Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
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Patent number: 9482167Abstract: In an engine system of a machine having a multi fuel engine system, an energy accumulator is provide to accumulate and store energy when the engine system is in a low engine power usage or low engine load state, and to discharge energy from the energy accumulator when the engine system is in a high engine usage or high engine load state. The energy accumulator may be implemented, for example, in the form of a gaseous fuel accumulator that delivers gaseous fuel to the engine, a hydraulic fuel accumulator that provides pressurized fluid to power a fuel pump, or a battery pack that powers an electric hydraulic pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Mallikharjuna R. Boddu, Evan E. Jacobson
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Patent number: 9482168Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for introducing a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The method includes dividing the engine map into three distinct operating regions, with different operating modes in each region. When the engine is operating in a low load region, gaseous fuel is introduced to the combustion chamber during an intake stroke before an intake valve associated with the combustion chamber closes. When the engine is operating in a high load low-speed region, gaseous fuel is directly injected into the combustion chamber during a compression stroke after the intake valve is closed. When the engine is operating in a high load high-speed region, a split injection strategy is employed with a first portion of the gaseous fuel introduced into the charge before the intake valve closes and a second portion being injected after the intake valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.Inventors: Mark E Dunn, Alan B. Welch
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Patent number: 9482169Abstract: System, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for a computing a first set of parameters based on operational states of an internal combustion engine and an air handling system, a second set of parameters based on a linear time varying model, and one or more control commands based upon a minimization or maximization of a cost function over a prediction horizon, the second set of parameters, and at least one physical constraint of the internal combustion engine, and controlling one or more operations based at least in part upon the one or more control commands. The acts of determining the first and second set of parameters and computing the one or more control commands are repeated over a plurality of time periods over which the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters are time variant.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Edmund P. Hodzen, Nassim Khaled, Phanindra Garamella, Hoseinali Borhan
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Patent number: 9482170Abstract: A deceleration control system in a vehicle comprises; a deceleration start detector; a memory for storing a normal state rule and a deceleration state rule to control a driving power, and a controller for controlling the driving power; wherein in the deceleration state rule, the driving power is changed based on the detection by a driving state detector, and a driving power decided in accordance with the deceleration state rule is greater than a driving power decided in accordance with the normal state rule according to the same driving state: and wherein the controller switches the normal state rule to the deceleration state rule and controls the driving power in accordance with the deceleration state rule, based on the detection by the driving state detector, when the deceleration start detector detects that the deceleration has started.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Patent number: 9482171Abstract: An ECU executes a cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control in which an air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder is estimated based on a detection value of an air-fuel-ratio sensor to adjust the air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder. Further, the ECU computes a learning value of a correction quantity for each cylinder, which is obtained by executing the cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control. Then, the ECU determines whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged according to whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder has been closer to a target value than a specified value for not less than a specified time period. A computation of the learning value is prohibited until the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged. Therefore, it can be avoided to compute the learning value based on the fuel correction quantity that is obtained when the estimated air-fuel-ratio has not converged yet.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Noriaki Iwase, Yasuo Mukai
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Patent number: 9482172Abstract: Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on humidity of a first gas flow measured by a humidity sensor, and indicating degradation of the humidity sensor if a humidity of a second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than an expected humidity. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity of the second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than expected.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
