Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9605609
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes an engine having a turbocharger and an automatic transmission. The control apparatus includes at least one electronic control unit configured to: control an air-fuel ratio of the engine and an operating state of the turbocharger based on a parameter indicating a load of the engine; control the turbocharger to execute turbocharging and operate the engine in a turbocharging lean combustion mode when the parameter is within a predetermined range, an air-fuel ratio set in the turbocharging lean combustion mode being a predetermined lean air-fuel ratio; and operate the engine in a predetermined operation mode instead of the turbocharging lean combustion mode in at least a part of the predetermined range when a downshift is performed in the automatic transmission, an air-fuel ratio set in the predetermined operation mode being a richer air-fuel ratio than the predetermined lean air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadayuki Nagai, Masami Kondo
  • Patent number: 9605610
    Abstract: A method for purging a fuel vapor canister, comprising: responsive to a canister load decreasing below a first threshold, reversing a direction of air flow through the fuel vapor canister while maintaining purge air intake at a vent line inlet. By reversing the direction of air flow through the fuel vapor canister, canister regions that would normally retain fuel vapor during a purge event may realize increased desorption when the air flow direction is reversed. In this way, the efficiency of a purge event may be increased and bleed emissions may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9605611
    Abstract: Injector drift for a diesel engine are detected by reconfiguration of injection patterns from one pattern into a pattern with a different number of pulse points while attempting to hold total fuel injected constant. If a particular injector is subject to drift then changes in the pulse pattern result in an increase or decrease in fuel injected and consequential variations in engine speed. By applying alternating injection patterns at constant fuel demand and allowing engine speed time to stabilize, a rhythmic variation in engine speed/torque will appear which can be detected using one of a number of techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Nirav Atul Shah, Mark Brian Michelotti, Sumeet Suresh Yerunkar
  • Patent number: 9605612
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a firing fraction module, an engine speed module, and an actuator control module. The firing fraction module determines a target firing fraction corresponding to a target number of activated cylinders out of a first number of cylinders in a firing order of an engine. The first number is a denominator of the target firing fraction. The engine speed module determines a plurality of periods based on a crankshaft position signal, with each of the periods corresponding to a predetermined amount of crankshaft rotation. The engine speed module determines the speed of the engine based on the plurality of periods and the target firing fraction. The actuator control module controls an actuator of at least one of the engine and a torque converter based on the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Daniel G. Brennan
  • Patent number: 9605613
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus to reduce fuel consumption while remaining in NOx compliance by simultaneous and coordinated control of the engine and the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. More particularly, the present disclosure identifies methods and apparatus to increase NOx output within a diesel engine to optimize the performance of a given SCR system while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption at a selected and targeted intake oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jayant V. Sarlashkar, Ryan C. Roecker
  • Patent number: 9605614
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control system for executing a fuel saving based on a learned value of fuel consumption obtained from an actual running of the vehicle. The control system makes an assessment of a fuel saving control by learning fuel consumption within a predetermined learning zone including a zone where the fuel saving control is executed and determines whether or not to execute the fuel saving control based on a result of the assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Miura, Shoichi Shono, Yoshikazu Motozono
  • Patent number: 9605615
    Abstract: A model predictive control (MPC) module performs multiple iterations to determine a current set of target values for an engine based on a torque request, a model of the engine, a tableau matrix, and a basic solution matrix. Each of the iterations includes: determining whether the basic solution matrix is not in standard form; when the basic solution matrix is not in standard form, identifying a first column of the tableau matrix based on a first entry position of the primal variable of the non-basic pair; when the basic solution matrix is in standard form and one or more primal variables of the basic solution matrix are negative, identifying the first column of the tableau matrix based on a second entry position of a dual variable of the basic pair; and selectively updating the basic solution matrix based on the first column of the tableau matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ruixing Long, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 9605616
