Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9617976
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the power output of wind turbines in a wind farm are disclosed. In particular, a wind farm can include first and second doubly fed induction generator wind turbine systems. The rotational rotor speed of the first wind turbine system can be regulated at reduced wind speeds based at least in part on data indicative of rotor voltage to increase power output of a doubly fed induction generator. The rotor speed can be regulated such that the rotor voltage does not exceed a voltage threshold. The power output of the first wind turbine system can be further increased by reducing its reactive power output. The reduced reactive power output of the first wind turbine system can be compensated for by an increased reactive power output of the second wind turbine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Edenfeld
  • Patent number: 9617977
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine comprising a pitch of one or more blades and collecting first data indicative of a dynamic condition of the first wind turbine blade and a rotor, the first data comprising rotor data and first deflection data, the rotor data indicative of the azimuth position and rotational velocity of the rotor in a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, and the first deflection data indicative of the position, speed and acceleration of one or more parts of the first wind turbine blade. The method comprises calculating an expected tower clearance distance at a later time of tower passage for the first blade based on the first data including acceleration of one or more parts of the first blade, and performing measures to prevent tower collision, if the expected tower clearance distance fulfills a collision risk criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LM WIND POWER A/S
    Inventor: Mark Olaf Slot
  • Patent number: 9617978
    Abstract: A method for preventing a lateral oscillation of a tower of a wind power installation having at least two rotor blades with adjustable attitude angles includes determining a manipulated variable for setting the attitude angles on the basis of information about a pitch torque and a yaw torque of the head of the tower. In this context, a counteracting torque is generated which counteracts the pitch torque and the yaw torque without exciting a lateral oscillation of the tower if the attitude angles are set on the basis of the manipulated variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Hess, Boris Buchtala
  • Patent number: 9617979
    Abstract: The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for a motor assisted power generation system utilizing a motor, coupled to a rotatable drive shaft which may further be connected to a generator such that the motor driven rotation of the drive shaft may generate electrical output. Certain embodiments may allow for a dual, wind or motor assisted power generation. For example, a drive shaft may be coupled with, for example, a wind responsive turbine and may generate an electrical output according to the amount of wind captured and transmitted to a corresponding generator or set of generators. Under low or no wind conditions, a motor may be coupled to the drive shaft and cause it to rotate allowing power generation to continue despite the lack of wind capture. Under high or adequate wind conditions, the motor may be decoupled allowing generation of an electrical output without motor assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Airgenesis, LLC
    Inventor: Danny J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9617980
    Abstract: A wind power generating system includes: a wind mill, an induction rotating machine coupled to a rotating shaft of the wind mill; a power converting device that supplies exciting current to the induction rotating machine; a heat medium circulating structure that circulates a heat medium that receives heat generated by the induction rotating machine; a heat accumulator that accumulates heat of the heat medium; a thermal power generator that converts, into electric power, the heat of the heat medium accumulated in the heat accumulator; and an armature control unit that controls the exciting current in accordance with electric power demand of an electric power system. The armature control unit performs one or both of power generation mode control in which the induction rotating machine is operated as a power generator and heat generation mode control in which the induction rotating machine is operated as a heat generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Kyoto University
    Inventors: Toru Okazaki, Taketsune Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9617981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade bearing removal apparatus and method for facilitating the change-over of the blade root bearing assembly (58) of a wind turbine blade (54). A plurality of support shoulders or yokes (60) are located on the hub (50) of the wind turbine rotor and provide attachment points for respective actuators (62). Corresponding attachment points (66) are provided in the wind turbine blade (54) via a blade support (section 64), which is constructed in the blade between the blade root bearing assembly (58) and the tip. The actuators (62) are mounted between the hub (50) and the blade root bearing assembly (58) and therefore support the blade (54) in a suspended position when the bearing is to be retained. The actuators (62) allow the blade to be easily reattached to the hub (50) when the blade root bearing replacement is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Mark Hancock
  • Patent number: 9617982