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Patent number: 9482173Abstract: An indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) module determines IMEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders of an engine, respectively. A coldstart indication module indicates whether the engine is in a cold state after a startup of the engine. A fueling correction module, when the engine is in the cold state, selectively increases a fueling correction for one of the cylinders based on the IMEP of the one of the cylinders. An equivalence ratio (EQR) module selectively increases an EQR of the one of the cylinders based on the fueling correction for the one of the cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Buslepp, Julian R. Verdejo, Bruce F. Hunter, Daniel G. Brennan
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Patent number: 9482174Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine based on the amount of un-burned fuel dissolved in the engine oil, and returned into the manifold through the PCV valve as the engine oil temperature rises via adjusting fuel injection into a cylinder from a fuel injector, in a fuel delivery system. The fuel dilution in engine oil and the amount of fuel entering the intake manifold through the PCV valve can be determined based on one or more of oil volume, fuel composition (e.g., ethanol content), oil temperature, engine temperature, engine speed, engine load, engine run time, injected fuel mass, and exhaust gas composition.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Michael DeAngelis, Michael Ryan Scannell, Gregory Blin, Rama Sanghvi, Joseph Lyle Thomas
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Patent number: 9482175Abstract: A system for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel reservoir for containing fuel for use by the internal combustion engine; a first pump that pumps fuel from a supply tank into the fuel reservoir; and a battery that provides electrical power to the first pump. A control circuit sends signals to selectively run the first pump so as both to minimize a total amount of electrical power consumed by the system and to maintain at least a minimum amount of fuel in the reservoir. Methods for filling a fuel reservoir that contains fuel for use by an internal combustion engine are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Michael A. Torgerud, Jason S. Arbuckle, Steven J. Gonring
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Patent number: 9482176Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine using gaseous fuel is described. In one example, engine operation is adjusted responsive to a temperature of air entering an engine and a resultant temperature of a gaseous fuel injected to the engine. The system and method may improve engine air-fuel control.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 9482177Abstract: An object of this invention is to accurately detect a sensitivity abnormality of an in-cylinder pressure sensor over a wide operating range without using other sensor outputs or the like. Based on only the output of an in-cylinder pressure sensor 44, an ECU 50 acquires a first parameter that is affected by an output sensitivity of the sensor, and a second parameter that is not affected by the output sensitivity. Specifically, the ECU 50 acquires a heat release quantity PV? as the first parameter, and acquires an indicated torque ratio (A2/A1) as a second parameter. The ECU 50 also calculates a determination coefficient ? that is a ratio between the first and second parameters, and determines that the output sensitivity of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 44 is abnormal when the determination coefficient ? deviates from an allowable range.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiromichi Yasuda
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Patent number: 9482178Abstract: A cylinder liner for an engine includes a cylindrical wall having a radially internal surface and a radially external surface opposite the radially internal surface, the cylindrical wall defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, the radially external surface including a sealing surface and an undercut surface adjacent to the sealing surface, the sealing surface at least partly facing away from the longitudinal axis. The undercut surface includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface at least partly facing the longitudinal axis, and the second surface at least partly facing away from the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Christopher Batta
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Patent number: 9482179Abstract: A multi-layer cylinder head gasket is provided. The cylinder head gasket includes a plurality of layers of material, each of the layers has a plurality of openings including at least one cylinder bore opening and at least one pushrod opening. Each of the layers has an edge which surrounds the at least one pushrod opening, and the pushrod openings of the layers are aligned axially with one another. An eyelet extends axially in each of the pushrod openings and covers the edges of the layers for protecting a pushrod extending through the respective pushrod opening. The eyelet is made of a material that is softer than the material of the plurality of layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Federal-Mogul CorporationInventors: Nicholas Nelson, Wilford Dean Virgin, Steven Kueltzo, Richard Larson, John Stark
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Patent number: 9482180Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a sleeve, at least one linear electric motor connected to the sleeve, and a controller. The sleeve is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The sleeve exposes a cascade when in the second position. The at least one linear electric motor is configured to move the sleeve between the first position and the second position. The controller is configured to control operation of the at least one linear electric motor to move the sleeve between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Eric D. Bol
