Patents Issued in December 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9523266
    Abstract: A downhole perforating system having a cemented-in lower completion including one or more orienting nipples, each orienting nipple having a recess key, and one or more lines or tools carried on the exterior of the lower completion and oriented relative to the recess key. The downhole perforating system also includes a perforating string having one or more blank sections oriented relative to an orienting key that is brought into alignment with the recess key when the perforating string is landed in the orienting nipple. Upon landing, the perforating string can be fired without damaging the lines or tools outside the lower completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michele Arena
  • Patent number: 9523267
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device having a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from a body, the fibers being retained by a retainer. A well system can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from the body. A retainer can at least partially enclose the device. A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body, and a plurality of fibers joined to the body, each of the fibers having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 9523268
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing fracture conductivity. A treatment slurry stage has a continuous first solid particulate concentration and a discontinuous anchorant concentration between anchorant-rich substages and anchorant-lean substages within the treatment slurry stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dmitriy Ivanovich Potapenko, J. Ernest Brown, Partha Ganguly, Andrey Bogdan, Leland Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9523269
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic drilling tool changer apparatus for use with a drilling rig includes a drilling control device programmed with a control scheme for controlling the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus, and a user interface coupled to the drilling control device for initiating actions of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus and for interactively monitoring a status of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus. The control scheme includes steps for an automatic drilling tool change-out operation, and the drilling control device and the user interface are configured to communicate with the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Ross L. Hoult, Samuel C. Taylor, Andrew Wright, Timo Diekmann, Chinpei Tang, Marcus U. Bähtz, Vin J. Varghese
  • Patent number: 9523270
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatus and methods for transferring a pressure to downhole electronics with a pressure transfer medium. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a body supporting a moveable pressure transfer member, a pressure transfer medium contained by the body and the moveable pressure transfer member, and an electronic component disposed in the pressure transfer medium, wherein the pressure transfer member is moveable to transfer a pressure to the pressure transfer medium and the electronic component. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a moveable enclosure and a non-conductive material, wherein the non-conductive material isolates an electronic component from a downhole fluid and the moveable enclosure is operable to transfer a hydrostatic pressure to the non-conductive material and the electronic component. An embodiment of a method includes transferring a downhole hydrostatic pressure to an electronic component via a flexible package and a pressure transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Donald G. Kyle, Orlando Dejesus, Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 9523271
    Abstract: A wireline interface sub includes a wireline-interface-sub housing mechanically coupleable to a wireline and a wireline-interface module electrically coupleable to the wireline. A first tandem sub includes a first-tandem-sub housing mechanically coupled to the wireline-interface-sub housing, a first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver wirelessly coupled to the wireline-interface module, and a first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver electrically coupled to the first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver. A first gun sub includes a first-gun-sub housing mechanically coupled to the first-tandem-sub housing, a first-gun-sub transceiver wirelessly coupled to the first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver, and a first-gun-sub detonator coupled to, and triggerable by, the first-gun-sub transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Clovis S Bonavides, William George Dillon
  • Patent number: 9523272
    Abstract: A method of amplifying a data-encoded acoustic signal in an oil or gas well system comprising: performing at least a first transmission of the data-encoded acoustic signal from a transmitter towards a receiver, wherein at least some of the data-encoded acoustic signal is reflected from a well system object; providing an impedance mismatch point; and causing or allowing amplification of the data-encoded acoustic signal, wherein the amplification is due to the well system object, the impedance mismatch point, and the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Michael L. Fripp, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 9523273
    Abstract: An embodiment of a monitoring system for inspecting underground well structures includes a transmitter, a receiver, a processing module, and a power supply. The monitoring system is used to monitor pipe casings and structures surrounding the exterior of the pipe casings of a well. During operation, the transmitter directs time dependent energy radially towards a portion of a pipe casing, and the receiver measures energy that is returns to the system. The processing module amplifies, digitizes, and analyses the measurements of energy to produce monitoring information regarding the well structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Batakrishna Mandal
  • Patent number: 9523274