    Abstract: The solar chimney of the present invention comprises an elongated chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end, the chamber defining a path for fluid, such as air, from the inlet to the outlet. Air updrafts in the chamber drive an internal turbine which is connected to an electric generator, or to some other machine. The chamber has the general configuration of an hourglass; the diameter of the chamber becomes progressively smaller with distance from the inlet end, until the diameter reaches a minimum value, then becomes progressively larger, as one proceeds towards the outlet end. Disposed within the chamber are one or more heat exchangers for heating air in the chamber by solar and/or wind energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Pitaya Yangpichit
  • Patent number: 9617983
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 9617984
    Abstract: A bent-axis hydrostatic axial piston machine (1) has a drive shaft (4) rotatable around an axis of rotation (Rt) and having a drive flange (3). A cylinder drum (7) is rotatable around an axis of rotation (Rz). The cylinder drum (7) includes a plurality of piston bores (8) concentric to the axis of rotation (Rz) of the cylinder drum (7) and in each of which piston bores (8) there is a longitudinally displaceable piston (10). The pistons (10) are fastened in an articulated manner to the drive flange (3). Between the drive shaft (4) and the cylinder drum (7) there is a constant velocity driving joint (30) in the form of a cone-beam semi-roller joint (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Linde Hydraulics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Bergmann
  • Patent number: 9617985
    Abstract: A compressor having a simplified structure includes a rotation shaft having a spiral groove formed in an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft, and a cap member that accommodates a lower portion of the rotation shaft so that the rotation shaft can rotate in the cap member. The cap member may be fixed to one of a stator and a frame such that the cap member does not rotate together with the rotation shaft. Through the simplified structure, oil stored in a sealing case can ascend, and noise caused by rotation of the rotation shaft can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seong Jun Park
  • Patent number: 9617986
    Abstract: A hermetic compressor includes: a main bearing (126) which supports a main shaft (120) of a shaft (119); and a thrust ball bearing at an upper end portion of the main bearing (126). A rotor (116) is fixed to the main shaft (120) via a flange. A rotor core (117) has a magnetic center displaced upward relative to the magnetic center of a stator core (115) so that a downward magnetic attractive force is applied between the rotor (116) and the stator (114). Accordingly, a contact load between steel balls and upper and lower races in the thrust ball bearing is appropriately maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ko Inagaki, Noboru Iida
  • Patent number: 9617987
    Abstract: A pumping assembly is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of dosing pumps. The pumping assembly comprises a pump body with a pump bore, and a sleeve fixed within the pump bore. The sleeve has a first end, a second end and a sleeve bore. A plunger is adapted to enter the first end of the sleeve and to reciprocate within the sleeve bore. The sleeve has at least one port to allow fluid flow through a wall of the sleeve. The, or each, port is elongated in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of reciprocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Keith E. Wright, Michael Peter Cooke, Neil C. Smith, Martin Paul Hardy, Ivan C. Lawford, Kevin S. Stanbury
  • Patent number: 9617988
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Laverdiere, James Cedrone, George Gonnella, Iraj Gashgaee, Paul Magoon, Timothy J. King
  • Patent number: 9617990
    Abstract: A system for supplementing the electric power needed by a pump jack electric motor, thereby reducing the electric power purchased from the local utility or power supplier. The system comprises a solar photovoltaic system, or other forms of renewable energy, and regenerated power from the electric motor or drive. The system can be both “on-grid” and “off-grid.” Battery banks and capacitor banks may be used to store energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Kavan Graybill
  • Patent number: 9617991
    Abstract: Provided is a hollow rotor and method for making a hollow rotor for a gerotor system, the gerotor system including inner and outer rotors having interengaging lobed profiles. At least one of the inner or outer rotors comprises the hollow rotor, the hollow rotor including radially inner and outer walls radially spaced-apart in relation to a rotational axis of the rotor and walls extending between the radially inner and outer walls for closing axial ends of the hollow rotor. The radially inner and outer walls define therebetween a cavity, thus providing for a hollow or empty interior of the hollow rotor. At least one of the radially inner or outer walls forms a plurality of lobes circumferentially spaced-apart around the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Richard T. Friedman
  • Patent number: 9617992
    Abstract: A rotary piston pump for the delivery of liquids and for the delivery of liquids containing solids. The rotary piston pump includes a pump housing which is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The pump housing includes a lining. Disposed in the pump housing, or inside the lining, are at least two counter-rotating rotary pistons, which form pump spaces during their rotation. During the rotational movement, the rotary pistons are sealed against one another, against the pump housing and against the lining. Disposed in the pump housing and/or in the lining, in the spatial vicinity of the inlet and/or the outlet, are means with which the pulsation can be reduced or even completely prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Weigl, Reinhard Denk, Hisham Kamal, Josef Strassl, Robert Kurz, Bernhard Murrenhoff, Thomas Boehme, Gunther Herr, Franz Kneidl, Mikael Tekneyan, Matthias Gradl, Erwin Weber, Roger Willis, Stefan Kern, Johann Kreidl, Marcel Verhoeven