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes: an NH3 generating catalyst which generates NH3 from NOx and H2 at a rich air-fuel ratio; an in-cylinder injection valve which injects fuel into a cylinder; and a control apparatus which, when setting a rich air-fuel ratio, sets a timing of fuel injection from the in-cylinder injection valve to a second half of a compression stroke when a temperature of the NH3 generating catalyst is within a first prescribed range and sets a timing f of fuel injection from the in-cylinder injection valve to a first half of an intake stroke when the temperature of the NH3 generating catalyst is within a second prescribed range that is a higher temperature range than the first prescribed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kotaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9605617
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method and a system of controlling a load during misfire of an engine, whereby additional stress on a crank shaft is calculated from torsional vibration of the crank shaft to obtain an output limit rate, and an operation output of an engine is controlled on the basis of the output limit rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Suzuki, Hideki Nishio
  • Patent number: 9605618
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine automatic stop-start system used in a motor vehicle fitted with an internal combustion engine. The system allows: automatic stoppings of the engine when a set of conditions outside and inside the vehicle are satisfied; automatic startings of the engine following an automatic stopping when at least one engine demand condition is met. The method includes an internal value which is a count of a number of operations of the system, wherein the internal value is subjected to a high threshold and to a low threshold, and the method can modify at least one of the conditions outside or inside the vehicle if the internal value reaches the low threshold or reaches the high threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Pascal Smague
  • Patent number: 9605619
    Abstract: A piston assembly for internal combustion diesel engine having a piston diameter of 160-650 mm, the piston assembly including a top part, a body part and a gudgeon pin connectable to each other, the top part defining, when installed in a cylinder, the piston side of a combustion chamber, and the body part having an aperture for a gudgeon pin, bosses for distributing forces between the piston and the gudgeon pin, the body part having an interior, an outer surface and operable connecting surfaces, the gudgeon pin for pivotally connecting the piston to a connecting rod, is configured to be assembled and lockable by locking elements to the body part aperture in a given rotational orientation such that there is provided a conduit for supplying cooling oil from the connecting rod via the gudgeon pin to the bosses and to a cooling gallery between the top and body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COMPONENTA FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Sakari Pisila, Tommy Ronnskog
  • Patent number: 9605620
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for supplying cooling oil to a piston of an engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include repeatedly activating an oil supply only during a part of a cylinder cycle synchronous with a reciprocating motion of the piston. In particular, supply of cooling oil may be initiated by displacing a poppet valve arranged within a piston cooling assembly via a reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 9605621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle with a nozzle surface area and a nozzle rim, on which first and second guiding devices are alternatingly provided in the circumferential direction, where the first guiding devices are of the nozzle-type design and the second guiding devices are of the diffuser-type design. The first guiding devices each have a first azimuthal guide wall and two wall elements, with the first azimuthal guide wall forming a first trailing edge and two first edges to the wall elements. The second guiding devices each have a second azimuthal guide wall and two wall elements, with the second azimuthal guide wail forming a second trailing edge and two second edges to the wall elements. A wall element connects a first guiding device and a second guiding device. The wall elements have a curved course in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Marco Rose, Rene Spieweg
  • Patent number: 9605622
    Abstract: A system for providing heated, pressurized air to a device in an industrial process, the system including at least one engine arranged and designed to heat and pressurize air, and at least one pipe attached to the at least one engine to provide a flow path for air from the at least one engine to the device in the industrial process. The system may also include an expansion joint positioned between the at least one engine and the pipe, the expansion joint arranged and designed to allow relative axial movement between the at least one engine and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Flint Hills Resources, LP
    Inventor: Randy Miller
  • Patent number: 9605623
