Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9587500
    Abstract: A fluid sealing device for rotating machines having a rotor part including at least one disk carried by a rotating shaft rotating in and relatively to a stator part in the presence of a fluid is disclosed. The rotating shaft has a sealing system defining a first environment at a first pressure. The stator part has a wall in front of the disk of the stator part defining a second environment therewith containing a fluid at a second pressure. The device includes a movable ring placed between the wall of the stator part and the disk of the rotor part and has a front sealing gasket facing towards the disk. The movable ring is moved in the active position when the rotating machine is stopped to prevent the fluid passage from one environment to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TURBODEN S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Colombo, Roberto Bini
  • Patent number: 9587501
    Abstract: A seal ring assembly for use with a rotary machine that includes an axis of rotation includes a seal housing comprising a secondary sealing surface and a secondary seal assembly coupled to the seal housing. The secondary seal assembly includes a seal ring coupled to the seal housing, wherein the seal ring is configured to form a secondary seal with the secondary sealing surface. The secondary seal assembly also includes at least one protection ring positioned upstream from the seal ring. The secondary seal assembly is configured to be biased along the axis such that biasing the at least one protection ring facilitates removing debris from at least a portion of the secondary sealing surface over which the seal ring travels during biasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Rahul Anil Bidkar, Karimulla Shaik Sha, Azam Mihir Thatte
  • Patent number: 9587502
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a seal between two circumferential components. The seal comprises one or more rope seals retained within the seal cavity by a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy M. Davis, Mark J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9587503
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a seal between two components. The seal includes a first substantially frustoconical seal section including a first seal section radially outer end and a first seal section radially inner end. The seal also includes a second substantially frustoconical seal section including a second seal section radially outer end and a second seal section radially inner end, wherein the second seal section radially inner end is supported by the first seal section radially inner end to create a hinge joint allowing an angle defined between the first and second seal sections to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy M Davis
  • Patent number: 9587504
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an engine case, a rotor stage including a plurality of rotor blades, a plurality of carriers for supporting a plurality of blade outer air seals and an interlock formed between circumferential ends of a first adjacent carrier and a second adjacent carrier of the plurality of carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Brandon T. Rouse
  • Patent number: 9587505
    Abstract: A seal arrangement between radially-opposed rotating and stationary components in a turbomachine includes a first rotating component, a second stationary component, and a brush seal located radially therebetween. The brush seal has an axially-extending portion secured to the second stationary component, and an inwardly-extending portion extending across a gap between the first and second components. An inner ring portion of the second stationary component is located radially inward of, and in engagement with the axially-extending portion and at least part of the inwardly-extending portion of the brush seal, wherein an end of the axially-extending portion of the brush seal remote from the inwardly-extending portion is sandwiched between a pair of side rails fixed between the inner ring portion and an outer ring portion of the second stationary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 9587506
    Abstract: A segment of an abradable ring seal for a turbomachine, includes: a reinforcing support; a composite fabric including fibers impregnated with polymerized resin, and a track of abradable material. The composite fabric is interposed between the reinforcing support 71 and the track of abradable material and is bonded to the reinforcing support, on the one side, and to the track of abradable material, on the other side. The segment of an abradable ring seal has a resistance to tearing in a direction perpendicular to the interface between the track of abradable material and the composite fabric, on the one hand, and between the composite fabric and the reinforcing support, on the other hand, greater than 5.106 newtons per square meter. A process for the manufacture of such a segment is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: COMPOSITE INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Konigs, Gerome Sonois, Philippe Martins
  • Patent number: 9587507
