Patents Issued in June 13, 2017
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Patent number: 9677393Abstract: A method of performing a stimulation operation at a wellsite is provided. The wellsite has a wellbore penetrating a formation having fractures therein. The method involves predicting placement of proppant parameters in the fractures based on wellsite data, generating an asperity model based on the predicted placement, predicting aperture change for a prescribed closure stress using the asperity model, and determining fracture conductivity based on the predicted aperture change. The method also involves placing into the fractures with a stimulation fluid by injecting the stimulation fluid having the proppant therein into the formation based on the determined fracture conductivity and producing fluid from the reservoirs and into the wellbore through the propped fractures.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Joseph P. Morris
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Patent number: 9677394Abstract: A fluid sensor for a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline therethrough receiving a downhole fluid therein. The fluid sensor includes an insulative base positionable in the downhole tool, a conductive shield positionable on the insulative base, and a plurality of electrodes each having a non-conductive coating thereon. Each of the electrodes includes a sensing element and a pin. The sensing element is positionable in the insulative base and exposed to the downhole fluid passing through the flowline. The pin operatively connects the sensing element to a downhole unit whereby parameters of the downhole fluid are measured.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Cong Wang, Akira Kamiya
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Patent number: 9677395Abstract: Method and deployment device for a downhole tool. The device includes a body; a door rotatably attached to the body and configured to have an open position for allowing at least a portion of a fishing neck of the downhole tool to contact the body and a close position that secure the at least a portion of the fishing neck inside the deployment device; a bend restrictor attached to the body and configured to receive a logging cable of the downhole tool; and a locking mechanism for securing the door in the close position.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SERCEL, SAInventors: Ronan Affre De Saint Rome, Jerome Decressat
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Patent number: 9677396Abstract: A pressure gauge system and a method for in-situ determination of a wellbore formation pressure through a layer of cement, where the pressure gauge system comprises: a housing arranged to be permanently installed in the cement on the outside of a wellbore casing, wherein said housing comprises a pressure sensor with an output pressure signal, wherein: the pressure gauge system further comprises: a first temperature sensor with a first temperature signal, a second temperature sensor with a second temperature signal; and a computer implemented compensation means arranged to receive the pressure signal, the first and second temperature signals, and calculate a temperature compensated output pressure signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Sensor Developments ASInventor: Øivind Godager
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Patent number: 9677397Abstract: A system for use in downhole detection comprises a downhole arrangement defining a throughbore and a tool deployable through the throughbore of the downhole arrangement. The system further comprises a primary electromagnetic element provided on one of the downhole arrangement and the deployable tool and a secondary electromagnetic element provided on the other of the downhole arrangement and the deployable tool, wherein the primary and secondary electromagnetic elements are configurable for electromagnetic coupling therebetween. Such a system may be used for determining a status and/or an identity of a downhole tool in an oil or gas well from a determined degree of electromagnetic coupling between the primary and secondary electromagnetic elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Petrowell LimitedInventor: Hugh Clarkson
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Use of ventilation air methane exhausted during mining of non-combustible ore in a surface appliance
Patent number: 9677398Abstract: Utilization of mine methane produced by mining a non-combustible ore, such as trona, as an energy source for heat, steam, and/or power generation. Such utilization is beneficial for a surface appliance which is close to surface outlet(s) of mine methane recovery system(s). A method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated during mining of a non-combustible ore uses the combustion of co-produced mine methane. The mine methane is recovered in a mine ventilation air exhaust with very low methane content, and may be additionally recovered in a drainage gas, such as gob gas, with much higher methane content. The surface appliance may be selected from the group consisting of calciner, dryer, boiler, kiln, furnace, engine, turbine, power generation unit, co-generation unit, and any combinations thereof. Benefits may include reduction in energy purchases, reduction in greenhouse emissions, and/or gain through sale of carbon credits to the carbon market by registering carbon reductions.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Solvay Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Ronald O. Hughes, Bryan M. Mortimer, David M. Hansen -
Patent number: 9677399Abstract: The invention relates to a yieldable rock anchor comprising an anchor element extending along a longitudinal center axis and having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. An anchor plate is attached near the first end of the anchor element, and an anchor head is secured to the first end of the anchor element and adapted to clampingly engage the anchor plate. On its outer surface, the anchor element is provided along at least substantially its entire length with a plurality of ribs. A plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having two opposing ends, for covering some of the plurality of ribs is fixedly arranged on the outer surface of the anchor element such that each of the opposing ends at least substantially sealingly engages the outer surface of the anchor element.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Minova International LimitedInventors: Dariusz Modlinski, Tadeusz Wosik, Martin Petranek
