenn Knight, Wayne Grady, Michael Steckler
  • Patent number: 9447690
    Abstract: A wind generator hub assembly with lightweight, high efficiency, hybrid airfoil/sail blades. The hub includes three to eight blade mounting surfaces each with a radially extending blade attached thereto. The blades are identical and wedge-shaped and evenly distributed radially around the hub. Gaps are created between each blade. Each blade has an airfoil profile with a curved outer skin layer. Each blade has a large curved leading edge and a flat trailing edge similar to an airfoil. The outer skin layer is secured along its leading edge and removeably attached along its trailing edge to a lightweight internal frame. Each blade includes a transversely aligned end cap with optional louvers. The blades are oriented so their outer skin layers face downwind and rotate towards their leading edges. When wind flows against the inside surface of the skin layers, the blades act as sails to produce thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Pete Agtuca
  • Patent number: 9447691
    Abstract: A bucket assembly and a method for treating a bucket assembly are disclosed. The bucket assembly includes a platform, the platform defining a platform cooling circuit, and an airfoil extending generally radially outward from the platform, the airfoil defining an airfoil cooling circuit. The bucket assembly additionally includes a lower body portion extending generally radially inward from the platform, the lower body portion defining a root and a cooling passage extending from the root, the cooling passage in fluid communication with the airfoil cooling circuit. The bucket assembly further includes a transfer passage defined between and in fluid communication with the airfoil cooling circuit and the platform cooling circuit such that a cooling medium may flow from the airfoil cooling circuit through the transfer passage to the platform cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Ezekiel Smith, Gary Michael Itzel, Scott Edmond Ellis
  • Patent number: 9447692
    Abstract: A turbine rotor blade with a main serpentine flow cooling circuit extending from a leading edge region to a trailing edge region, and a mini serpentine flow cooling circuit in the blade tip region connected between the first and second legs of the main serpentine flow circuit. Exit slots in the trailing edge region are connected to the last leg of the main serpentine flow circuit and to the mini serpentine flow circuit to provide cooling for the trailing edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: S&J DESIGN LLC
    Inventor: George Liang
  • Patent number: 9447693
    Abstract: A compliant assembly includes an airfoil and a platform section from which the airfoil extends. The platform section includes a compliant attachment that is configured to secure the platform section to another structure different than the airfoil. The compliant attachment includes a compliant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Edwards, David P. Dube, Richard K. Hayford
  • Patent number: 9447694
    Abstract: A mid-turbine frame (MTF) for a gas turbine engine includes an inner manifold directing air to a turbine rotor of the gas turbine engine. The MTF includes an outer MTF case and an inner MTF case. The inner manifold of the MTF is located in the inner case of the MTF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul K. Sanchez, John S. Tu, Kalpendu J. Parekh, William A. Daniels
  • Patent number: 9447695
    Abstract: A diffuser seal for an aft end of a high pressure compressor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The diffuser seal includes a flow guide carrier coupled to the diffuser case. The flow guide carrier is also coupled to a static seal. The static seal engages a rotary seal and permits air flow through the static and rotary seals in the aft direction. The flow guide carrier is also coupled to a fairing and a fairing/hub support. The flow guide carrier supports the fairing in a spaced-apart position with respect to the rear hub so that air flowing through the static and rotary seals passes between a forward surface of the fairing and the rear hub. The fairing/hub support extends forward from the flow guide support and engages an aft surface of the fairing thereby limiting movement of the rear hub and fairing in the aft direction. This design helps to prevent parts or debris from piercing the rear hub and entering the high pressure turbine in the even of a fan blade-out or fan blade-off event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul W. Baumann, Charles H. Warner, Brian Ellis Clouse
  • Patent number: 9447696
    Abstract: A blade outer air seal system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of ring carriers made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of seal segments are carried, respectively, on the plurality of ring carriers. A ring member is carried in the plurality of ring carriers. The ring member is made of a second material that is different from the first material in composition. The second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion such that the first coefficient of thermal expansion is 75-175% of the second coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Brandon T. Rouse, Thomas Almy, Igor S. Garcia, John R. Farris, Mark Borja
  • Patent number: 9447697
    Abstract: Wastegate assemblies and turbocharger assemblies including the wastegate assemblies are described. The wastegate assemblies include a housing enclosing both an actuator and a valve. The valve is operatively coupled to the actuator and the housing terminates with a crush seal. The housing also includes a mounting member connectable to a turbocharger to place the crush seal in sealing engagement with a wastegate opening in the turbocharger. The turbocharger assemblies include a housing enclosing a turbine and a compressor wheel that are operatively coupled together on a common shaft that defines an axis of rotation, and have a wastegate assembly removably mounted to an outlet end of the housing proximate the turbine and extending therefrom in a direction away from the turbine and the compressor wheel. Here, the wastegate assembly has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Markyvech, James Miller, David Fletcher, Brian Graichen
  • Patent number: 9447698