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Patent number: 9482181Abstract: A jet engine nacelle has one thrust reverser device which includes a deflection means and one cowl translatable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle. The cowl can translate between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the cowl ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and covers the deflection means. In the open position, the cowl opens a passage into the nacelle and uncovers the deflection means. The thrust reverser device moreover includes one blocking flap pivotably mounted by one end attached to a rear portion of the deflection means, and slidingly connected to the moving cowl. The pivoting end is also translatably connected to the rear portion of the deflection means.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: AIRCELLEInventors: Herve Hurlin, Olivier Kerbler, Nicolas Dezeustre, Loic Le Boulicaut
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Patent number: 9482182Abstract: The invention concerns an actuating device (1) for moving a mobile cover of a thrust reverser, comprising: an actuator (5) comprising a first element (10), such as a screw, and a second element (12), such as a nut, mounted mobile device relative to the first element (10) such that the rotation of the first element (10) results in a translational movement of the second element (12) relative to the first element (10), and a locking device (31) comprising a rotating part (34) linked in rotation with the first element (10), and a locking part (35) that is mobile relative to the rotating part (34) between a locked position in which the locking part (35) is engaged with the rotating part (34) to prevent the first element (10) from rotating and an unlocked position in which the locking part (35) is disengaged from the rotating part to allow the rotation of the first element (10), and an electromagnet (39) for moving the locking part (35) to the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE, AIRCELLEInventors: Christophe Bastide, Franck Delnaud, Mickael Werquin, Nicolas Planquet, Pascal Coppee, Rinaldo Fadini, Pierre Moradell-Casellas
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Patent number: 9482183Abstract: A control system for a thrust reverser with a movable cowl includes an electromechanical actuator to actuate the movable cowl, an electric drive unit (M) driving the actuator, and a power control unit capable of controlling the electric drive unit (M). The power control unit moves the movable cowl to a closed position and/or to a deployed position. In particular, the control system includes an electronic circuit for electric braking capable of braking the electric drive unit (M), in case of overspeed of the drive unit when the movable cowl is moved to the closed position and/or to the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: AIRCELLEInventors: Hakim Maalioune, Alain Nourrisson
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Patent number: 9482184Abstract: An injection head including an annular distribution cavity for distributing a propellant upstream from an injection plate supporting injectors. The cavity includes a multiply-perforated distribution grid distributing the propellant, which grid is coaxial with the distribution cavity and of a concave shape that projects into the distribution cavity, the grid being fastened to a dome of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Dominique Jean Etienne Indersie, Julien Bachelet, Olivier Delahaye
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Patent number: 9482185Abstract: A thermal rocket initiator mechanism, including a housing; a primer carriage translatable within the housing; a percussion primer disposed within the primer carriage; and a pair of actuator rods disposed within the housing where one of the pair of actuator rods is coupled to the primer carriage and the other pair of actuator rods is coupled to the housing. The mechanism further includes a rocker arm coupling the pair of actuator rods to one another where the pair of actuator rods are manufactured from a shape memory alloy that changes dimensions upon heating, translating the primer carriage within the housing and correspondingly actuating the percussion primer. The pair of actuator rods includes a long actuator rod and a short actuator rod. The percussion primer is actuated through a ramp structure coupled to the primer carriage and a spring structure coupled to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as Reprented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Frederick J Borrell
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Patent number: 9482186Abstract: A leaf spring type variable valve may include a housing wherein a hinge support part may be formed at a side thereof and an opening may be formed at another side thereof, a valve cover which may be rotatably secured to the hinge support part of the housing to thereby open or close the opening of the housing, and a leaf spring which may be interposed between a leaf spring support part fixedly secured to the hinge support part of the housing and the valve cover to thereby elastically pressurize the valve cover, wherein the leaf spring has an area in contact with the valve cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Young-Dug Yang
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Patent number: 9482187Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation device for a motor vehicle is disclosed with includes an unburnt gas line for guiding an unburnt gas flow and at least one exhaust gas feed line for supplying exhaust gas into the unburnt gas line. At least two discharge openings offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the unburnt gas line are provided in the unburnt gas line, by way of which the exhaust gas can be or is supplied to the unburnt gas line.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lutz Kilian Cloos, Gerwin Tittes