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Patent number: 9677400Abstract: A negative-emission pressurized air or other compressible gas operated high-efficiency reciprocating or rotary piston engine, as autonomously considered or as part of a complex system, comprises at least a tank, at least a turbo-alternator and one or more optional fluid heaters.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: AIR POWER TECHNOLOGIES GROUP LIMITEDInventor: Vito Gianfranco Truglia
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Patent number: 9677401Abstract: The radial piston rotary device with compact gear drive mechanism includes a base, a casing mounted to the base, and a gearbox coupled to the casing. The casing houses a piston assembly with a pair of first radial pistons and a pair of second radial pistons coaxially mounted to the first radial pistons with each pair rotating at asynchronous, cyclically varying velocities. During a power cycle, a leading pair of radial pistons powers the associated gear assembly, and the gear assembly drives a flywheel assembly. A drive shaft axially extends from the flywheel assembly outside the gearbox to be selectively coupled to a driven component. The flywheel drives the pair of lagging radial pistons. During operation, each pair of radial pistons rotate at cyclically varying angular velocities out of phase with each other, yet produce a uniform output to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventors: Adel K. Alsubaih, Khaled A. Alsubaih
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Patent number: 9677402Abstract: A wind machine with aerodynamic elements to concentrate and accelerate an wind flow entering from outside, said machine having a housing, with an air intake, a first section converging up to an element having a substantially spherical or cylindrical section, a second and a third section, downwind said first converging section, each of said first section, said second section and said third section causing said wind flow to contact said element which has a substantially spherical or cylindrical section substantially up to its median line, a first and a second auxiliary air intake, coincident with said median line of said element having a substantially spherical or cylindrical section, said element having a substantially linear portion, being downwind of said first and second air intakes, and having a fourth and fifth section after said third section.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Livio Biagini
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Patent number: 9677403Abstract: A securement system for securing an attachment portion of at least one rotor blade or rotor blade segment in a mounting site of a rotor base. The securement system has at least one holder element and a second holder element, each of which has a holding portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portions can be introduced into the mounting site so as to establish a clip connection and can be locked together in the mounting site. The holding portions are configured so as to fasten the attachment portion of the at least one rotor blade or of the rotor blade segment in the mounting site in the locked state of the connecting portions. Further disclosed is a method for securing an attachment portion of at least one rotor blade or rotor blade segment in a mounting site of a rotor base and a rotor having a securement system.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AGInventors: Frank Stiehler, Felix Kern
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Patent number: 9677404Abstract: A one-block bladed disk includes blades, a leading edges of which has sweep and dihedral angles, both strongly variable and increasingly large upon approaching a connection to a hub to improve mechanical strength of the whole and obtain good distribution of gas flow over the height of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Didier Merville, Lucie Galons, Vincent Perrot, Hanna Reiss
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Patent number: 9677405Abstract: An apparatus includes a composite gas turbine engine multi-airfoil blade that includes first and second circumferentially spaced adjacent composite airfoils coupled together via a common composite attachment. The common attachment does not employ a fastener. The composite multi-airfoil blade may have a unitary construction having a ceramic matrix composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ted J. Freeman, Andrew J. Lazur, Adam L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 9677406Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a rotor blade support structure, wherein the concentration of stress near the rotor blade groove in which the rotor blade is embedded is limited even as increase in production cost is limited. A rotor blade support structure, in which rotor blades (30) are embedded in rotor blade grooves (10) provided on a rotor disc (1), wherein the rotor blade groove (10) is provided with circular direction grooves (13) that extend more in the circular direction of the rotor disc than upward from the bottom (14), and shaft center direction grooves (15) that are provided on the end faces (1a, 1b) of the rotor disc (1) in the center of the bottom (14) in the circular direction of the rotor disc and that extend towards the rotor disc shaft center.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tomoyuki Hirata, Eigo Katou, Hidekatsu Atsumi
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Patent number: 9677407Abstract: A cover plate for a rotor disk in a gas turbine machine includes a cylindrical body having multiple outward facing snaps and multiple inward facing snaps.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Mark Borja, Ehren B. Holt
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Patent number: 9677408Abstract: A control system includes a power actuator coaxial with the axis of rotation of the propeller, and a transmission device connecting the power actuator to pivots, of the blades to be controlled, arranged substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation. The actuator is a rotary jack whose mobile part rotates about the axis of rotation and is connected to the transmission device by a mobile mechanical connection which transforms the rotation imparted by the mobile part of the jack about the axis of rotation into a rotation of the blades about the axes of the pivots which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Sébastien Tajan, Christophe Jacquemard, Adrien Fabre