    Abstract: A method for equipping an engine with a mixing device for introducing gaseous fuel into an intake passage of the engine comprising the steps of providing a body through which the intake passage extends, wherein an annular channel encircles the intake passage, providing a fuel inlet manifold with injector receiving ports, each injector receiving port configured to receive a discharge end of a fuel injector, with each injector receiving port in fluid communication with the annular channel, and providing a fuel supply manifold including fuel injector ports, wherein each fuel injector port is configured to receive an upstream end of a fuel injector. The method further includes blocking at least one injector receiving port such that fluid communication through the injector receiving port is prevented, removably coupling fuel injectors between the fuel supply manifold and the unblocked injector receiving ports, and providing the mixing device to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Todd Wallace Helsel, Robert Royall Edens
  • Patent number: 9605624
    Abstract: A resonator (12) for reducing intake air noise is connected to an intake air duct (6) connecting a throttle chamber (5) and an air cleaner case (7). This blow-by gas treatment device is equipped with a fresh air introduction passage comprising a fresh air introduction hose (16), and a blow-by gas passage comprising a blow-by gas hose (20), with the fresh air introduction hose (16) connecting a cylinder head cover (4) and the resonator (12). A connector part (15) of the resonator (12) to which the fresh air introduction hose (16) is connected is provided with an orifice (21) formed integral with a lower body (13) formed of a synthetic resin, as a part thereof. Pulsation is effectively reduced by the throttling effect of the orifice (21) and the expansion effect of the resonator (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Ikegaya
  • Patent number: 9605625
    Abstract: A venturi valve assembly, having a flow tube, an upper port integrally formed with flow tube, a flow cavity disposed within the flow tube, an inlet formed as part of the flow tube such that the inlet forms a part of the flow cavity, an outlet formed as part of the flow tube such that the outlet forms a part of the flow cavity, and a venturi nozzle disposed in the flow tube. Pressurized air flows into the flow cavity from the inlet such that the pressurized air flows around the venturi nozzle. Purge vapor flows into the flow cavity from the upper port, and the flow rate of the pressurized air is increased after flowing around the venturi nozzle, increasing the flow of the purge vapor after the purge vapor is mixed with the pressurized air in the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Balsdon, Binjamin Dominick Manton Williams, David Rene Forgeron
  • Patent number: 9605626
    Abstract: A particulate and siloxane filtration system may include a housing and a filter media assembly. The filter media assembly may be disposed within the housing and positioned to filter intake gases to an internal combustion engine. The filter media assembly may include a particulate media configured to remove particulates from the intake gases and a siloxane media configured to remove siloxanes from the intake gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas M. Harris, Galen C. Thomas, Teryl M. Oftedal
  • Patent number: 9605627
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an air filter cleaning wand for flushing contaminants from an intake air filter of an automobile engine. The air filter cleaning wand comprises a proximal flange, a conduit, and a distal end portion. The proximal flange is configured to receive a nozzle of a water hose. An interior of the conduit is in fluid communication with the proximal flange. The distal end portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned vents in fluid communication with the interior of the conduit. Upon passing water through the water hose and into the conduit, pressurized water streams exit the vents along the distal end portion so as to flush contaminants from the air filter. The air filter cleaning wand advantageously is comprised of a material which is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration during operation when coupled to pressurized water sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Amir Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 9605628
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus preferably comprises a filter holding assembly, a vibration assembly, and a diffusion delivery module. The filter holding assembly may secure the filter within a cleaning chamber. The vibration assembly may be operatively coupled to the filter holding assembly and may be configured to vibrate the filter. The diffusion delivery module may reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of the filter and deliver cleaning air radially and substantially perpendicular to an interior surface of the filter. The cleaning air may be pulsated to enhance the cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin Lee Woodward
  • Patent number: 9605629
    Abstract: An under-hood mounting configuration for a work vehicle may generally include an air intake component positioned upstream of an engine of the work vehicle. The air intake component may include a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall may define a cooling port extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. In addition, the under-hood mounting configuration may include a control unit having a housing defining an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The housing may be mounted to the wall along the exterior surface such that the housing is positioned directly over at least a portion of the cooling port. When the airflow is directed through the air intake component, a portion of the airflow may flow through the cooling port and may be directed towards the lower surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Morey