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a clearance between the blades of a turbomachinery component and flow forming surface are disclosed herein, and includes controlling the clearance by moving the surface axially relative to the turbomachinery component. In one embodiment the apparatus includes an impeller rotatable about a first axis, a shroud encircling the impeller, and a first ring encircling the first axis. An actuator is operably engaged with the first ring to pivot the first ring about the first axis. The apparatus also includes at least one cam engaged with the first ring and at least one cam follower engaged with the shroud. Pivoting movement of the first ring about the first axis results in the at least one cam urging the at least one cam follower and the shroud along the first axis to vary a distance between the plurality of blades and the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan W. Ottow
  • Patent number: 9587508
    Abstract: A generator-type pressure relief device includes: a housing; a propeller disposed in the housing; a shaft fixed to the center of rotation of the propeller; a generator unit that generates electricity by receiving rotational torque from the shaft; an electricity storage unit that stores electricity generated by the generator unit; an electronic brake operated by an electric signal supplied from the outside to suppress the axial rotation of the shaft; a control unit that sends an electric signal to the electronic brake to control the operation of the electronic brake; and a water pressure sensor provided in the water supply pipe or the water drainage pipe or the housing so as to transfer water pressure information on the water to the control unit, and which allows the control unit to control the electronic brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jong Hum Park
  • Patent number: 9587509
    Abstract: A structural assembly for a fluid-flow machine includes a main flow path boundary, a row of relatively rotating blades with a gap existing between the blade ends and the main flow path boundary. A secondary flow duct is connected to the main flow path via the two openings spaced apart in the flow direction. A structural assembly has at least one support component and at least one replaceable plug connected directly or indirectly to the support component. The replaceable plug includes a part-section of a secondary flow duct, where the part-section complements at least one further part-section of the secondary flow duct extending outside the plug in the structural assembly to form a secondary flow duct which is continuous between its openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Volker Guemmer
  • Patent number: 9587510
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine that includes a combustor section having a turbine combustor that generates combustion products, a turbine section having one or more turbine stages driven by the combustion products, an exhaust section disposed downstream of the turbine section, an oxygen sensor adaptor housing disposed in at least one of the combustor section, the turbine section, or the exhaust section, or any combination thereof, and an oxygen sensor disposed in the oxygen sensor adaptor housing. The oxygen sensor adaptor housing is configured to maintain a temperature of a portion of the oxygen sensor below an upper threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: General Electric Company, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Eugene Delano White, Douglas Frank Beadie, Anthony Wayne Krull, Donald Earl Floyd, II
  • Patent number: 9587511
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring and adjusting rotor to stator clearances is disclosed, as well as a turbomachine embodying the system and method. In an embodiment, a turbomachine is assembled, including a stator having an upper and a lower stator shell, and a rotor disposed within the stator. A cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is determined at each of a plurality of clearance measurement points using an in situ clearance sensor system. Each of the clearance measurement points is axially spaced from each other clearance measurement point. The cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is adjusted based on the determined cold clearances, by displacing one of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell relative to a foundation, thereby changing a shape of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell to accommodate a position of the rotor within the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr., Kenneth Michael Koza
  • Patent number: 9587512
    Abstract: A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Skilton, Kevin J. Pittenger
  • Patent number: 9587513
    Abstract: A propeller shaft of a marine vessel is supported by bearing means within a stern tube or frame. The stern tube or frame has an aft end provided with a sealing assembly for sealing the propeller shaft. The sealing assembly and the stern tube or frame have at least one leakage monitor line for monitoring the condition of the sealing assembly. The at least one leakage monitor line is provided with a circumferentially extending channel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: WARTSILA FINLAND OY
    Inventor: Craig Hatfull
  • Patent number: 9587514
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor, a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a second turbine section in fluid communication with the first turbine section, and a mid-turbine frame located axially between the first turbine section and the second turbine section. The mid-turbine frame includes a first frame case, a second frame case, a vane positioned between the first frame case and the second frame case, and a spoke extending through the vane and connecting the first frame case to the second frame case. The spoke includes a tie rod having a first end connected to the first frame case at a keyed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge I. Farah, Paul K. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9587515