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Patent number: 9482188Abstract: A control device executes a feedback control operation of an electric motor such that a sensed opening degree of a valve approaches a target opening degree, which is set for a time of fully closing the valve. The control device stops the energization of the electric motor after reaching of the sensed opening degree of the valve to an energization stop opening degree, which is set on a valve opening side of a full closing degree of the valve in a valve opening direction of the valve. A return spring urges the valve in a valve closing direction of the valve. The target opening degree is set on a valve closing side of the energization stop opening degree in the valve closing direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kazushi Sasaki, Osamu Shimane
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Patent number: 9482189Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, James Alfred Hilditch, Richard E. Soltis, Michael Howard Shelby, Daniel Joseph Styles
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Patent number: 9482190Abstract: An evaporated fuel treating apparatus, comprising a passage allowing circulation of fluid inside, a tank port and a purge port at one end of the passage, and an atmospheric port at the other end of the passage, and provided with a plurality of adsorption chambers each filled with granular activated carbon or crushed activated carbon in the passage, and a support member set between a first adsorption chamber located closest to the atmospheric port in the plurality of adsorption chambers and a second adsorption chamber located on the tank port side of the first adsorption chamber in the plurality of adsorption chambers, to space the first and second adsorption chambers apart from each other, and at least a part of the support member can adsorb evaporated fuel components. With this configuration, evaporated fuel components escaping to the outside through the atmospheric port are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiko Makino
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Patent number: 9482191Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel tank; a thermal regulator comprising a phase-change material, the thermal regulator coupled to the fuel tank; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the temperature of the fuel tank may be managed passively by the phase-change material, and actively by engine coolant, thereby allowing heat energy to be shunted away from the fuel tank, cooling the fuel within the fuel tank, and reducing fuel vapor concentration, thus enabling a fuel vapor canister with a reduced size.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Shahid Ahmed Siddiqui
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Patent number: 9482192Abstract: A lean-burn engine may comprise a combustion chamber, an intake manifold configured to provide a lean fuel/air mixture to the combustion chamber, and a pre-chamber in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The pre-chamber may include a spark igniter configured to initiate combustion of the lean fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber, and a heating element contained in the pre-chamber. The heating element may be configured to heat the pre-chamber to a temperature sufficient to allow the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from fuel and air in the pre-chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Charlie Kim
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Patent number: 9482193Abstract: A system for rotationally securely plugging a sensor into a through-passage of a flow channel, the sensor including a sensor housing, the through-passage having an inner wall delimiting the through-passage and first and second inside diameters extending respectively along a first axis and a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, the first inside diameter being greater than the second inside diameter, a plug-in direction of the sensor housing into the through-passage defining a third axis essentially perpendicular to the first and second axis, the sensor housing having a longitudinal extension area along the third axis and being insertable into the through-passage. To ensure rotationally secure assembly of the sensor in its setpoint angular position, at least one protrusion is provided so that the sensor housing, in a plugged-in state, is rotatable in the through-passage by no more than 0.5° about the third axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Hans Beyrich, Lutz Westenberger, Torsten Mais
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Patent number: 9482194Abstract: In a mixing valve for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the distance between pivot axes of two flaps is smaller than the diameter of the largest flap. The flaps are also connected to a single drive device. The drive device ensures a collision-free coupling of the movements of the flaps.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Lothar Schröder
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Patent number: 9482195Abstract: A number of variations of the invention may include a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine and/or method, wherein heat is exchanged from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and at least one of a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. In a number of variations, a regulator or throttling valve is provided in the gaseous fuel line to expand gas flowing therein and reduce the temperature of the gas to further cool the liquid fuel flowing in the liquid fuel feed line or the liquid fuel return line. Another variation may include a method comprising exchanging heat from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark D. Archer, Nicholas Carter, Richard W. Hurley, Jon D. Edsell