    Abstract: A telemetry system including a tubular. A pump in operable communication with the tubular configured to pump a fluid through the tubular; a flow altering arrangement in operable communication with at least one of the pump and the tubular. A flow interacting detail disposed in the tubular; and a load sensor configured to detect forces imposed on the flow interacting detail due to flow through the flow interacting detail and output signals related to the forces detected. Also included is a method of communicating through a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Thomas J. Zweifel
  • Patent number: 9523275
    Abstract: In some aspects, a boundary is computed based on locations of microseismic events associated with a stimulation treatment of a subterranean region. A major axis of a stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) for the stimulation treatment is identified based on the boundary. In some examples, the boundary is an ellipsoid, and the major axis of the ellipsoid is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianfu Ma, Avi Lin
  • Patent number: 9523276
    Abstract: A rotary machine with a deformable rhomb, includes a housing defining a stator for receiving a rotor which is a deformable rhomb in contact, with or without clearance, with the internal surface of the housing, the deformable rhomb including several pistons connected one after the other by a pivotal hinge having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing and thus defining a closed chain; the internal surface of the housing of the machine defining an external cavity, with the exterior of the deformable rhomb, and with the lateral closure flanges of the housing, and an inner cavity being formed in the interior of the rotor with the lateral closure flanges of the housing; at least one of the external cavities and/or at least one of the inner cavities being connected, directly or indirectly, to the inlet of a fluid circuit external to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Vincent Genissieux, Jean-Thomas Collomb
  • Patent number: 9523277
    Abstract: A multiple-fluid, multiple-substance, multiple-phase, multiple-pressure, multiple-temperature, multiple-stage turbine engine. In preferred embodiments, one or more fluids are supplied by passageways in the turbine shaft or supplied by non-shaft passageways, or both, through rotor passageways to multiple-phase, multiple-fluid, multiple-substance nozzles affixed to one or more perimeters, radial surfaces, axial surfaces, and/or curved or slanted surfaces of the turbine rotor assemblies. The multiple perimeters, radial surfaces, axial surfaces, and/or curved or slanted surfaces of the turbine rotor assemblies are preferably configured and located for multiple inlet and exit velocities of the nozzles, multiple inlet and exit pressures of the nozzles, or combinations thereof. The one or more fluids entering the turbine may each be a substance of single phase, or a substance of multiple phases, or a mix of the single-phase and/or multiple-phase conditions for two or more entrance fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: RECOGEN, LLC
    Inventor: Jeanne Dean
  • Patent number: 9523278
    Abstract: One example of an actuation system for an active blade element of a rotor blade includes an actuator system coupled to a linear transmission system. The actuator system attaches to a structure within a rotor blade and provides a linear motion in a direction that is spanwise to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system is coupled with the actuator system and to an active blade element attached to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system receives the linear motion provided by the actuator system, and responsively provides at least a partial rotation of the active blade element about an axis of the linear transmission system which is in the direction that is substantially parallel to the spanwise axis of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Foskey, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9523279
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade extending from a blade root to a blade tip. The rotor blade has a pressure side surface and a suction side surface. The pressure side surface and the suction side surface each extend between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The assembly also includes a blade root extension configured to attach to one of the pressure side surface or the suction side surface of the rotor blade adjacent to the blade root. The blade root extension includes at least one blade fence and at least one airflow modifying element. The blade fence extends between a proximal end and a distal end in a chord-wise direction. The proximal end is configured to attach to the rotor blade such that the distal end remains free and spaced apart from the rotor blade. The airflow modifying element is configured at the proximal end of the blade fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stefan Herr, Biju Nanukuttan, Santhosha Yelwal Srikanta, Karthick Prabhu
  • Patent number: 9523280
    Abstract: A blade comprises a lightweight core, a composite material disposed on the core, and a skin located on the composite material. The composite material comprises fibers incorporated into a thermoplastic resin matrix in the form of a prepreg sheet or wet layup. The rotor blade may also comprise a front edge member attached along at least a portion of a leading edge of the core, a rear edge member attached along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the core, and a skin located over the core, the front edge member, and the rear edge member. The rotor blade may also comprise a spar extending through the core along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and a skin located over the core and the spar. The edge members and the spars may be fabricated from thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PolyOne Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Pilpel, Benjamin D. Pilpel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9523281
    Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine comprising a blade root portion for attachment to a mounting flange of the wind turbine, the blade root comprising a plurality of first holes provided with an internal bushing wherein the bushings comprise a first end at or near a mounting surface of the blade root and an opposite second end embedded in their corresponding first holes, and wherein one or more internal bushing being guiding bushings, the guiding bushings comprising a first end that is adapted to guide the blade root with respect to a mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Wind, S.L.U.