  • Patent number: 9605630
    Abstract: An intake manifold is provided that controls swirl on entry to a combustion chamber. Each intake manifold includes a fin or rib portion positioned to reduce or eliminate swirl induced by the configuration of the intake manifold, particularly when used in a large engine having a left bank and a right bank of combustion chambers. By controlling swirl induced by the intake manifold, swirl consistency is improved between engine cylinders and between the left bank and the right bank, improving the consistency of power output and reducing emissions, particularly particulate emissions, also called smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Free, Jason Robert Griffin, Alex Edward Priestley, Stephen Sunadh Gidla, Peter Vinson Woon, Joseph Scot Roederer
  • Patent number: 9605631
    Abstract: A silencer, for example an intake silencer for an internal combustion engine, may include a pipe for conducting a gas mixture. The pipe may be perforated at least in some regions. An absorption layer may at least partially surround the pipe for absorbing a sound transmitted by the gas mixture. An outer casing may encase the pipe. The outer casing may be perforated at least in some regions and may surround the absorption layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Zirkelbach
  • Patent number: 9605632
    Abstract: A resonator for attenuating sound waves produced by an engine includes a resonator housing and a neck. The neck includes an outer shell extending from the resonator housing providing fluid communication between the resonator housing and an air duct. The neck further includes a partition disposed in the outer shell. The partition cooperates with the outer shell to define a plurality of distinct air paths, each air path in fluid communication with a distinct resonance chamber of the plurality of resonance chambers. The resonator is operable to attenuate or change the characteristics of sound waves produced by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Joe Leffler
  • Patent number: 9605633
    Abstract: A manifold for a dual-walled pipe includes a body, a primary conduit extending through the body and fluidly communicating with a primary passage of the dual-walled pipe, and a first socket having an outboard aperture and an inboard aperture fluidly communicating with the primary conduit. An intermediate chamber is disposed between the outboard aperture and the inboard aperture, and a first leakage conduit is formed in the body with a first end fluidly communicating with the intermediate chamber of the first socket and a second end adapted to fluidly communicate with a secondary passage of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhan F. Devani, Jeffrey P. Nowak
  • Patent number: 9605634
    Abstract: A needle has a large-diameter portion, an outer diameter of which is larger than that of a shaft portion of the needle. A needle-side tapered surface is formed at the large-diameter portion on a valve closing side thereof, wherein the needle-side tapered surface is inclined by a needle angle with respect to a center axis of the needle. A core-side tapered surface is formed at a movable core, wherein the core-side tapered surface is inclined by a core angle with respect to the center axis of the needle. The needle and the movable core are brought into contact with each other via the needle-side and the core-side tapered surfaces. The needle angle and the core angle are made to be equal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Yoshimaru, Eiji Mimura, Atsuya Okamoto, Akira Kamada, Eiji Murase, Keisuke Komori
  • Patent number: 9605635
    Abstract: A dual fuel injection valve includes a primary fuel treatment space and a secondary fuel treatment space formed extending the fuel valve block and the hybrid nozzle block in the longitudinal direction and side by side with each other. The primary fuel treatment space includes a primary cylinder passage, a primary fuel passage and a primary nozzle hole. The secondary fuel treatment space includes a secondary cylinder passage formed separately form the primary cylinder passage, a secondary fuel passage formed separately form the primary fuel passage hole, a secondary nozzle hole. The dual fuel injection valve further includes a first chamber formed in a lower portion of the secondary cylinder passage, a second chamber disposed between the first chamber and the secondary nozzle hole and formed to surround the secondary cylinder passage, and a primary fuel movement hole connecting the primary cylinder passage and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deuk-Jin Park, Eung-Sung Kim, Ju-Tae Kim, Kwang-Cheol Heo, Jong-Suk Kim, Eun Ha
  • Patent number: 9605636
    Abstract: A fuel injector may include a central longitudinal axis and may be arranged in a cylinder head of a combustion engine. The fuel injector has an injector body and an adjustment device, the adjustment device including a ring element configured to be arranged in a recess of a cylinder head between the injector body and the cylinder head to align the fuel injector relative to the recess in radial direction. The ring element comprises a magnetic material. A fuel-injection system is also disclosed that includes a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and a fuel injector as disclosed above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ileana Romeo, Matteo Soriani, Francesco Lenzi