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Patent number: 9482196Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring an opening of an injection valve. The injection valve includes a valve body with a cavity having a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle movable in the cavity between a closing position preventing fluid flow outlet and other positions allowing fluid flow through the outlet, and an actuator unit for actuating the valve needle. The method includes actuating the actuator unit with a predetermined voltage signal, recording a time-dependent profile of a current through the actuator unit, detecting a first gradient alteration time where the gradient of the recorded current profile changes more than a first threshold, detecting a second gradient alteration time where the gradient of the recorded current profile changes more than a second threshold, and based on the first and second gradient alteration times determining a diagnostic value usable for compensating a long-term drift of the injection valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventor: Mauro Grandi
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Patent number: 9482197Abstract: A main fuel injection valve and a secondary fuel injection valve are separately housed in a purified chamber and an unpurified chamber of an air cleaner. A common fuel supply conduit for leading fuel from a fuel tank is connected to a branching connection pipe which is supported to pass through a cleaner case and a bulkhead and which is placed in one of the unpurified chamber and the purified chamber 49. The branching connection pipe is connected to a main fuel injection valve side branched fuel conduit and a secondary fuel injection valve side branched fuel conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Shin Nishimura
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Patent number: 9482198Abstract: An electronic fuel injection throttle body unit has a core body with two side components. The two side components each including a fuel delivery passage. Four air intake passages extending vertically through the throttle body. Valves are rotatable within the air intake passages. The valves being connected to valve shafts that rotate about respective valve shaft axes. The valve shaft axes and the fuel delivery passages are perpendicular to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Fuel Injection Technology Inc.Inventors: Kenneth William Farrell, Jeremy Lynn Schmidt
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Patent number: 9482199Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system, which is capable of properly controlling a degree of engagement of a clutch, thereby making it possible to improve vehicle drivability. The hydraulic pressure supply system includes a first hydraulic pressure supply device that uses an internal combustion engine as a motive power source and supplies hydraulic pressure to the clutch, and a second hydraulic pressure supply device that supplies hydraulic pressure to the clutch by being driven by a motive power source other than the engine, detects a vehicle speed and a rotational difference parameter that represents a difference in rotational speed between an output shaft of the clutch and an input shaft of the clutch, and controls clutch supply hydraulic pressure which is hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch, according to the detected vehicle speed and rotational difference parameter, when restart conditions of the engine are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kohei Sakai
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Patent number: 9482200Abstract: Formed in a pinion (74) are pinion-side helical external teeth (74A) that mesh with a ring gear 823), and pinion-side helical internal teeth (74a) that mesh with a pinion inner (71). Formed in the pinion inner (71) are pinion inner-side helical external teeth (73) that mesh with the pinion-side helical internal teeth (74a). The configuration is formed so that when the rotational speed of the pinion (74) is slower than that of the ring gear (23), a thrust load is generated in a direction toward the ring gear (23), and when the rotational speed of the pinion (74) is faster than that of the ring gear (23), a thrust load is generated in a direction away from the ring gear (23).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: Mitsuba Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiko Ikemori, Hiroshi Ooka, Masaaki Oya, Masataka Odagiri, Shigehiro Kanbe, Hiroki Yamada, Seiji Shimada, Yusuke Fukada, Takayuki Yamagata, Masahiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 9482201Abstract: In a method for testing a supply circuit for an ignition circuit having at least one energy accumulator, a first conversion circuit that raises a supply voltage to a specified voltage level and charges the at least one energy accumulator, a controllable discharging circuit that discharges the at least one energy accumulator as needed, the energy accumulator is connected via a first coupling diode to the ignition circuit, and the supply voltage is applied via a second coupling diode to the at least one ignition circuit. Following the system start-up, a state of charge of the at least one energy accumulator is ascertained and compared to the at least one specified threshold value, and as a function of the comparison, a faultless supply circuit or at least one fault is recognized.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Carsten List, Hartmut Schumacher