    Inventor: Luca Feigl
  • Patent number: 9523282
    Abstract: A method for starting-up a wind turbine having a rotor with at least one rotor blade is provided. The method includes rotating the at least one rotor blade towards a main operating position using a pitch drive system including a pitch bearing supporting the at least one rotor blade, and a pitch-driving pinion meshing with the pitch bearing; and activating a pump to feed a lubricant to a lubrication pinion meshing with one of the pitch bearing and the pitch-driving pinion before the at least one rotor blade reaches the main operating position so that the lubricant is mainly transferred to a load portion of the pitch bearing and/or a load portion of the pitch-driving pinion. Further, a control assembly for use with the wind turbine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mateusz Pawel Wenclik, David Charles Korim
  • Patent number: 9523283
    Abstract: In a turbine vane and a gas turbine, an outer shroud is fixed to one end of a vane body formed in a hollow shape, an inner shroud is fixed to the other end thereof, and a partition plate is fixed to the inner portions of the vane body, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud, so that a cavity is formed so as to be continuous between the partition plate and the group of the vane body, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud. Then, the vane body, the outer shroud, and the inner shroud are provided with a plurality of cooling holes, and the partition plate is provided with a plurality of penetration holes. Accordingly, since the vane structure or the end wall structure is evenly cooled, a deformation or damage may be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Uechi, Tomoko Morikawa, Satoshi Hada
  • Patent number: 9523284
    Abstract: A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor vane, has a decreased surface area over a portion of the airfoil chord length. The decreased surface area compressor vane operates in conjunction with a compressor blade having an increased surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Edward Len Miller, Stephen Wayne Fiebiger, Wes Carl Smith, Reiner Jochen Digele, Wilm Philipp Hecker, Andreas Martin Mattheiss
  • Patent number: 9523285
    Abstract: Energy storage systems and methods use medium voltage (MV) electrical heat exchangers to increase the efficiency of the energy storage system and/or reduce emission of pollutants. MV electrical heat exchangers use medium range voltages to heat a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. The heated fluid is used in the energy storage system to either drive a turbine generator directly or indirectly, such as by generating steam to drive the turbine generator. The electricity used to power the MV electrical heat exchangers can be from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind-powered sources, further increasing efficiency of the energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: CHROMALOX, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Heiligenstein, Mark Wheeler, Christopher Molnar
  • Patent number: 9523286
    Abstract: A vane segment according to the present invention includes: an outer connection member connecting a plurality of vanes; positioning jigs for positioning end vanes located at both ends, of the plurality of vanes; and radial restriction sections which restrict the outer connection member so as to be relatively immovable to an outer side in a radial direction of a vane ring, wherein: each of the plurality of vanes has a vane main body and an outer shroud; grooves are formed in the outer shrouds; openings into each of which the positioning jig is inserted are formed in portions of the outer connection member; holes into each of which the positioning jig inserted in the opening is inserted are formed in bottoms of the grooves of the two end vanes; and at least one of the positioning jigs is an eccentric positioning jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Waki, Kenichi Arase
  • Patent number: 9523287
    Abstract: Blockages of turbomachine cooling circuit cooling holes resulting from coating processes can be removed by introducing a cleaning agent into the cooling circuit. The cooling circuit can be connected to a cleaning agent supply under pressure, adding force on the blockage to chemical action by the cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is chemically reactive with the coating material and substantially chemically non-reactive with the underlying material of the cooling circuit and other parts of the turbomachine. A neutralization agent can also be introduced to reduce toxicity and/or action of the cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Carmine Bellino, Mark Lawrence Hunt
  • Patent number: 9523288
    Abstract: A hydraulic bearing is provided for a stationary gas turbine that has an oil sump with an outflow for hydraulic oil, wherein the outflow has an outflow opening which is arranged in the oil sump and an outflow line which is connected to the outflow opening. The hydraulic bearing is adapted to bring about an annular flow with a central air column when hydraulic oil flows out in the outflow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Uwe Lohse, Bernd Prade
  • Patent number: 9523289
    Abstract: To start a combined cycle thermal plant for energy-production from an off-state to an operational state, once the minimum warm-up time of the steam turbine (ST) having been set, as well as the pressure of the warm-up steam, it is necessary to determine the steam optimum temperature to avoid stressing or straining the mechanical parts of the turbine itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Stamicarbon B.V.