    Abstract: It is intended, with respect to a first floating bush bearing disposed on a compressor housing side and a second floating bush bearing disposed on a turbine housing side, to improve oscillation stability when a turbine rotor revolves at a high speed, reduce the number of parts, and facilitate processing and assemblability. Provided are a bearing housing (13) for a turbocharger (1), a rotor shaft (16) passing through the bearing housing (13), a first floating bush bearing (17) interposed between the bearing housing (13) and the rotor shaft (16) and disposed on a compressor housing (12) side and comprising a first floating bush, and a second floating bush bearing (18) that has the same shape as the first floating bush bearing (17) and is disposed on a turbine housing (11) side and comprises a second floating bush (20). The inner bearing width (Li) of the first and second floating bushes is formed to be smaller than the outer bearing width (Lo) by the same proportion in both bushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideaki Nishida
  • Patent number: 9587516
    Abstract: A locking system comprising a handle mounted such that it can rotate about an operating spindle, wherein the handle can move between a locked position and an unlocked position, a hook mounted on the handle and secured in rotation therewith, wherein the hook has a throat in which a latching point of a structure is designed to engage when the handle is in the locked position. The locking system comprises a key associated with the hook and by means of which it is possible to pass from the locked position to the unlocked position of the handle, wherein the key can be removed when the handle is in the locked position and cannot be removed when the handle is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Christian Fabre, Alain Bignolais
  • Patent number: 9587517
    Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud assembly includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Joseph Doyle, Michael Jacquinto, Wesley Thibault
  • Patent number: 9587518
    Abstract: A fan mounting assembly has a mount, a ball member, and a support. The support is disposed within a vertical opening of the ball member and is coupled to the ball member. The mounting assembly may further comprise a wedge driven between an interior surface of the ball member and an exterior surface of the support in order to prevent movement of the support within the ball member. The mount has a mounting portion and a socket portion. The socket portion has a tapered interior surface. The tapered surface may have a constant angle. The ball member and support are disposed within the socket portion such that an outer surface of the ball member rests upon the tapered surface of the socket portion. The tapered surface may have features configured to prevent rotation of the ball member within the socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Oleson
  • Patent number: 9587519
    Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Anil L. Salunkhe, John A. Orosa, Yevgeniy Shteyman, Matthew R. Porter, Lijuan Han, Matthew J. Delisa, III, Daniel F. Riveros
  • Patent number: 9587520
    Abstract: A novel Rankine cycle system configured to convert waste heat into mechanical and/or electrical energy is provided. In one aspect, the system provided by the present invention comprises a novel configuration of the components of a conventional Rankine cycle system; conduits, ducts, heaters, expanders, heat exchangers, condensers and pumps to provide more efficient energy recovery from a waste heat source. In one aspect, the Rankine cycle system is configured such that an initial waste heat-containing stream is employed to vaporize a first working fluid stream, and a resultant heat depleted waste heat-containing stream and a first portion of an expanded second vaporized working fluid stream are employed to augment heat provided by an expanded first vaporized working fluid stream in the production of a second vaporized working fluid stream. The Rankine cycle system is adapted for the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pierre Sebastien Huck, Matthew Alexander Lehar, Christian Vogel
  • Patent number: 9587521
    Abstract: A volumetric expander (20) configured to transfer a working fluid and generate useful work includes a housing. The housing includes an inlet port (24) configured to admit relatively high-pressure working fluid and an outlet port (26) configured to discharge to a relatively low-pressure working fluid. The expander also includes first and second twisted meshed rotors (30,32) rotatably disposed in the housing and configured to exp/and the relatively high-pressure working fluid into the relatively low-pressure working fluid. Each rotor has a plurality of lobes, and when one lobe of the first rotor is leading with respect to the inlet port, one lobe of the second rotor is trailing with respect to the inlet port. The expander additionally includes an output shaft (38) rotated by the relatively high-pressure working fluid as the fluid undergoes expansion. A system for generating work using the expander in a Rankine cycle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William Nicholas Eybergen
  • Patent number: 9587522