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Patent number: 9482202Abstract: In one aspect, a method for mitigating detonation in a skip fire engine control system is described. The working chambers of the engine are operated in a skip fire manner to deliver a desired torque. One or more detonations are detected in the engine. In response to the detection of the one or more detonations, the spark timing for one or more of the working chambers is retarded. Additionally, the firing fraction used to operate the engine is increased. The increase in the firing fraction helps to compensate for torque lost due to the retarding of the spark timing.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventor: Steven E. Carlson
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Patent number: 9482203Abstract: A spark plug is provided, which includes a housing, an insulation porcelain, a center electrode, a main ground electrode, a first sub ground electrode and a second sub ground electrode. The first and second sub ground electrode are arranged being opposed to each other. Requirements of Hs1<Hc+Gm, Gm<Gs1+Gg, Gm<Gs2+Gg, Hs2?Hs1 and Hc<Hs2 are satisfied, where Hc is the length of projection of the center electrode, Gm is the size of the main gap, Hs1 is the length of projection of the first sub ground electrode, Hs2 is the length of projection of the second sub ground electrode, Gs1 is the length of the first sub gap in the radial direction of the plug, Gs2 is the length of the second sub gap in the radial direction of the plug, and Gg is the distance between an outer peripheral edge portion and an inner peripheral edge portion of a porcelain tip portion in the radial direction of the plug.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Ken Hanashi
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Patent number: 9482204Abstract: One embodiment of a rotor blade for a vertical axis wind turbine comprises a central portion having a central axis and at least two blade members. The blade members each have a proximal end attached to the central portion, a high drag side and a low drag side that is opposite the high drag side. Each of the blade members also includes an uncovered vent comprising an opening through the blade member that provides an unobstructed path for airflow through the blade member. In one embodiment, a pair of fins are positioned adjacent the opening of the vent and extend from the high drag side of the blade member.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Windstrip LLCInventors: Brian Plourde, John Abraham
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Patent number: 9482205Abstract: A method of starting up a wind turbine includes heating first and second components, the first component having a first minimum operating temperature and the second component having a second minimum operating temperature. Excess heat is generated after the second component has been heated to the second minimum operating temperature. The excess heat is transferred to the first component to assist heating the first component to the first minimum operating temperature. The first and second components are cooled after reaching the first and second minimum operating temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Poul Torben Tietze, Jesper Nyvad, Jacob Hviid Nielsen, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer, Carsten Roed
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Patent number: 9482206Abstract: The invention is directed to a rolling bearing arrangement comprising two annular elements that are arranged mutually concentrically and at least regionally inside each other, for connection each to a respective one of two oppositely rotatable system components, and comprising a gap between said connecting elements, such that they are able to rotate in opposite directions about an imaginary axis located at the center of the annular connecting elements and extending approximately perpendicular to the ring plane, wherein at least two rows of rolling bodies are provided in the region of the gap between the connecting elements, wherein the annular connecting elements completely or partially overlap each other in the radial direction and one or more raceways for rolling bodies are arranged in radially overlapping regions of the annular connecting elements, in such a way that the contact angle which the connecting line between the centers of the points of contact of a rolling body with its two raceways makes with tType: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: IMO Holding GmbHInventor: Hubertus Frank
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Patent number: 9482207Abstract: The invention provides a wind turbine comprising a rotatable drive train including at least one bearing (3) and a pump (4) for supply of a lubricant to the bearing (3). The wind turbine further comprises a controller for performing closed loop control of the pump (4) to provide an amount of lubricant which varies depending on an actual state of operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Thomas Korsgaard Nielsen, Poul Spærhage Frøkjær
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Patent number: 9482208Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade is assembled from a first and a second rotor blade half shell made of a fiber-reinforced plastics material. An electrical heating arrangement includes a first heating element connected to the first rotor blade half shell and having a blade root end and a blade tip end and a second heating element connected to the second rotor blade half shell also having a blade root end and a blade tip end. The heating arrangement also includes a third heating element connected to the rotor blade half shells and having a blade root end and a blade tip end. The blade tip ends of the first, second and third heating elements are mutually electrically connected. The blade root ends of the first, second and third heating elements are connected to respective electrical connecting lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventors: Astrid Loewe, Oskar Renschler, Philipp Rindt