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Patent number: 9677409Abstract: The invention provides a fan cowl (11) of an aircraft engine made of a composite material having an optimized structure for withstanding the expected loads and for being able to be manufactured as a monolithic ensemble. The structure comprise a skin (13), frames (15) of a closed cross-section arranged in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and longitudinal beams (17, 19) comprising first parts (21) of a closed cross-section to be superimposed to the transverse frames (15) in their crossing zones and second parts (23) of an open cross-section in zones not crossing transverse frames (15) having their webs (41) arranged in a same plane. The invention also refers to a manufacturing method of said fan cowl (11).Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Eads Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.Inventors: Álvaro Ortiz Del Cerro, Joaquín Gallego Pleite, Luis Rubio García, Sofía Ponce Borrero
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Patent number: 9677410Abstract: A shaft sealing device and a rotary machine equipped therewith are provided with a sealing body configured by stacking a plurality of thin sealing pieces; and a low-pressure-side side sealing plate in which a plate surface facing the low-pressure side is pressed against an inner wall surface of the housing facing the direction of the axis by means of the pressure of a fluid applied from a high-pressure side to the low-pressure side. A protrusion for blocking a downward flow toward the inside of the low-pressure-side side sealing plate in the radial direction along the low-pressure side of the sealing body is formed on the inside of the low-pressure-side side sealing plate in the radial direction, and a communication path for guiding the downward flow blocked by means of the protrusion to a low-pressure-side region is formed on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Tanehiro Shinohara, Hidekazu Uehara, Shin Nishimoto, Takashi Nakano
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Patent number: 9677411Abstract: A stack ring is formed by an outer ring and an inner ring and is inserted in an annular gap formed between an inlet sleeve and an inner casing. The outer periphery of the outer ring and the inner periphery of the inner ring each have a land part having a flat face and taper faces formed on upper and lower sides of the land part. A ratio of L1 to L0 is 0.3 to 0.7 where L1 is a length of the land part and L0 is a total length in the up-down direction. A ratio of S to S0 is not less than 0.95 where S is an area of the cross sectional shape of the outer ring or the inner ring and S0 is an area of a virtual rectangle BCDE and the taper faces have an inclined angle of 1° to 10°.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tamiaki Nakazawa, Masaru Nishikatsu
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Patent number: 9677412Abstract: A seal segment of a shroud arrangement for bounding a hot gas flow path within a gas turbine engine, including: a plate having an inboard hot gas flow path facing side and an outboard side; a bulkhead extending from the outboard side of the plate which defines a fore portion and an aft portion; a first cooling circuit within the plate for cooling a first portion of the plate; a second cooling circuit within the plate for cooling a second portion of the plate; wherein the first cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the fore portion and the second cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the aft portion and the first and second cooling circuits are fluidically isolated from one another. Also described is a method of cooling a seal segment in a gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Simon Lloyd Jones, Mark John Simms
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Patent number: 9677413Abstract: An interface device between first and second turbomachine elements is provided. The interface device includes an annular air inlet structure including opposite first and second parts, designed to come into contact with the first and second turbomachine elements respectively, in which the first part is configured to be in swivel contact with the first element; and an elastic return device that can be placed around the air inlet structure and designed to come into contact with at least the first turbomachine element.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Arthur Cohin, Audrey Charrie, Florent Gant, Aurelien Rene-Pierre Massot
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Patent number: 9677414Abstract: A waste heat power generator (G1, G2) that includes an evaporator (1) to produce steam of a working medium, a power-generating device to generate electric power while expanding the steam, a condenser (3) to condense the steam which has passed through the power-generating device (2), and a pump (5) to send the condensed working medium to the evaporator (1). The waste heat power generator (G1, G2) may further include a valve device (6) to selectively supply a cooling medium used to cool the power-generating device (2) to the power-generating device (2), and a controller (7) to control the valve device (6) based on the temperature of the power-generating device (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventors: Toshio Takahashi, Hirohisa Wakisaka, Kouichi Machida
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Patent number: 9677415Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising an electrical machine 30, 130, 200, 210, the electrical machine 30, 130, 200, 210 having an axis of rotation that is canted with respect to the main rotational axis of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Fermin Moliner-Cantos
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Patent number: 9677416Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed, said drive mechanism converting the reciprocating clockwise-counterclockwise motion of an input shaft into continuous rotation of an output shaft by means of two one-way clutches mechanically coupled to the input shaft and the output shaft, said one-way clutches having their power stroke in opposite directions of rotation. In an embodiment, said drive mechanism can be contained in a wheel hub and used for human-powered vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, wheelchairs, rollerskates, or other vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventor: Marc Weber