    Inventor: Ezio Pasqualon
  • Patent number: 9523290
    Abstract: A Rankine cycle includes a refrigerant pump, a heat exchanger, an expander and a condenser. The Rankine cycle further includes a clutch provided in a power transmission path extending from an engine to the refrigerant pump. Prior to the operation of the Rankine cycle and during the deceleration of the vehicle, the clutch is fastened and the refrigerant pump is driven with use of the vehicle inertia force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichiro Mizoguchi, Satoshi Ogihara, Hirofumi Wada
  • Patent number: 9523291
    Abstract: A valve actuation system is disclosed for an engine. The system may have at least one gas exchange valve, a rocker shaft, a camshaft, a rocker arm connected to the rocker shaft and operatively engaged with the camshaft, a valve bridge engaged with the at least one gas exchanger valve, a lash adjuster disposed in the valve bridge, and a button configured to slide on the valve bridge. The system may further include a pin fluidly connecting the rocker arm to the button and having an elongated cylindrical shaft with a first open end inside the rocker arm and a second end inside the button. The pin may also have a head connected to and a reservoir formed in the elongated cylindrical shaft. The pin may further have passages extending from the bore of the rocker arm to the reservoir, and s passage extending from the reservoir through the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Coffey, Edwin H. Langewisch, Ashwin A. Hattiangadi, David A. Cyborski, John S. Pipis, Jr., Kevin D. Yoder
  • Patent number: 9523292
    Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine, the engine having at least one cylinder with at least one intake or exhaust valve and a piston and the valve being operable independently of the rotation of the engine crankshaft. The system is configured to generate a control signal that controls a preconditioning actuation cycle of an actuator prior to a first combustion cycle of the engine, receive a feedback signal relating to an operating condition of the actuator during the preconditioning actuation cycle, and generate a modified control signal that controls a combustion actuation cycle of the actuator, modified with reference to the feedback signal. This recalibration of the valve control signals allows the current operating conditions of the valve train to be taken into account before the first combustion cycle of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Camcon Auto Limited
    Inventor: Roger Derrick Stone
  • Patent number: 9523293
    Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The intake system may include an intake manifold fluidly connected to a cylinder, an intake valve coupled to the cylinder having an air supply duct longitudinally extending through a portion of a valve stem and having an outlet opening into the intake manifold and an inlet fluidly connected to a supply line fluidly connected to an intake passage downstream of a compressor and upstream of a throttle, and a shut-off valve positioned in the supply line configured to adjust the flow of gas through the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Puetzer
  • Patent number: 9523294
    Abstract: A valve driving device using a piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric body of which a volume expands according to a voltage applied thereto. A displacement increase housing amplifies the volume expansion of the piezoelectric body. A swing arm is connected to the displacement increase housing and operated to drive an engine valve according to the amplified expansion of the piezoelectric body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin Hee Cho
  • Patent number: 9523295
    Abstract: A controller of a variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine has an engine start indication detecting circuit that detects an indication of an engine start. When the indication of the engine start is detected by the engine start indication detecting circuit in a state in which temperature of the engine is lower than a predetermined temperature, an electric motor provided in the variable valve apparatus is supplied with a current, and this current supply to the electric motor is maintained for a predetermined time from a time point of the detection of the indication of the engine start to an engine cranking start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawada, Naoki Kokubo
  • Patent number: 9523296
    Abstract: Various embodiments of valve assemblies are provided for use in connection with the fluid systems of machines such as engine-powered machines. The valve assemblies may be used for performing fluid refill operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid purge operations, and other types of fluid operations in connection with machine maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: RPM INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: John K. Apostolides
  • Patent number: 9523297
    Abstract: An engine apparatus that utilizes a gas pressure regulation valve not only for pressure adjustment but also for removal of lubricant. An engine apparatus includes a blow-by gas returning device to return a leakage of blow-by gas from a combustion chamber to an intake system. The engine apparatus includes an expansion chamber, into which the blow-by gas is introduced from the gas pressure regulation valve. In the expansion chamber, lubricant contained in the blow-by gas is isolated. The blow-by gas is returned to an intake side of an engine from the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9523298