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Patent number: 9482209Abstract: A solar water heater has a main panel having a boiler panel and a reservoir panel. The reservoir panel feeds the boiler panel. A tubular reservoir is installed in the reservoir panel. An evacuated tube is installed in the boiler panel. The evacuated tube has an inner vacuum wall and an outer vacuum wall for insulating the evacuated tube. A boiler line receives heated water from the reservoir panel. The boiler line passes through the evacuated tube. An electrical production module is connected to the boiler panel. The electrical production module generates electricity from steam power taken from the boiler panel. A feed line connects to the reservoir panel. The feed line ends at an intake filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Lai Fan Huang
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Patent number: 9482210Abstract: A solar thermal power generation facility is provided with turbine bypass piping (74) which makes some of compressed air from a compressor (10) bypass a turbine (20), a turbine bypass valve (75) which adjusts the flow rate of the compressed air flowing through the turbine bypass piping (74), and a control device (80) which controls the rotational torque of a turbine rotor (21) by opening the turbine bypass valve (75) before a rotor rotational speed reaches a rated rotational speed in a speeding-up process of the rotor rotational speed by a start-up device (60) and adjusting the flow rate of the compressed air that is made to bypass, by the turbine bypass valve (75). The control device (80) instantaneously fully closes the turbine bypass valve (75) at the time of incorporation in which a power generator (50) is connected to an electric power system (S).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Shoichi Harada, Kazuya Higashi, Takashi Sonoda, Keisuke Yamamoto, Yoshifumi Iwasaki, Tatsuya Iwasaki, Sumio Toyofuku, Kazuma Nishizawa
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Patent number: 9482211Abstract: A seal assembly seals a gap between a pump plunger and a high pressure cylinder of a pump. The assembly includes a seal ring having a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end, and a rear axial end. An O-ring is positioned on the seal ring. A packing ring has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the seal ring, and a rear axial end. A non-metal packing follower has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the packing ring, and a rear axial end. The non-metal packing follower can be ceramic (e.g., carbide) or similar hard, wear-resistant materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: KMT Waterjet Systems Inc.Inventors: Shajan V. Chacko, David C. Wands
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Patent number: 9482212Abstract: An axial piston pump includes a housing with a cover plate assembly, a rotor with reciprocable pistons rotatably mounted with a drive shaft and a swashplate assembly tiltably mounted relative to the drive shaft and engaged with outer ends of the pistons. A holddown spring is incorporated within the swashplate assembly and positioned outside the rotor such that the holddown spring tilts with the swashplate assembly and does not rotate with the drive shaft. The holddown spring applies a force holding the piston outer ends against the swashplate assembly and the rotor against the cover plate assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Hartmann Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald G. Bethke
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Patent number: 9482213Abstract: Pulses in a pumping system resulting from paired reciprocating pumps are dampened by a pressure vessel that includes two compartments separated by a flexible membrane and otherwise isolated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Chris Charlton
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Patent number: 9482214Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic circuit for controlling booms of construction equipment, wherein working oil which is relieved from a large chamber of a boom cylinder passes through an orifice so as to prevent the boom from lowering if an overload is applied when the boom is not being operated.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ABInventor: Sung-Gon Kim
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Patent number: 9482215Abstract: A liquid extraction apparatus and a method of extracting a liquid from a container and storing the liquid are disclosed. The method includes inserting a liquid extraction member into a container and creating a pressure differential to cause the liquid to flow into a storage vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc.Inventor: Norman Werbner
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Patent number: 9482216Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical cassette, configured to engage peristaltic pump rollers, may include two or more pump segments between a sheet and a substrate coupled to the sheet. The two or more pump segments on the cassette may produce additional flow (e.g., approximately twice the flow for two segments as opposed to one) than if the cassette had only one pump segment engaging the roller. Further, in some embodiments, the two or more pump segments and rollers on the roller head may be configured to provide a flow profile in which a peak of a pulse from a first pump segment is at least partially out of phase with a peak of a pulse from the second pump segment. The combined resultant flow may then have a flow profile with pulsation amplitudes that are smaller than the individual pump segment pulsation amplitudes.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventor: Gary P. Sorensen