    Abstract: A method, control system, and combined cycle power plant are disclosed herein, which enable balancing thrust between a high pressure (HP) section and an intermediate pressure (IP) section of an opposed flow steam turbine in a combined cycle power plant, including predicting or determining a presence or absence of a thrust imbalance between the HP section and the IP section based on steam flow, pressure, and temperature data at an HP section inlet; and based on the presence or absence of the thrust imbalance, adjusting an amount of steam that enters the HP section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Andrew Florey, Kurt Neal Laurer, David Stasenko
  • Patent number: 9587523
    Abstract: An oil control valve has a housing and a spool valve that is arranged in the housing and is movable in the axial direction. The movement range of the spool valve includes a first area and a second area. In the first area, a port that is connected to a lock mechanism opens to prevent the movement of a variable valve timing mechanism through drainage of oil from the lock mechanism. In the second area, oil is supplied and drained to and from the variable valve timing mechanism through a passage inside the spool valve. The first area exists at a position separated from the second area in the movement range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Numakura, Yuu Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 9587524
    Abstract: A device for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the drive element is rotatably mounted with respect to the crankshaft and is driven by the camshaft. Between the drive element and the camshaft at least two hydraulic chambers are formed, wherein the hydraulic chambers can be pressurized with a pressurized fluid in order to set a defined relative rotational position between the drive element and the camshaft. The device includes a housing element, wherein a pressure reservoir having a pressure chamber for pressurized fluid is arranged on the housing element and wherein the basic form of the pressure reservoir is substantially cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Schaeffer Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ali Bayrakdar, Uwe Elfers, Thomas Mueller, Holger Pieper
  • Patent number: 9587525
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for an engine with a cam torque actuated variable cam timing phaser. Phaser positioning control is improved by reducing inaccuracies resulting from inadvertent spool valve and/or phaser movement when the spool valve is commanded between regions. In addition, improved spool valve mapping is used to render phaser commands more consistent and robust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Pietrzyk, John Eric Rollinger, Ed Badillo
  • Patent number: 9587526
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes an input member; an output member defining an advance chamber and a retard chamber with the input member; a valve spool moveable between an advance position and a retard position and having a valve spool bore with a phasing volume and a venting volume defined therein such that the phasing volume is fluidly segregated from the venting volume; and a phasing check valve within the valve spool. The advance position allows oil to flow through the phasing check valve and through the phasing volume from the advance chamber to the retard chamber while preventing oil from flowing from the retard chamber to the advance chamber and the retard position allows oil to flow through the check valve and through the phasing volume from the retard chamber to the advance chamber while preventing oil from flowing from the advance chamber to the retard chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Lichti
  • Patent number: 9587527
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes an input member; an output member defining an advance chamber and a retard chamber with the input member; a valve spool moveable between an advance position and a retard position. The valve spool has a phasing volume and a venting volume defined therein such that the phasing volume is fluidly segregated from the venting volume. The valve spool also has a passage providing fluid communication between the phasing volume and the exterior of the valve spool. Oil is supplied to the advance chamber from the phasing volume through the passage in order to retard the timing of a camshaft and oil is supplied to the retard chamber from the phasing volume through the passage in order to advance the timing of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Lichti
  • Patent number: 9587528
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve, in particular for a cam phaser of a cam shaft, the hydraulic valve including a supply connection with a check valve for supplying a hydraulic fluid; at least one first operating connection and a second operating connection; at least one first tank outlet and a second tank outlet for draining the hydraulic fluid; a piston that is moveable in a bore hole along a longitudinal direction of the bore hole for distributing the hydraulic fluid from the supply connection to the first operating connection and/or the second operating connection and for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the first operating connection to the second operating connection and from the first operating connection to the first tank outlet and/or from the second operating connection to the second tank outlet; and a sleeve that is arranged in the piston moveable relative to the piston in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hilite Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Kaufmann, Dietmar Schulze