  • Patent number: 9617993
    Abstract: A macerator pump apparatus (MPA) includes a waste valve assembly (WVA), a macerator assembly, a pumping assembly, and a quick disconnect discharge assembly (QDDA). An inlet port of the WVA receives waste matter from a waste holding tank (WHT). A valve member positioned within the WVA directs flow of the waste matter to the macerator assembly and isolates the waste matter within the WHT by closing the valve member before the MPA is disassembled for maintenance. The macerator assembly macerates the waste matter and transfers the macerated waste matter to the pumping assembly and to a discharge port of the QDDA. A quick disconnect member detachably connects an outlet plumbing pipe to the discharge port via a quick disconnect valve (QDV) for discharging the macerated waste matter. The QDV isolates the macerated waste matter within the outlet plumbing pipe by closing the QDV before the MPA is disassembled for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: RARITAN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Vinod K Mehta
  • Patent number: 9617994
    Abstract: A sliding vane, positive displacement pump is provided which includes a dual mechanical seal that protects against leakage from a pump chamber while also reducing slip across rotor end faces. The dual mechanical seal may be formed as a cartridge seal that is readily demountable from the pump for replacement and service, and is retrofittable to existing pumps to improve the performance thereof. The pump may integrally include a dual mechanical seal, or the mechanical seal assembly may be provided for use by itself or in combination with a replaceable head ring that can be installed on existing pumps for repair thereof or for a retrofit upgrade of such existing pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Douglas Walters, Michael Thomas Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9617995
    Abstract: A rotary piston pump with at least two double- or multi-lobe rotary pistons rotating in opposite directions, the drive shafts whereof include seals, wherein the seals are constituted as slip ring seals or lip seals or stuffing-box seals, which in each case are disposed on the shaft shoulder belonging to the respective rotary piston, and one slip ring per seal is provided with a locking device, which includes a large number of fixing positions. The seals are pushed onto a tubular shoulder of the rotary piston, the rotary piston is introduced into the pump housing, the securing element is connected to the slip ring seal in a form-fit manner by rotation of the rotary piston and the shaft shoulder is then rigidly connected to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Weigl, Reinhard Denk, Hisham Kamal, Josef Strassl, Robert Kurz, Bernhard Murrenhoff, Thomas Boehme, Gunther Herr, Franz Kneidl, Mikael Tekneyan, Matthias Gradl, Erwin Weber, Roger Willis, Stefan Kern, Johann Kreidl, Marcel Verhoeven, Thomas Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9617996
    Abstract: A compressor includes a casing, a motor fixed to the casing, a vertically extending drive shaft coupled to the motor, and a compression mechanism driven by the drive shaft to compress a fluid. A shaft-inside oil supply path is provided in the drive shaft. Oil at a bottom of the casing is supplied through the shaft-inside oil supply path to a sliding portion of the drive shaft above the motor. The compressor includes a shaft-inside oil discharge path provided in the drive shaft, and an oil discharge coupled to a lower end of the drive shaft. The shaft-inside oil discharge path extends from an upper portion to a lower portion of the motor. The oil discharge pump discharges the oil that has been supplied to the sliding portion of the drive shaft to the bottom of the casing through the shaft-inside oil discharge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Toyama, Tsuyoshi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 9617997
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism, a crankshaft, and a drive motor. The compression mechanism has a fixed scroll and a movable scroll and is configured to compress a fluid. The crankshaft has a main shaft and an eccentric portion eccentrically disposed at one end of the main shaft and coupled to a back side of the movable scroll. The drive motor has a stator and a rotor coupled to the main shaft of the crankshaft to rotate the movable scroll. At least one of the main shaft of the crankshaft and the rotor of the drive motor is provided with a weight. The weight being is arranged to balance a centrifugal force of the movable scroll during rotation, and to reduce warpage of the crankshaft caused by balancing the centrifugal force of the movable scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Uekawa
  • Patent number: 9617998
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a Roots-type blower comprising a housing defining first and second transversely overlapping cylindrical chambers and at least one inlet port and an outlet port; first and second meshed, lobed rotors, each lobe having a top land sealingly cooperating with the cylindrical chambers; a plurality of control volumes for transfer of fluid, each control volume being defined by a pair of adjacent lobes on one of the rotors, and at least one of the cylindrical chambers; and blowholes formed within the cylindrical chambers in connection with meshing of the lobes of the first and second rotors. The blower further comprises at least one backflow slot extending through the housing wall of each cylindrical chamber for effecting a leakage of fluid from downstream the at least one outlet port into a control volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Magnus Knutsson, Anders Ohlson, Ragnar Burenius, Johan Brunberg, Amir Toma