    Abstract: Methods for indicating whether a crankcase of an engine is breeched are provided. One example method comprises restricting a communication of the crankcase with atmosphere, acting to increase or decrease a crankcase pressure, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure. Another example method comprises sensing a crankcase pressure component, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure component, the crankcase communicating with atmosphere via a conduit, a restrictedness of the conduit responsive to one or more of a crankcase pressure and a signal from an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. Still other examples provide more particular methods for indicating whether the crankcase is breeched, and example configurations that enable the various methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 9523299
    Abstract: A method for cooling a dosing unit (250) pertaining to an SCR system for exhaust cleaning, wherein after cessation of exhaust flow, cooling a reducing agent dosing unit (250) by a reducing agent supplied to it. Also running a feed device to supply the coolant reducing agent at reduced power, compared with ordinary operation. A computer program product containing program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) implements a method of the invention. Also an SCR system and a motor vehicle which is equipped with the SCR system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Andreas Liljestrand, Per Bremberg, Ulf Carlsson, Lars Eriksson
  • Patent number: 9523300
    Abstract: An electronic control unit estimates the amount of sulfur accumulated in a filter for purifying PM and NOx based on the operating state of an engine. When an estimated value is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination value, a first regeneration procedure is executed, in which sulfur is released from the filter by raising the temperature of the filter up to a first predetermined temperature and lowering the exhaust air-fuel ratio. When predetermined conditions are met the second regeneration procedure is executed separately from the first regeneration procedure. In the second regeneration procedure, sulfur is completely released from the filter by raising the temperature of the filter up to a temperature higher than the first temperature and lowering the exhaust air-fuel ratio. The estimated value is reset upon completion of the second regeneration procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideyuki Handa
  • Patent number: 9523301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reducing agent metering system for injecting a reducing agent into the exhaust gas stream of a combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, with a feed pump, by means of which reducing agent is conveyed from a reducing agent tank via a delivery line and is introduced via at least one nozzle into the exhaust gas stream of the combustion engine, whereby the delivery line is formed by a hose (1) that has on the outside an electrical conductor (2) that encloses the hose (1) like a jacket, whereby the reducing agent metering system has a monitoring unit by means of which the electrical conductivity between the reducing agent in the hose (1) and the electrical conductor (2) is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Albonair GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Kohut
  • Patent number: 9523302
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst apparatus. The apparatus has a noble metal component for oxidizing NOx in an exhaust gas discharged from a diesel engine, a reducing agent spraying means for supplying the reducing agent selected from a urea component or an ammonia component, and a selective reduction catalyst (SCR) not comprising a noble metal for removing by reduction NOx by contacting with the reducing agent, in this order from the upstream side of an exhaust gas passage. Activity of the selective reduction catalyst (SCR) is maintained by setting that the noble metal component of the oxidation catalyst (DOC) comprises platinum and palladium, and ratio of platinum particles existing alone is 20% or less, or average particle diameter of the noble metal is 4 nm or larger, and by suppressing volatilization of platinum from the oxidation catalyst (DOC), even when catalyst bed temperature increases up to 900° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: N.E. CHEMCAT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Mende, Toshinori Okajima, Yasuyuki Banno, Makoto Nagata
  • Patent number: 9523303
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining soot stored in a particulate filter and regenerating the particulate filter. In one example, a method provides for operating oxygen sensors in a way that allows water in exhaust gases to be determined. The water in exhaust gases may be a basis for determining an amount of soot stored in a particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Manish Sharma, James Robert Warner
  • Patent number: 9523304