  • Patent number: 9605637
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the exhaust emission for a fuel injection valve having a stepped injection hole constructed so that a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion are communicated with each other with a stepped portion intervening therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Noriyuki Takada, Tsutomu Kawae
  • Patent number: 9605638
    Abstract: A filter for a fluid injection valve includes a filter sleeve and a fastening element. The fastening element includes a fitting portion for fastening the filter in the fluid injection valve and a connection portion mechanically interacting with a first part of the filter sleeve for connecting the filter sleeve and the fastening element. The filter sleeve includes a second part arranged inside the fastening element and disposed at a distance from the fitting portion of the fastening element. A fluid injection valve and a method for producing the filter are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Filippo Falaschi, Ivano Izzo, Luca Matteucci
  • Patent number: 9605639
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to controlling a fuel injection quantity of a fuel injector are provided. In one embodiment, a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel supply channel, a nozzle valve including a valve stem, and an actuator to actuate the nozzle valve. The nozzle valve and an inner wall of the fuel supply channel form a first flow cross section and at least one second flow cross section that is greater than the first flow cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Robin Ivo Lawther
  • Patent number: 9605640
    Abstract: Electric starter for internal combustion engine comprising: an electric motor (M) combined with means (R, L) for driving the internal combustion engine and an electronic filter (10) that is arranged on a power circuit (3) of the electric motor (M) that is suitable for at least reducing the electromagnetic disturbance caused by the operation of the electric motor (M). The electronic filter (10) is placed inside a cover (11, 30) of the starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Mickaël Lamure, Soosin Kim
  • Patent number: 9605641
    Abstract: Method for cold starting an internal combustion engine operating with an ethanol fuel, with ignition controlled by a control unit including a basic ignition advance map determined for a given engine, includes the following steps applied to at least one combustion chamber in contact with a piston connected to a drive shaft: determining the engine temperature; rotating the drive shaft; phasing the engine; ensuring the fuel pressure exceeds a determined threshold for injection; injecting fuel for a first operational engine cycle after phasing; below a determined engine temperature, increasing, in the first operational cycle, the advance of the first ignition point before the compression top dead center for gases in the cylinder, with respect to the advance map, by a value between 21° and 50°; controlling a first ignition point according to advance map based on the cycle following the first cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Claude Courtiel
  • Patent number: 9605642
    Abstract: A starter includes a motor unit, a drive shaft configured to receive a rotational force of the motor unit and rotate, a transmission pinion gear installed on the drive shaft, an idle shaft extending in a direction parallel to the drive shaft, an idle gear installed on the idle shaft and configured to mesh with the transmission pinion gear, a driving pinion gear installed on the idle shaft and configured to mesh with a ring gear of an engine, a gear cover configured to rotatably support portions of the drive shaft and the idle shaft and accommodate the transmission pinion gear and the idle gear, and a bracket section installed between the motor unit and the gear cover and configured to rotatably support a first end in an axial direction of the idle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiko Ikemori, Masaaki Oya, Chihiro Horikoshi, Koki Honda, Ken Noguchi, Masaki Ishizeki
  • Patent number: 9605643
    Abstract: There is provided a leakage detection apparatus that can accurately detect a leakage condition in an internal combustion engine having a cylinder resting function. An ignition plug provided in the combustion chamber of a cylinder is made to generate an ignition signal at least once when based on an instruction from a cylinder resting control unit, a fuel injection valve and a valve driving mechanism are stopping the operation thereof; the leakage condition of the ignition plug is detected based on an output signal generated by an ion current detection circuit at a timing other than the timing when ignition discharge is caused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Inada, Takahiro Enomoto, Yuhei Matsushima, Takeshi Koda
  • Patent number: 9605644
    Abstract: A dual coil ignition system is provided. The dual coil ignition system includes a first inductive ignition coil including a first primary winding and a first secondary winding, and a second inductive ignition coil including a second primary winding and a second secondary winding, the second secondary winding connected in series to the first secondary winding. The dual coil ignition system further includes a diode network including a first diode and a second diode connected between the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garlan J. Huberts, Qiuping Qu, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 9605645