  • Patent number: 9617999
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling, in particular a magnetic coupling pump, includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor which each carry magnets. Disposed between the inner and outer rotors is a double-wall containment shroud, which includes an outer shroud and an inner shroud. Each of the inner and outer shrouds includes a flange, a middle section and a bottom section, wherein a gap is disposed between the middle section and the bottom section. The inner shroud is connected by its flange to the flange of the outer shroud. The gap is filled at least in sections with a solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: RUHRPUMPEN GMBH
    Inventors: Günther Schneider, Michael Westib, Christian Jussen, Katja Wischmann
  • Patent number: 9618000
    Abstract: A canned motor pump is provided that includes a rotor of a motor and a shaft shaped as a bar. The shaft penetrates through and is coupled with the rotor. A bearing is shaped as a circular cylinder, and is coupled to an upper side of the rotor. Further, the shaft penetrates through the bearing. A housing surrounds the rotor and the bearing to expose an upper end of the bearing and to house the rotor and the bearing within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hark Koo Kim, Seung Yong Lee, Chi Myung Kim, Yeon Seok Jung, Kyung Yub Kim, Chang Gook Lee
  • Patent number: 9618001
    Abstract: A turbocharger 1 includes a compressor housing 2 and a bearing housing 3. The compressor housing 2 has a shroud surface 221 and a diffuser surface 222. The bearing housing 3 has an opposite surface 311 facing the diffuser surface 222. An adhesion preventing part 4 is provided on at least one of the diffuser surface 222 and the opposite surface 311. The turbocharger 1 is configured so that compressed air spouts out from the adhesion preventing part 4 to the diffuser passage 15 by an ejector effect caused when compressed air passes through the diffuser passage 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OTICS Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Isogai, Tetsuya Niwa
  • Patent number: 9618002
    Abstract: The present invention is turbine generator capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system. The generator can convert biomechanical energy into electrical energy by using electromagnetic subsystems to transform the kinetic energy to electricity. These systems have the potential to convert hydraulic energy (such as flow of body fluid, blood flow, contraction of blood vessel, dynamic fluid in nature) into electric energy that may be sufficient for self-powering nano/micro devices and systems, such as artificial organs, valves, sensors, micro motors, and micro robots. The system incorporates a new turbine model having, notched blades; a rotor in levitation; and a special casing capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Henry Cabra, Sylvia W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9618003
    Abstract: A high efficiency transverse flux motor fan utilizes a transverse flux motor that can provide torque to drive fan blades at a reduced weight over conventional induction and brushless DC motors. A fan incorporating a transverse flux motor may be a residential ceiling fan or high volume low speed fan. Transverse flux motors are ideal for these applications as they have a higher efficiency at low revolutions per minute. A transverse flux motor may have a stator utilizing a ring shaped lamina that has extending members that form a coil channel. A lamina may be a unitary piece of material that is formed from a sheet of metal, thereby providing a very lightweight stator assembly. An exemplary fan may provide an airflow efficiency of more than about 236 L/s*W, (500 CFM/watt), an essential airflow density of more than about 2.36 L/s*g, (5 CFM/gram) and a power density of about 150 W/kg or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Electric Torque Machines Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F Janecek, Tyler Williams, Morgan Conklin, John Dyer
  • Patent number: 9618004
    Abstract: A compressor control apparatus, and a compressor control method. The compressor may be operated in an operation mode in which commercial power applied to the compressor does not pass through an alternating current capacitor when the load is in an overload state, thereby preventing the loss of a drive and effectively reducing the copper and core loss of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gyunam Kim, Sungho Park, Taewoong Nah, Jaeyoo Yoo, Boram Lee
  • Patent number: 9618005
    Abstract: An annular seal flange is formed at an inner peripheral edge portion of an upstream-side seal ring. The seal flange projects in a downstream direction. When seal rings are viewed from radially inside, the seal flange of the upstream-side seal ring is designed to at least partially occlude an end gap of the downstream-side (the most downstream-side) seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Segawa
  • Patent number: 9618006