    Abstract: A double-walled turbocharger housing made of sheet metal includes an inner sheet metal shell which conducts hot exhaust gases and a relatively cold outer sheet metal shell which is spaced apart from the inner sheet metal shell via an air gap. The double-walled turbocharger housing is connected to a bearing flange with a circumferential collar via a common welding seam. The bearing flange is provided with a collar on an outside which faces away from the hot exhaust gas. An outer end of the inner sheet metal shell is provided with a collar with which it embraces the outer sheet metal shell. Both sheet metal shells are connected with the collar of the bearing flange via a common welding seam, wherein an air gap is present between the inner sheet metal shell and the outer sheet metal shell up to the outer end of the inner sheet metal shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBIL TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Elmar Grussmann, Arthur Lesch
  • Patent number: 9447699
    Abstract: A steam turbine housing is provided having a housing wall and a stiffening cradle attached to the inner side which has two encircling inner webs which are arranged axially adjacent to one another and which project radially inward from the housing wall. Between the inner webs, running parallel and axially centrally, a central web is attached to the inner side of the housing wall, the radially inner edge of which is straight, wherein at the radially inner edge of the central web, the central web forks in a Y-shaped manner inward into two transition webs which extend to and merge into the adjacent inner web, such that the inner webs are fastened directly to the housing wall outside the circumferential extent of the transition webs and are fastened to the housing wall via the transition webs and the central web within the circumferential extent of the transition webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Gaida, Zsolt Konya, Martin Kuhn, Frank Sperla
  • Patent number: 9447700
    Abstract: A system for connecting spaced components of a gas turbine engine includes connecting one end of a T-bar to each of the spaced components. One component is attached to the crossbar portion of the T-bar by trapping the crossbar between the component and a bracket. The second component is attached to the shaft portion using a hanger nut connected to the shaft portion of the T-bar and bolted to the second component. The system may be installed by attaching the crossbar portion, then advancing the first component towards the second component until the shaft portion passes through an aperture in the second component. The hanger nut is attached to the shaft portion and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. McMahon, Jeffrey R. Lavin
  • Patent number: 9447701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing an Organic Rankine Cycle-process (ORC-process), comprising a first circular flow in which a first process fluid is conducted, having an evaporator for evaporating the first process fluid, an expansion machine located downstream of the evaporator for expanding the evaporated first process fluid, wherein the expansion machine is connectable to a generator for generating electrical energy, a first condenser located downstream of the expansion machine for condensing the expanded first process fluid, and a first fluid energy machine located downstream of the first condenser for increasing the pressure of the condensed first process fluid and for transporting the first process fluid to the evaporator that is located downstream of the first fluid energy machine. The term fluid energy machine is to be understood to describe a machine that exchanges mechanical work with the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SAXESS HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: John Omoruyi
  • Patent number: 9447702
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems that are configured as a closed loop system with a pump, an evaporator, a power generator, and a condenser, the combination of which circulates a working fluid to generate electrical power. The embodiments are configured with a cooling system that can depress the local pressure at or near components that are the target of cooling, which in turn permits the cooling fluid to function at temperatures that can remove heat, even when the ambient temperature rises above desirable levels. In one embodiment, the system is configured with an ejector device that can use energy of the working fluid F in vapor phase to lower the pressure in a housing, or like environment, that encloses critical elements of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Sankar K. Mohan
  • Patent number: 9447703
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of processing material having an organic content. The method comprises heating a batch of the material (“E”) in a batch processing apparatus (16) having a reduced oxygen atmosphere to gasify at least some of the organic content to produce syngas, The temperature of the syngas is then elevated and maintained at the elevated temperature in a thermal treatment: apparatus (18) for a residence time sufficient to thermally break down any long chain hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds therein. The calorific value of the syngas produced is monitored by sensors (26) and, when the calorific value of the syngas is below a predefined threshold, the syngas having a low calorific value is diverted to a burner of a boiler (22) to produce steam to drive a steam turbine (36) to produce electricity (“H”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Chinook End-Stage Recycling Limited
    Inventors: Rifat Al Chalabi, Ophneil Henry Perry, Ke Li
  • Patent number: 9447704
    Abstract: A heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine may include a heat transfer device flowed through by a fluidic heat carrier for transferring the heat from a combustion exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine to the heat carrier, a heat power machine flowed through by the heat carrier for converting the heat transferred to the heat carrier into mechanical work, a substantially cyclically closed duct system for connecting the heat transfer device with the heat power machine, at least one displacement pump for conveying the heat carrier through the duct system in a predetermined flow direction, and a pump drive for driving the displacement pump. A reduced wear may result when the heat recovery system is supplemented by an impermeable separating membrane for the fluid-tight separation of the heat carrier from the pump drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Eggler, Alfred Elsaesser, Christian Maisch, Sascha Senjic
  • Patent number: 9447705