  • Patent number: 9587529
    Abstract: An engine includes a side wall, a head cover, and a cam cover. The cam cover is disposed obliquely relative to the side wall. The cam cover has a seal line that seals up a gap between the head cover and the cam cover. The engine further includes a cam cap fixed to an upper surface of the side wall to support a camshaft so as to be rotatable between the side wall and itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kawakami, Hayato Sugimura, Toshihiko Oka, Kazuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 9587530
    Abstract: A switchable finger follower having two lift modes for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The follower includes a primary lever with a valve stem support at the first end and a support recess at the second end. A secondary lever is pivotably mounted to the primary lever at the first end, including a coupling surface. A coupling device is located on the primary lever having a coupling pin moveable between a first locking position, in which the secondary lever is locked to the inner lever, and an unlocked position, in which the secondary lever is pivotable relative to the primary lever. The coupling pin includes a ramp surface that engages the coupling surface, and a locking arrangement locks the coupling pin in the first locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Debora Manther
  • Patent number: 9587531
    Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus may include: an outer body selectively making a lever motion according to rotation of a cam, a first inner body disposed in the any one inside space of the outer body and adapted, a second inner body disposed in the other one inside space of the outer body, a connecting shaft disposed to penetrate the one end of the outer body, the one end of the first inner body, and the one end of the second inner body and connect the outer body with the first and second inner bodies, a first lost motion spring to return the first inner body relatively rotated with the outer body around the connecting shaft, and a second lost motion spring to return the second inner body relatively rotated with the outer body around the connecting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Myungsik Choi, Won Gyu Kim, Young Hong Kwak
  • Patent number: 9587532
    Abstract: A system for circulating oil coolant and exhaust gas in an engine including an oil transfer tube, an oil filter cap, a bypass manifold, a coolant manifold, an adapter plate, a coolant filter hosing, a high pressure filter screen, a pump, and an EGR delete. The oil cap and the oil transfer tube act in conjunction to redirect the oil flow. The bypass manifold is able to replace an oil heat exchanger in the oil reservoir of an engine. The coolant manifold is able to redirect coolant. The adapter plate is able to be attached to an OEM oil heat exchanger. A coolant filter is able to filter coolant in the system. The EGR delete enables a system to bypass the EGR system in a simple convenient way. The high pressure filter screen is able to filter in high pressure environments. The pump can be used to direct coolant to the coolant manifold. These elements can be provided in a kit that is designed for certain makes of vehicles. A means to manufacture a bypass manifold is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Vinh Au
  • Patent number: 9587533
    Abstract: An oil level display device is fitted such that a float guide accommodating a float is attached to an oil filler neck and is plugged with a float cap. To check the amount of oil, the float cap is removed and the position of the float is checked. If a sufficient amount of oil is stored, an upward force derived from oil buoyancy is larger than a downward force of the own weight of the float, from among the forces that act on the float. The float thus protrudes beyond a large-diameter portion upon removal of the float cap from the float guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masanori Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9587534
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an oil pan that includes an oil pan having a reservoir configured to hold oil and defined by one or more oil pan walls and an oil pan bottom. The oil pan includes one or more capacitance sensors coupled to a portion of the oil pan walls and configured to sense a capacitance. The oil pan includes a capacitance measuring unit electrically connected to the one or more sensors via one or more conductors and configured to receive each of the sensed capacitances via the one or more conductors and determine capacitance values for each of the sensed capacitances. The oil pan also includes a processor configured to receive the capacitance values and determine the oil level in the oil pan based on the capacitance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Vance Bradford, Brian Wayne Holmes, Rajagopalan Dhesikan, Mei Ho Stinson, Dung Dang Huynh, Jose Luis Tenorio Correa, Shaily Deva, John Nashed Hanna
  • Patent number: 9587535
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a drone elimination muffler to attenuate drone exhibited by engine exhaust systems. The drone elimination muffler comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter, and a tuned port comprising a first end connected to the canister and a second end connected to the exhaust system. The canister operates in concert with the tuned port as a dampener configured to substantially attenuate exhaust drone, or resonance, at one or more frequencies of engine operation. A valve is configured to switch the drone elimination muffler between a closed state in which the exhaust system operates without acoustic influence due to the drone elimination muffler, and an open state in which the drone elimination muffler directly influences the acoustic properties of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Kevin McClelland