    Abstract: A lubricant retainer for use in a pump bearing assembly, the bearing assembly which in a first operating configuration is lubricated by a relatively highly viscous lubricant, and which in a second operating configuration is lubricated by a less-viscous lubricant, the bearing assembly comprising a bearing housing having a bore extending therethrough for receiving a pump drive shaft, spaced-apart bearing mounting zones within the bore with a chamber therebetween, each bearing mounting zone arranged for the in use receipt of a bearing therein, and wherein each zone has associated therewith one lubricant retainer, the lubricant retainer being adapted to be mounted within the bore adjacent the bearing mounting zone with which it is associated so as to form a barrier between the bearing mounting zone and the chamber when the pump bearing assembly is in the first operating configuration, the retainer being removed when the pump bearing assembly is in the second operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Weir Minerals Australia Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Edward Burgess, Michael Christopher Foreman
  • Patent number: 9618007
    Abstract: A blower assembly includes a housing having a blower wheel disposed therein and a pre-swirler disposed in a fluid inlet of the housing. The pre-swirler includes an array of spaced apart vanes extending radially outwardly from a central hub. The vanes extend from the hub to an outer ring that is attached to the housing of the blower assembly. The vanes are configured to cooperate with the blower wheel to minimize a noise, a vibration, and a harshness (NVH) of the blower assembly, while maximizing an efficiency thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Jayanthi Iyer
  • Patent number: 9618008
    Abstract: A diffuser of a compressor of centrifugal or mixed type includes two end plates which enclose a plurality of regularly distributed circumferential blades, and at least one transverse upstream passage produced in lower or upper surfaces of the blades. An injection/withdrawal coupling is achieved by a recirculation of a stream in an air passage of the diffuser on the basis of injection of air from at least one point in a leading edge zone of an upstream side of the diffuser. Blowing of air is then effected in at least one groove formed along a lateral flank of each blade by withdrawal of the air stream in a region of a trailing edge. Thereby, effectively separation of the air in a boundary layer in a gas turbine compressor diffuser is realized by re-energizing the boundary layer with air at a higher pressure by a suction/re-injection coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TURBOMECA
    Inventors: Jérôme Yves Félix Gilbert Porodo, Laurent Pierre Tarnowski
  • Patent number: 9618009
    Abstract: A blower assembly includes a motor including a rotational axis and a housing coupled to the motor. The housing includes an outlet portion configured to discharge an outlet airflow from the housing in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. The blower assembly also includes a transition piece coupled to the housing proximate the outlet portion. The transition piece includes a body portion that is configured to direct the outlet airflow in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9618010
    Abstract: A fan system may generate an air flow during use. In various implementations, a fan system may include a fan and an orifice. The orifice may include a converging section, a diverging section, and a minimum radius section disposed between the converging section and the diverging section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kapil Das Sahu, Robert B. “Dutch” Uselton
  • Patent number: 9618011
    Abstract: An electric water pump includes an electric motor having a stator which generates an electromagnetic field by control signals supplied from a driver and a rotor which rotates by the electromagnetic field generated by the stator. An impeller is connected to and rotates with the rotor to circulate a coolant. An inside space of the electric water pump may include a motor room in which the electric motor is disposed, a volute room in which the impeller is positioned, and a pump driver room in which the pump driver is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bong Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 9618012
    Abstract: A turbo-molecular pump comprises a rotor having rotor blades and a cylindrical section; stationary blades; a plurality of spacers; a stator arranged with a gap from the cylindrical section, a base; a spacer cooling section arranged between a lowest spacer of the stacked spacers and the base, the spacer cooling section having a first flow passage through which coolant flows; a heater for heating the stator; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the stator; a base cooling section for cooling the base, the base cooling section having a second flow passage connected in series to the first flow passage; and a temperature controller for controlling circulation of coolant to the first flow passage and the second flow passage connected in series and energization of the heater to maintain the temperature of the stator at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 9618013
    Abstract: The compressor compresses gas in capillaries leading to a radially distant annular container space. Centrifugal force acts on gas bubbles entrained between liquid slugs moving radially outward through the capillaries which may be radial, tangential or continuously curved. Compressed gas is collected in the annular space. A gas-liquid emulsion is fed to the capillaries by an inboard emulsification device. The emulsification may include a vortex generator, an ejector or a venturi injector, all feeding the gas-liquid mixture into the inboard ends of the capillaries. The capillaries are formed in a series of discs, coaxially stacked with outer disc ends open to the annular space. Capillary inlets may be perpendicular, tangential or may define a venturi jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rotational Trompe Compressors, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cherry, Robert A. Alderman, D. Hans Shillinger