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Patent number: 9677417Abstract: A fan containment system has a fan case having an annular casing element for encircling an array of fan blades and a hook projecting generally radially inwardly from the annular casing element. An annular fan track liner is positioned substantially coaxial to the annular casing element, and positioned such that a forward end of the fan track liner is axially spaced from the hook so that there is a gap between the hook and the fan track liner. A bridge member spans the gap between the hook and the fan track liner, wherein the bridge member is connected to the hook and contacts a radially inner surface of the forward end of the fan track liner. The bridge member fails when impacted by a fan blade released from a hub so that the released fan blade can impact the hook and be contained by the fan containment system.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Mickael Drozdz
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Patent number: 9677418Abstract: A turbine housing for an internal combustion engine, the turbine housing includes a coolant passage and exhaust gas flow path. The exhaust gas flow path is configured to pass exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a turbine wheel is arranged in the exhaust gas flow path, the exhaust gas flow path include a first portion, the first portion is disposed further on the exhaust gas downstream side than the turbine wheel in the exhaust gas flow path, and the inner diameter of the first portion gradually increases toward the exhaust gas downstream side.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Akihiro Asano
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Patent number: 9677419Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a bearing housing (9); a turbine housing (2) which is fastened to the bearing housing (9); and a heat shield (12) which has a heat insulating region (13) arranged between the turbine housing (2) and the bearing housing (9). The heat insulating region (13) is provided, in its outer circumferential region (14), with a seal (15).Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Leif Heidingsfelder, Thomas Ramb
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Patent number: 9677420Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a speed reduction device driving the fan and a lubrication system for lubricating components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows and a second race. A second bearing for rotation is within the first bearing including a first opening in registration with the first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit. There is a rotating carrier for supporting at least one planetary gear. The second bearing extends from the rotating carrier about an axis. A first spray bar is disposed on the carrier. The second bearing has a second opening in registration with the second race and a second conduit for passing lubricant to the spray bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
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Patent number: 9677421Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor formed by a drum and a hub. The drum has a generally conically shaped inner surface that defines a flow path along a first cavity. The hub is connected to the drum and has a conically shaped inner surface that defines a flow path along a second cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Little, Herbert L. Walker, Arun Jayasingh
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Patent number: 9677422Abstract: The present invention describes a jet engine with a device for spraying oil into an air-oil volume flow guided inside a flow cross-section limited by a wall area. The air-oil volume flow is guidable through an oil separator in order to separate the oil. In accordance with the invention, the oil can be sprayed into the air-oil volume flow in the area of the device via an outlet area designed movable relative to the wall area.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventors: Juergen Beier, Gideon Venter
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Patent number: 9677423Abstract: An aft hub sealing assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The aft hub sealing assembly includes an aft hub, a bearing cap, an aft baffle, a first seal, and a second seal. The aft hub includes a body portion and a disk portion aft surface. The bearing cap includes a bearing cap inner portion spaced apart from the body portion. The aft baffle is located adjacent the disk portion. The aft baffle includes a baffle forward surface following a contour of the disk portion aft surface. The first seal is between the bearing cap inner portion and the body portion. The second seal is between the bearing cap inner portion and the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventor: Leslie John Faulder
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Patent number: 9677424Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided defining a radial direction. The gas turbine engine generally includes a compressor section and a turbine section, the compressor section and turbine section together defining a core air flowpath. The gas turbine engine also includes a sump positioned inward of the core air flowpath along the radial direction. An air pump is positioned inward of the core air flowpath along the radial direction for providing a flow of air from the sump to lower an internal pressure of the sump and reduce a likelihood of lubrication leaking from the sump.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Matthew Timothy Franer, Kyle Robert Snow
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Patent number: 9677425Abstract: An axisymmetrical portion for an aircraft turbojet engine intermediate case intended to protrude downstream from an outer axisymmetrical portion of the intermediate case is provided. The axisymmetrical portion includes an annular groove radially open outwards, and at least one insert laid out inside the groove, which covers each internal face of the groove and which is radially open outwards.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Richard Lavignotte, Patrick Jean-Louis Reghezza