    Abstract: A plasma ignition plug for an internal combustion engine has a thorium alloyed tungsten anode separated from a vanadium- or beryllium-alloyed copper cathode by a boron nitride ceramic powder insulator. A generally semi-spherical titanium emitter is electrically coupled to the anode and disposed within an end of the insulator so as to form an annular gap with a torus on the end of the cathode. The surface of the emitter protrudes slightly beyond the rim of the torus on the cathode. High amplitude pulses driven into the anode arc across the annular gap to the cathode at more than twenty-four spots simultaneously, generating a plasma ignition front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Serge V. Monros, David G. Yurth
  • Patent number: 9605646
    Abstract: The disclosure relates methods and related systems for controlling corona discharge in a combustion chamber without causing an arc strike. The methods can include measuring a baseline impedance of a circuit in electrical communication with an electrode, measuring an actual impedance of the circuit, determining an impedance setpoint based at least in part on the baseline impedance, comparing the actual impedance to the impedance setpoint, and adjusting the actual impedance based at least in part on the comparison between the actual impedance and the impedance setpoint. The electrode is arranged to deliver a corona discharge to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Freen
  • Patent number: 9605647
    Abstract: A blade for a runner of a Francis turbine having a throat diameter (Dth), the blade including: a maximum thickness of no less than 0.03 Dth and a leading edge having a maximum lean angle of no less than 45 degrees, wherein the lean angle is defined by a vertical line and the leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Andritz Hydro Ltd.
    Inventors: Sylvain Marier, Eric Theroux
  • Patent number: 9605648
    Abstract: An air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device includes an air blower mechanism, a first conduit, a second conduit, four check valves, a bracket, and a power generation mechanism, wherein waves and tides boost a push member of the air blower mechanism to drive a piston of the air blower mechanism to operate for drawing in gas or liquid, dual energies, by the first conduit and the second conduit to gain double efficiency, and the gas or liquid is stored in a gas accumulation, constant-pressure, and pressure-regulating barrel for subsequent release of the gas or liquid, in a stable and constant manner, to drive a vane wheel power generator to rotate for generation of electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention provides an air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation system, which includes a plurality of air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device for generation of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ming-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 9605649
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade has a longitudinal axis, a blade root, a blade tip, a pressure side, a suction side and an aerodynamic profile which, in a longitudinal section of the rotor blade, has a profile chord and a thick trailing edge. The rotor blade includes a multiplicity of flow deflection elements which are arranged on the thick trailing edge and have respective inflow surfaces which are shaped and arranged such that a radial flow running in the direction from the blade root toward the blade tip is diverted by the inflow surface in the direction of the profile chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Doosttalab Mehdi
  • Patent number: 9605650
    Abstract: A wind blade is provided. The wind blade includes a self-supporting structural framework, having multiple chord-wise members and one or more span-wise members. Each of the multiple chord-wise members and the one or more span-wise members have an aerodynamic contour. The wind blade also comprises a fabric skin located over the self-supporting structural framework. Further, the wind blade includes a tensioning mechanism configured for providing pretensioning in the fabric skin. The tensioning mechanism includes multiple mechanical force elements coupled with the fabric skin for providing a predetermined force for maintaining an aerodynamic surface of the fabric skin during operation of the wind blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Vidyashankar Ramasastry Buravalla, Sriram Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 9605651
    Abstract: A spar assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The spar assembly includes a first spar cap segment and a second spar cap segment. The first spar cap segment is configured on an interior surface of a first blade segment and the second spar cap segment is configured on an interior surface of a second blade segment. Each spar cap segment includes an end having a joint section that is joinable at a chord-wise joint. Each of the first and second joint sections includes a plurality of holes formed therein. Further, the spar assembly includes a plurality of pins inserted into the plurality of holes of the first and second joint sections to join the first and second blade segments so as to improve stiffness of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce Clark Busbey, Edward McBeth Stewart
  • Patent number: 9605652