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe that forms an exhaust flow channel includes a first flow channel member that forms part of the exhaust flow channel, and a second flow channel member connected in series with the first flow channel member, and forms part of the exhaust flow channel. A downstream-side end of the first flow channel member is inserted into an upstream-side end of the second flow channel member. A communication channel that communicates between an inside and an outside of the exhaust pipe is formed between an outer surface of an insertion part of the first flow channel member and an inner surface of an insertion-receiving part of the second flow channel member. The insertion-receiving part is arranged to face higher than a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FUTABA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Furuya, Toshio Yokota, Katsuhiko Kainuma
  • Patent number: 9523305
    Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate of air into a vehicle engine compartment may include a radiator cooling coolant, a coolant inflow tank provided to one side of the radiator and temporarily storing coolant that cools an engine, a coolant exhaust tank provided to the other side of the radiator and temporarily storing coolant circulating past a cooling fin of the radiator from the coolant inflow tank, Phase Change Material (PCM) tanks provided to an exterior side of the coolant inflow tank and coolant exhaust tank and storing a phase change material heat-exchanging with the coolant stored in the coolant inflow tank and the coolant exhaust tank and a conversion device converting a phase of the phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyudai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hanshin Chung, Joonho Lee, Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9523306
    Abstract: An engine cooling fan control strategy includes measuring an engine coolant temperature using a sensor connected to the engine, measuring an engine oil temperature using a sensor connected to the engine, selecting a first value from a maximum engine coolant temperature threshold calibration curve stored in the control system based on the engine oil temperature, selecting a second value from a minimum engine coolant temperature threshold calibration curve stored in the control system based on the engine oil temperature, and placing the engine cooling fan in driven relationship with the engine when the engine coolant temperature exceeds the first value, and placing the engine cooling fan in non-driven relationship with the engine when the engine coolant temperature drops below the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventor: Steven Joseph Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9523307
    Abstract: An engine system may include a first cylindrical valve in which a first outlet is formed from an interior surface to an exterior surface thereof and a second cylindrical valve inserted into the first cylindrical valve, an exterior circumference thereof sliding on the interior circumference of the first cylindrical valve, wherein a second outlet is formed to the second cylindrical valve corresponding to the first outlet, and the second cylindrical valve is separately rotatable in the first cylindrical valve, a drive portion that is engaged to the first cylindrical valve and the second cylindrical valve and disposed to respectively rotate the first cylindrical valve and the second cylindrical valve, and a control portion that controls the drive portion depending on a driving condition such that an overlapped area of the first outlet and the second outlet is controlled and coolant flowing the overlapped area is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyojo Lee
  • Patent number: 9523308
    Abstract: An oil drain plug is disclosed for cooperating with a socket in an oil sump. The plug includes a main body, an eccentric pin protruding from the main body, and an enlarged tip on an end of the eccentric pin. The socket includes a cup-shaped cavity having a lateral wall open at one end, closed at the opposite end by a bottom wall and including an internal surface for mating with the main body of the plug. The bottom wall includes an external surface facing outside the cavity, a through hole such that the enlarged tip of the plug extends beyond the external surface, and a slot departing from the through hole towards a distal end along an arched path centered in the axis and having a smaller width than the through hole for preventing the enlarged tip of the plug from passing through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Giorgio Candela, Luca Agatau, Gaetano Esposito
  • Patent number: 9523309
    Abstract: A control method for a turbocharger system may include a first intake line supplying outdoor air to an intake manifold, a turbocharger, a second intake line supplying fresh air to the compressor; a third intake line connecting the compressor and the first intake line; a throttle valve controlling a flow of air supplied from the first intake line and the third intake line; an intake bypass valve controlling a flow of air that flows in the first intake line; a first exhaust line; a second exhaust line; an exhaust bypass valve controlling a flow of the exhaust gas discharged from the first exhaust line; and a controller controlling opening levels of the intake bypass valve, the exhaust bypass valve, and the throttle valve according to a driving condition of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yoonjoo Kim, Joowon Lee, Hyunjun Lim, Nahmroh Joo, Donghee Han, Iljoong Hwang, Jongil Park