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Patent number: 9677426Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor (2), which has a compressor housing (3); a turbine (4), which has a turbine housing (5): and a bearing housing (6), which is arranged between the compressor housing (3) and the turbine housing (5) and is connected to the compressor housing (3) by way of a compressor-side connecting device and to the turbine housing (5) by way of a turbine-side connecting device (7). The turbine housing-side and/or compressor-side connecting device (7) is in the form of a taper key bolted joint having bolts (8, 9, 10) which are arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to an exhaust-gas turbocharger longitudinal axis (L).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Martin Becker
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Patent number: 9677427Abstract: A gas turbine engine is described which has first and second turbine vane assemblies with multiple turbine vanes within respective first and second circumferential outer shrouds. The first outer shroud has a first radially extending flange and the second outer shroud has a second radially extending flange. The radially extending first and second flanges each defining an upstream mating surface and a downstream mating surface relative to a direction of air flow through the engine in use. The downstream mating surface of the first flange mates with the upstream mating surface of the second flange. An axial retaining ring axially retains together the first and second flanges, and has an annular body extending between an upstream portion of the body abutted against the upstream mating surface of the first flange and a downstream portion of the body abutted against the downstream mating surface of the second flange.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Remy Synnott
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Patent number: 9677428Abstract: A tool for removing a component from a turbomachine is provided. The tool includes a body having an alignment portion and a connection portion. The alignment portion defines a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional shape complementary to a slot defined in a rotor wheel of the turbomachine. When the tool is positioned in the slot, the connection portion is configured to contact the component. The tool additionally includes a force section connected to the body and configured to transfer a force to the connection portion in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the alignment portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, David Randolph Spracher, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
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Patent number: 9677429Abstract: A steam power plant is suggested having, parallel to the high-pressure preheater passage (VW4 to VW6), a heat reservoir (A) which is loaded with preheated condensate in weak-load times. This preheated condensate is taken from the heat reservoir (A) for generating peak-load and inserted downstream of the high-pressure preheater passage (VW4 to VW6) into the condensate line (19.2) resp. the feed water container (8). Thus it is possible to quickly control the power generation of the power plant in a wide range without significantly having to change the heating output of the boiler of the steam generator (1). A steam power plant equipped according to the invention can thus be operated with bigger load modifications and also provide more control energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Ewald Kitzmann, Volker Schüle, Julia Heintz, Angie Ewert
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Patent number: 9677430Abstract: A combined cycle power plant with a gas and steam turbine system arranged on a single shaft and integrated with a cogeneration plant having a heat consumer such as a district heating system or industrial plant, including one or more steam extractions at an intermediate-pressure steam turbine that are arranged at the upper casing half-shell of the turbine and extraction steam lines that lead the extracted steam to heat exchangers of the cogeneration plant. The steam extraction outlets are arranged either singly at or near the uppermost point of the casing or in pairs to either side of the uppermost point of the casing. The specific arrangement of the extractions allows a floor-mounting of the single-shaft combined cycle power plant and as such a cost and space efficient realization of the power plant.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Hans-Juergen Sackmann, Christian Joachim Bohtz, Giovanni Leone, Henrik Nielsen
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Patent number: 9677431Abstract: Methods of making a fuel fluid are disclosed. A first working fluid and a second working fluid may be provided. The first working fluid may be exposed to a first high voltage electric field to produce a first fluid plasma, and the second working fluid may be exposed to a second high voltage electric field to produce a second fluid plasma. The first fluid plasma and the second fluid plasma may be contacted to form a fluid plasma mixture, which is transported to a heat exchange device. The fluid plasma mixture may be cooled to form a fuel fluid; and the fuel fluid may be collected.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: POWERDYNE, INC.Inventors: Geoffrey Hirson, Gus F. Shouse
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Patent number: 9677432Abstract: A hybrid power generation system using a supercritical CO2 cycle includes a steam power generation unit including a plurality of turbines driven with steam heated using heat generated by a boiler to produce electric power, and a supercritical CO2 power generation unit including an S—CO2 heater for heating a supercritical CO2 fluid, a turbine driven by the supercritical CO2 fluid, a precooler for lowering a temperature of the supercritical CO2 fluid passing through the turbine, and a main compressor for pressurizing the supercritical CO2 fluid, so as to produce electric power. The steam power generation unit and the supercritical CO2 power generation unit share the boiler. The hybrid power generation system may improve both the power generation efficiencies of the steam cycle and the supercritical CO2 cycle by interconnecting the steam cycle and the supercritical CO2 cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Gju Kang, Young Oon Kim, Hyung Keun Chi, Jeong Ho Hwang