  • Patent number: 9587536
    Abstract: A muffler for an exhaust system can comprise a muffler body including an exterior metal shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surface defining a gas chamber, the gas chamber having a first side portion and a second side portion; a plurality of baffles, each baffle coupled to the inner surface, each baffle extending from an outer end to an inner end the inner end of each baffle having a reflecting portion bent in a direction of gas flow, wherein a first baffle of the plurality of baffles is coupled to the first side portion and a second baffle of the plurality of baffles is coupled to the second side portion; a flow channel formed between the bent end of the first baffle coupled to the first side portion and the second baffle coupled to the second side portion; and a first plate assembly, coupled to the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Charles C. Belt
  • Patent number: 9587537
    Abstract: A triple-baffled muffler enables an engine sound that changes from very quiet when idling to louder as the throttle is pressed. The muffler provides three baffles which are hinged over the center of the muffler. The exhaust pressure travels through the muffler and pushes the baffles until they open to release the pressure. The angle of incidence of the baffles on their hinges governs the loudness of the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Dave Allison
  • Patent number: 9587538
    Abstract: An exhaust system including an upstream portion, a downstream portion, a service access, and a silica filter defines an exhaust gas flow path. The downstream portion includes an aftertreatment component. The service access is between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. The silica filter includes a silica filter element and a housing enclosing the silica filter element. The housing includes a filter gas inlet and a filter gas outlet, and defines a filter flow path through the silica filter element between the filter gas inlet and the filter gas outlet. The silica filter element is configured to filter silica from exhaust gases of the engine and structured to create a uniform distribution of silica throughout the silica filter element. The silica filter is configured to be removed and replaced through the service access. The exhaust gas flow path includes the filter flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Clayton, Jr., Derek Dilts
  • Patent number: 9587539
    Abstract: An exhaust gas after-treatment system for an internal combustion engine, with a particle filter arranged downstream of an internal combustion engine for filtering soot out of the exhaust gas, and with an oxidation catalytic converter arranged upstream of the particle filter and downstream of the internal combustion engine for the oxidation of SO2 into SO3. The SO3 and/or precipitated H2SO4 serves for the oxidation of soot in the particle filter and thus for the regeneration of the particle filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventor: Andreas Döring
  • Patent number: 9587540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reactivating a system composed of an oxidation catalytic converter (5) followed by a possibly catalytically coated particle filter (6), and to a correspondingly adapted exhaust-gas purification system for lean-burn engines (1) with low pressure EGR (14). The present invention relates in particular to the reactivation of such a system during overrun operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Eckhoff, Stefan Franoschek
  • Patent number: 9587541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a configuration method of a multifunctional particulate filter (MFPF), capable of reducing the content of particulate material (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), and increasing the content of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The MFPF may coat zeolite and an oxidation catalyst on both exhaust gas intake/discharge sides simultaneously, so as to minimize the slippage of HC and generate high-concentration NO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Jong-Soo Park, Young-Jae Lee, Kyung-Ran Hwang, Shin-Kun Ryi, Dong-Kook Kim, Tae-Hwan Kim, Chun-Boo Lee, Kyung-Sun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9587542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling a metering module (10) for dispensing a process liquid/auxiliary agent into the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine. The metering module (10) comprises a housing (12) with a plurality of housing sections (19), (20), (28), (29). A first housing section (19), (20), on which a supply line (18) for the process liquid/auxiliary agent is located, is situated in a region (62) of the metering module (10) that is exposed to varying temperatures, said section being made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Winkler, Achim Knittel, Stephan Pohl, Martin Kiontke
  • Patent number: 9587543
    Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment device, including a bent exhaust pipe, a mixing pipe having a closed end at the exhaust pipe bend and a bell-shaped widened portion in at least partial contact with the exhaust pipe at its opposite end, and a nozzle connected to a receptacle in the mixing pipe closed end for injecting an additive into the exhaust gases, with a mixing one in the exhaust pipe between the urea nozzle and the exhaust pipe outlet in which the exhaust gases flow around the mixing pipe symmetrically and form a double eddy in the mixing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Tenneco GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Haverkamp, Andreas Lang, Michael Wolf
  • Patent number: 9587544
    Abstract: A device for delivering a liquid additive includes: a tank configured to store the liquid additive; a pump; a suction point at which the liquid additive can be sucked out of the tank by the pump; and a filter at least partially delimiting an intermediate space between the filter and the suction point and separating the intermediate space from an interior space of the tank. The filter has a filter surface with a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge and the bottom edge being spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction by 30 mm to 80 mm and the suction point being positioned at most 5 mm below the top edge in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Georges Maguin, Cheikh Diouf, Jan Hodgson
  • Patent number: 9587545
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a flow agitator connected to a gas conduit and disposed within an internal cavity of the conduit at an upstream location with respect to a fluid injector. The flow agitator operates to separate the gas flow passing through the conduit during operation into a bypass flow, a control flow, and a main flow, such that a recombination of the bypass flow, the control flow, and the main flow downstream of the flow agitator creates an oscillation in the gas flow that also encompasses the fluid delivered into the internal cavity by the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Venkataraghavan
  • Patent number: 9587546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may selectively or contemporaneously supply energy from engine exhaust gas to generate electricity or warm the engine. In one example, exhaust gas energy raises a temperature of a heat transfer medium and the heat transfer medium is routed to an engine coolant heat exchanger or an expander via a bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain, David Richens Brigham, Mark John Jennings
  • Patent number: 9587547
    Abstract: An engine system for controlling an exhaust gas flow includes an intake line arranged to draw in outdoor air, an engine combusting the outdoor air supplied through the intake line and fuel in a combustion chamber of the engine to generate torque, an exhaust line for exhausting exhaust gas from the combustion in the combustion chamber of the engine, a turbocharger having a turbine operated by the exhaust gas passing through the exhaust line and a compressor for compressing the outdoor air in the intake line, a catalyst unit arranged on a downstream side of the turbocharger for reducing harmful components of the exhaust gas, a bypass line branched from the exhaust line on the downstream side of the turbocharger and joined to the exhaust line on a downstream side of the catalyst unit, and a bypass valve arranged on the bypass line for selectively opening/closing the bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Kihoon Nam
  • Patent number: 9587548
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles that control the temperature of a device included in the vehicle are presented herein. The temperature of the device is controlled by ventilating the device with drivetrain air, such as transmission cooling air. In some embodiments, the device is at a greater temperature than the drivetrain air, which cools the device. In other embodiments, the device is at a lesser temperature than the drivetrain air, which heats the device. The drivetrain air is provided to the device through an exhaust duct coupled to the vehicle's transmission. The drivetrain exhaust air is preferably circulated by the transmission. The transmission may be a continuously variable transmission. The device may be an oxygen sensor that is coupled to an engine exhaust pipe. The oxygen sensor is thermally coupled to the engine exhaust and the engine exhaust pipe, which are at greater temperatures than the transmission exhaust air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Arctic Cat, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Minnichsoffer, Jeremy B. Parsons
  • Patent number: 9587549
    Abstract: An air gap-insulated exhaust manifold (10) for a supercharged internal combustion engine (1), preferably of a motor vehicle has an engine flange (11) fastening the exhaust manifold to an engine block (2) and a turbine flange (12) fastening the exhaust manifold to a turbine (8) of an exhaust gas turbocharger (7). Two inner pipes (13, 14) lead from an inlet opening, for exhaust gas, adjacent to the engine flange to an outlet opening (18), for exhaust gas, adjacent to the turbine flange. An outer pipe (15) envelopes the two inner pipes, forming an air gap insulation (21), and extends from the engine flange to the turbine flange. A separation partition (16) separates, in the interior space (22) of the outer pipe, two interior spaces (23, 24), in which one each of the two inner pipes is arranged. Reduced wear is achieved with the partition arranged loosely at the turbine flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Wagner, Kresimir Jambrosic, Georg Wirth, Ralf Mohr, Jürgen Häberle