  • Patent number: 9523310
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a housing with a recess, and a piston rotatably mounted in the housing, wherein the housing and the piston form, over the course of shaft rotation, initial, second and third volumes in differing amounts for the phases of compression, combustion and expansion, in a manner that is smooth and continuous, which method includes (a) compressing air into a chamber formed by the recess and the piston, (b) introducing fuel into the chamber of compressed air, and (c) igniting the mixture of compressed air and fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: LiquidPiston, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Shkolnik, Nikolay Shkolnik
  • Patent number: 9523311
    Abstract: Reliable, low-NOx-emission operation of a gas turbine plant with hydrogen-rich fuel gas, and a gas turbine plant with a device for water injection into hydrogen-rich fuels in a gas turbine, involves suitable water injection (21), a water-fuel gas mist, i.e., a fuel gas in which fine water droplets are suspended, is created in the fuel gas feed line (15). This mist is introduced into the burners (20) of the gas turbine. As a result of the water-fuel gas mist, four effects are combined for ignition delay and reduction of the flame velocity of hydrogen-rich fuel gas. When using a water-fuel gas mist, the water, in a directed manner, reaches the region in the burner (20) in which it directly has the greatest possible effect upon the flame or the flame velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Richard Carroni, Gianfranco Guidati
  • Patent number: 9523312
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated power generating system and method and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporization system and method. More particularly, heat from a CO2 containing stream from the power generating system and method can be used to heat the LNG for re-gasification as gaseous CO2 from CO2 containing stream is liquefied. The liquefied CO2 can be captured and/or recycled back to a combustor in the power generating system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: 8 Rivers Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney John Allam, Jeremy Eron Fetvedt
  • Patent number: 9523313
    Abstract: A system including a gas turbine system configured to transition between a first load state and a second load state, wherein the gas turbine system comprises an airflow control module configured to adjust an airflow through the gas turbine system between a minimum airflow condition and a maximum airflow condition, and a controller configured to control the gas turbine system to operate with a load path between a first load path corresponding to the minimum airflow condition and a second load path corresponding to the maximum airflow condition, wherein the controller is configured to control the gas turbine system to transition between the first load state and the second load state using the load path between the first and second load paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kihyung Kim, Seyfettin Can Gulen, Brett Matthew Thompson
  • Patent number: 9523314
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a plurality of cylinders all of which are operated in a full load engine mode and some of which are shut down in a partial load engine mode is disclosed, wherein the full load engine mode is switched to the partial load engine mode only if a partial engine operating torque which can be provided by the internal combustion engine in the partial load engine mode is greater than or equal to a target torque set on the internal combustion engine. In order to switch from the full load engine mode to the partial load engine mode, a switch variable determined on the basis of at least one specific parameter of the internal combustion engine and/or of the motor vehicle must additionally be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Andre Grob, Sebastian Ernst
  • Patent number: 9523315
    Abstract: An engine control device for work vehicle includes: a target rotation speed setting unit that sets a target rotation speed of an engine corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal; a rotation speed control unit that controls a rotation speed of the engine according to the target rotation speed; a travel driving unit that transmits rotation of the engine to wheels via a torque converter; a speed ratio detection unit that detects a speed ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft of the torque converter; and a target rotation speed correction unit that corrects the target rotation speed set by the target rotation speed setting unit so as to increase the target rotation speed based on the speed ratio when the operation amount of the accelerator pedal is smaller than a predetermined value and the speed ratio detected by the speed ratio detection unit is smaller than a predetermined value within a range which is equal to or greater than 0 and less than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: KCM Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka, Keigo Kikuchi