    Abstract: A wind compressor system having one or more wind turbines and a plurality of wind compressors located proximate the one or more wind turbines. The wind compressors optimize the energy created by the wind turbines by redirecting and converging the wind from the wind compressor to the wind turbines. Each of the wind compressors comprises an obstruction having a size and shape adapted to converge the wind currents by means of a Venturi effect toward the one or more turbines thereby increasing the velocity and force of the wind hitting the wind turbine. A plurality of transporters coupled to the wind compressors. The transporters configured to move at least one wind compressors to a location that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Albert McLelland
  • Patent number: 9605653
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes measuring, via one or more temperature sensors, a local temperature of a component of the wind turbine for a predetermined time period. The method also includes determining a power capability of the wind turbine as a function of the local temperature. Another step includes measuring, via one or more sensors, a power output of the wind turbine for the predetermined time period. A further step includes determining a power margin of the wind turbine as a function of the power capability and the measured power output and controlling the power output of the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the power margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sidney Allen Barker, Anthony Michael Klodowski
  • Patent number: 9605654
    Abstract: A method of operating at least one wind turbine is described, comprising: determining a plurality of stress events of at least one component of the at least one wind turbine; determining at least one accumulated stress from at least two of the plurality of stress events; determining at least one residual lifetime based at least partially on the at least one accumulated stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Anders Wickström
  • Patent number: 9605655
    Abstract: A vertical-axis wind power generator having adjustable-angle rotating blades is provided, which can maximize generation efficiency through angle adjustment of rotating blades for upper and lower support arms. The vertical-axis wind power generator having adjustable-angle rotating blades is configured such that a rotation angle range, in which forward-rotation wind power is applied to the rotating blades, can be maximized and a rotation angle range, in which reverse-rotation wind power is applied to the rotating blades, can be minimized through angle adjustment of the rotating blades so as to apply maximum forward-rotation wind power to the rotating blades and to apply minimum reverse-rotation wind power thereto, and through angle adjustment of the rotating blades so as to generate forward rotation even by reverse-rotation wind power in a partial angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Young-Hee Min
  • Patent number: 9605656
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electromechanical transducer is provided. The rotor assembly comprises a mechanical support structure and a magnet arrangement having a first magnetic component part and a second magnetic component part. The first magnetic component part and the second magnetic component part are attached to the mechanical support structure and are arranged along an axial direction (Z) of the rotor assembly. With respect to the axial direction a first cross section of the first magnetic component part has a first shape and a second cross section of the second magnetic component part has a second shape being different from the first shape. It is further described an electromechanical transducer and a wind turbine, which are both equipped with such a rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Lijian Wu, Zi-Qiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9605657
    Abstract: An electric power generation system includes a wind turbine, a conductor rotating as the wind turbine rotates, a heat transfer medium vessel, a magnetic field generator, a heat accumulator, and an electric power generation unit. The magnetic field generator is operated to generate a magnetic field and therein the conductor is rotated and thus heated through induction, and the conductor's heat is transmitted to the water in the heat transfer medium vessel to generate steam which is in turn supplied to a steam turbine and thus drives an electric power generator to generate electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9605658
    Abstract: A device for measuring deformations of a rotor blade of a wind turbine generator system includes an angle measuring device and an arm. The angle measuring device includes a first and a second assembly. The first assembly is pivotable relative to the second assembly about an axis. The second assembly has a fastening site that is configured to be connected to the rotor blade. The angle measuring device is configured to measure a relative angular position between the first and the second assembly. The arm has a connection site disposed at a distance to the fastening site and is configured to be connected to the rotor blade at the connection site. The arm is mechanically coupled to the first assembly at a radial distance such that, in response to a change in the distance, a relative angular displacement is generated between the first and the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Meyer, Josef Thaler