  • Patent number: 9618014
    Abstract: An implement system is disclosed for use with a machine having an engine. The implement system may have a pump driven by the engine, a first actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump during operation of the engine, and at least a second actuator configure to receive pressurized fluid from the pump during operation of the engine. The implement system may also have an accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the first actuator during operation of the engine, and to discharge fluid to the first actuator and to the at least a second actuator when the engine is shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Anne Morris, Jeremy Todd Peterson, Jeffrey Lee Kuehn, Dayao Chen, Pengfei Ma
  • Patent number: 9618015
    Abstract: An oil level control device in a main tank of a supply circuit, the supply circuit comprising a main tank, a first pump which, in aspiration, is connected to the main tank, a main hydraulic circuit which is connected in inlet to the delivery of a charge pump and in outlet is connected to the main tank, a first auxiliary conduit, an auxiliary tank which receives oil from the first auxiliary conduit and which in discharge is placed in communication with the main tank. At least a control valve predisposed to control sending of oil from the first auxiliary conduit to the auxiliary tank or from the auxiliary tank to the main tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Morselli, John Posselius, Davide Columbo, Patrizio Turco
  • Patent number: 9618016
    Abstract: In a solar generator, comprising a reflector and an electrohydraulic sun-position tracking device with at least one hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control seat valve, the reflector can be guided via the control seat valve to follow in synchronism with the course of the sun continuously and uninterruptedly. The control seat valve for regulating a pressure medium flow permanently supplied to the hydraulic cylinder comprises a seat surface and a sealing surface permanently pressed against each other with variable contact pressure, with which the pressure medium flow can be generated as controlled leakage. The sealing surface is made of a material that can be deformed by contact pressure. In the control seat valve, the controlled leakage is set in a control position at least substantially without lifting movement exclusively by the relative material deformation of the sealing surface on the seat surface, which deformation is set via the contact pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HAWE HYDRAULIK SE
    Inventors: Martin Heusser, Markus Imlauer, Andreas Nocker
  • Patent number: 9618017
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a construction machine having a pressure compensation valve is disclosed, which improves operability when a combined operation of a swing device and an attachment is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Sang-Ki Bae, Jae-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9618018
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system for construction equipment, and more particularly, to a hydraulic system, in which an actuator is controlled by a pump/motor. The hydraulic system for construction equipment according to the present disclosure includes logic valves in first and second hydraulic lines provided to an actuator, respectively, and when it is desired to operate the actuator in a state where an operation of the actuator is stopped by closing the logic valves, a pressure difference may be resolved by increasing pressure in sections of a pump/motor and the logic valves in advance even if a load is applied to the actuator, and thus the actuator may implement a desired operation without being affected by the load. That is, it is possible to improve operation controllability of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Ha An, Woo Yong Jung, Yong Lak Cho, A Reum Seo, Dal Sik Jang, Kwang Ho Lim
  • Patent number: 9618019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic pressure control device for construction machinery, comprising: a pilot pump; a swing motor for rotary-actuating an upper turning body; a brake control valve for controlling the direction of a hydraulic pressure of the pilot pump to operate a brake; a controller for receiving a command signal for driving the swing motor and applying the command signal to the brake control valve; a relief valve interposed between the brake control valve and the pilot pump; and a drain control valve, disposed in parallel with the brake control valve, for performing opening and closing operations so that the hydraulic pressure of the pilot pump can selectively return to a hydraulic tank in accordance with the state of the brake control valve, the drain control valve being opened for the hydraulic pressure to be discharged to the hydraulic tank without passing through the relief valve if the brake control valve is switched to brake the swing motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Tae-Rang Jung, Mi-OK Kim
  • Patent number: 9618020
    Abstract: A power generation apparatus according to the present invention includes: an expander; a generator that includes a generator rotor driven by the expander and a stator disposed outside the generator rotor in the radial direction; and a casing that includes an expander chamber accommodating the expander and a generator chamber accommodating the generator. The casing includes a first communication portion that causes an expansion chamber which gradually expands a working medium by the expander in the expander chamber to communicate with a front generator portion which is located nearer the expansion chamber than the generator in the generator chamber and a second communication portion that causes a portion which is a downstream portion from the expansion chamber and is located near the expansion chamber with respect to the generator to communicate with the front generator portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 9618021
    Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a system to a structure having a base element to retain the system, a positioning element to position the base element at a location on the structure and a fixation device to fix the base element at the location on the structure. The base element has a section for holding the system and a section for being clamped to the structure. The clamping section has an element for alignment on the positioning element. The positioning element has a surface for being bonded to the structure and a positioning section for acting together with the alignment element. The fixation device has a counter element with a clamping area for being positioned on an opposite side of the structure from the clamping section and a fastener for clamping the base element and the counter element to the structure. An installation method for such an attachment arrangement is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Cihangir Sayilgan, Markus Mueller, Henrik Linnemann
  • Patent number: 9618022
    Abstract: A clamp connector includes a first clamping member configured to apply a clamping force to a material, the first clamping member having a first portion including a first and second cam surfaces, a first cammed body adjacent the first cam surface, and a second cammed body adjacent the second cam surface. A second clamping member is configured to apply a clamping force to the material. The second clamping member having a second portion including a third and fourth cam surfaces, a third cammed body adjacent the third cam surface, and a fourth cammed body adjacent the fourth cam surface. When each cam surface is forced against the adjacent cammed body a clamping force between the first clamping member and the second clamping member is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shihming Jan, Louis Kasden
  • Patent number: 9618023
    Abstract: A display device, comprising a base cover with a base plate, a sidewall portion extended from the base plate and a first coupling hole; a display panel with a first display portion configured to display an image and a second display portion outside and along the first display portion, a top cover with a bezel portion sized to be laid over the second display portion, and a sidewall portion extended from the bezel portion, the top cover including a second coupling hole; and a fixing element with a first coupling portion having a third coupling hole, a contact portion extended from the first coupling portion and configured to maintain contact with a portion of the top cover. A coupling element can be inserted through the first through third coupling holes so as to press the contact portion against a portion of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Wook Choi, Cheol Yong Noh, Sang Heon Ye, Jae Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 9618024
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clip attaching structure of a vehicle seat. The seat frame includes an attaching hole and an expanded hole which expands a hole thereof from the attaching hole in a radial direction. The clip includes a fitting portion inserted into the attaching hole to fit in an inner periphery of the attaching hole, and an extending portion which extends a shape thereof from the fitting portion in the radial direction to be inserted into the expanded hole. A tip of the extending portion extends beyond the fitting portion in an inserting direction. On a tip surface of the extending portion in the inserting direction, a guide surface is formed to abut on a peripheral edge portion of the expanded hole when an inserting position of the fitting portion shifts from the attaching hole in the radial direction, thereby guiding the fitting portion toward the attaching hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Arashi
  • Patent number: 9618025
    Abstract: The application provides a screw threaded fastening component, which comprises a stud bolt having an external thread, a first connecting part into which a first screw threaded hole adaptive to the stud bolt is formed, and a second connecting part into which a second screw threaded hole adaptive to the stud bolt is formed, and a threaded direction of the second screw threaded hole is against the threaded direction of the first screw threaded hole. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are assembled on two ends of the stud bolt through the first screw threaded hole and the second screw threaded hole, respectively, and the first connecting part is engaged against the second connecting part when the stud bolt is rotated in a direction. The stud bolt is contained in the first screw threaded hole and the second screw threaded hole when the first connecting part and the second connecting part are engaged completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Gang Yu, Dehua Li
  • Patent number: 9618026
    Abstract: A semi-circular male alignment feature elastic averaging alignment system utilizing a plurality of semi-circular male alignment features which interface by elastic averaging with a plurality of female alignment features, wherein semi-circular male alignment features of a first component are received during a mating process by respective female alignment features formed in a second component, whereby precise alignment of the first and second components and stiffness are provided by elastic averaging of the male and female alignment features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Thomas F. Bowles