    Abstract: In a fossil fuel waste incineration or plasma gasification process, waste heat generated by combustion of waste is captured by a heat transfer fluid and conveyed to an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for energy recovery. In the case of a fossil fuel-fired waste incineration system, the heat transfer fluid captures waste heat from a double-walled combustion chamber, a heat exchanger being used to cool the hot process exhaust (gas cooler). In the case of a plasma waste gasification system, the heat transfer fluid captures waste heat from a plasma torch, a gasification chamber and combustion chamber cooling jackets as well as any other high-temperature components requiring cooling, and then a heat exchanger used to cool the hot process exhaust (gas cooler). The heat exchanger may take on several configurations, including plate or shell and tube configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: PYROGENESIS CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Tavares, Pierre Carabin
  • Patent number: 9447706
    Abstract: A bearing frame or cylinder head cover of an internal combustion engine may include at least one camshaft mounted therein. The camshaft may be tunnel-mounted in at least two bearing openings arranged along a bearing channel. At least two radial bearings may be arranged on the camshaft, each of the radial bearings having an outer bearing shell. The outer bearing shells of the at least two radial bearings may include different outer diameters, each of the respective outer diameters adapted to be complementary to an inner diameter of the associated bearing opening. The inner diameters of the bearing openings may decrease in a direction of assembly of the camshaft along the bearing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Dautel, Thomas Flender, Klaus Heidenberger, Antonio Menonna, Kurt Schwellenbach, Stefan Steichele
  • Patent number: 9447707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic support element for valve drive of a combustion engine, with a pot cylindrical casing and a hollow cylindrical piston guided axially movably therein, the inner end of which is supported via a spring on the bottom wall of the casing, whose outer end projects past the outer margin of the casing and is formed as a hemispherical bearing head, and whose inner space is subdivided by means of a partition element into an axially inner supply-pressure space and an axially outer switching-pressure space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Kretschmer, Peter Sailer, Wolfgang Christgen, Matthew Evans, David Kehr, Chad Lee
  • Patent number: 9447708
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic valve train is configured to change valve lift and valve opening/closing timing according to operation state of an engine. The electro-hydraulic valve train includes a valve stem having a valve head formed at a lower end thereof and a big-diameter stem formed at a middle portion thereof, the big-diameter stem having a larger diameter than the other portion, a swing arm having a roller contacting with a cam of a camshaft and an end connected to the valve stem, the one end being adapted to pivot with respect to the other end according to a rotation of the cam so as to move the valve stem upwardly or downwardly, a first brake unit enclosing the valve stem and adapted to perform brake operation in a case that the valve stem moves upwardly, and a second brake unit mounted at the other end of the swing arm and adapted to selectively move the other end of the swing arm upwardly or downwardly and to perform brake operation in a case that the other end of the swing arm moves downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Myungsik Choi
  • Patent number: 9447709
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser, including a stator arranged to receive torque from an engine; a rotor arranged to be non-rotatably connected to a camshaft; first and second ramp rings radially disposed about the rotor and non-rotatably connected to the rotor; a first wedge plate radially disposed between the stator and the first ramp ring; a second wedge plate radially disposed between the stator and the second ramp ring; and a displacement assembly arranged to, for an advance mode, displace the first ramp ring in a first axial direction to enable rotation of the rotor, with respect to the stator, in a first circumferential direction, and for a retard mode, displace the second ramp ring in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, to enable rotation of the rotor, with respect to the stator, in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Debora Manther
  • Patent number: 9447710
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control device includes a driving side rotation member, a driven side rotation member, a control valve controlling a supply and draining of an operation fluid to and from a fluid pressure chamber to change a relative rotational phase of the driven side rotation member relative to the driving side rotation member, an intermediate member positioned inwardly of the driven side rotation member between the driven side rotation member and a camshaft, the intermediate member including the control valve inwardly thereof; and a torsion spring retained by the driving side rotation member and the intermediate member to bias the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member either in a first rotation direction or a second rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yamakawa, Masaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9447711
    Abstract: Forming of a valve head portion (1) of a hollow engine valve (V) comprising a material particularly satisfactory in heat resistance is performed by cold forging. The material with excellent heat resistance is worked to form a valve head portion semifinished product (11) having a hollow hole (S11) whose inner diameter (?11) is equal to the maximum inner diameter (?11) of a hollow hole (S1) of a finished product of the valve head portion (1), and having a diameter-increased section (111) whose maximum outer diameter (?12) is equal to the maximum outer diameter (?12) of a diameter-increased section (1a) of the finished product. Parts of the valve head portion semifinished product other than a central part to a lower part of the diameter-increased section (111) are necked down by cold forging performed a plurality of times to obtain the finished product of the valve head portion (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: FUJI HOLLOW VALVE INC., YOSHIMURA COMPANY
    Inventor: Hyoji Yoshimura