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Patent number: 9677433Abstract: A phase control apparatus in a variable cam timing (VCT) system of an engine is described herein. The phase control apparatus includes a locking pin coupled to a vane, the locking pin extending into a locking pin recess in a cover plate in a locked configuration, the locking pin and locking pin recess having a backlash and a housing at least partially enclosing the vane and spaced away from the vane forming a gap in the locked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammad Ali Moetakef, Jamie Charles Hanshaw, Wesley Kridner, Georg Festag, Steve Poe
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Patent number: 9677434Abstract: A disk rotary valve assembly for reciprocating piston positive displacement machines, the disk rotary valve having a pair of oppositely arranged fronts, the forces on the pair of oppositely arranged fronts due to the high pressure inside the chamber cancel each other leaving the supports of the disk rotary valve unloaded and improving the sealing quality.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Inventors: Manousos Pattakos, John Pattakos, Emmanouel Pattakos
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Patent number: 9677435Abstract: Cover (25) is mounted on wall surface (12) on the front side of cylinder block (10). Sub gallery (26) through which engine oil flows is formed between cover (25) and wall surface (12). Chain tensioner (17) is mounted on cover (25), and the engine oil in sub gallery (26) is supplied to chain tensioner (17) through oil supply port (31) formed through cover (25).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroaki Mochida, Hideaki Tooyama
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Patent number: 9677436Abstract: A baffle for disposition in a sump having a fluid containing cavity is disclosed. A first portion of the baffle has an outside edge abutting a side wall of the sump and an inner edge defining an opening. A second portion of the baffle extends downwardly from the inner edge to a lower edge abutting a bottom wall of the sump. At least one jalousie divider is disposed along the second portion of the baffle to regulate fluid flow through the baffle based on fluid temperature. A controller is coupled to the jalousie divider to selectively drive the jalousie divider to a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the baffle when the fluid temperature is below a temperature threshold and an open position that permits fluid flow through the second portion of the baffle when the fluid temperature is above the temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: AVL POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Gregory Mordukhovich
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Patent number: 9677437Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine comprising a housing wherein the housing comprises one or more coolant passages for receiving a coolant to cool the turbocharger and one or more lubricant passages for receiving a lubricant to lubricate the bearings. The lubricant may be the lubricant for both the turbocharger bearings and the internal combustion engine. The coolant passages and lubricant passages in the turbocharger may be arranged in the housing to transfer heat from the lubricant to the coolant such that the transfer of heat between the coolant passages and lubricant passages is sufficient to cool the lubricant to a temperature that is suitable for subsequent use in the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris James Leck, Anthony Bernard Demots, Paul Andrew Jones, John Moffat
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Patent number: 9677438Abstract: A system in a vehicle including at least one sound quality valve arranged in an exhaust system of the vehicle includes a sound quality valve control module that determines whether one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve are met, selectively actuates the sound quality valve to an open position if the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve are met, and maintains the sound quality valve in a closed position if a required one of the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve is not met. A downshift detection module determines whether aggressive driving behavior is detected. If the aggressive driving behavior is detected, the sound quality valve control module actuates the sound quality valve to the open position regardless of whether the required one of the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve is met.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jacob A. Holbrook, Roger C. Barlow, Jr., Frank C. Valeri
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Patent number: 9677439Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing low temperature NOx and HC emissions, such as during a cold start of an internal combustion engine. The systems and methods include storing NOx and HC emissions at low temperatures and passively releasing and treating these emissions as the temperature of the exhaust system increases.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Aniket Gupta, Michael J. Cunningham, Michael J. Ruth, Krishna P. Chilumukuru
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Patent number: 9677440Abstract: An aftertreatment system is disclosed. The aftertreatment system can include a hydrolysis catalyst disposed within a first canister adjacent to a downstream end of the first canister and a nozzle positioned to inject reductant into the first canister upstream of the hydrolysis catalyst. A particulate collection device, which may be catalyzed to promote NOX reduction in the presence of the reductant, can be disposed within a second canister of the aftertreatment system adjacent to an upstream end thereof. An exhaust conduit can extend from the downstream end of the first canister to the upstream end of the second canister. An interior volume within the exhaust conduit can extend from an upstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the hydrolysis catalyst to a downstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the particulate collection device.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Amy E. Fischer, Matthew E. Leustek, Justin W. McMenamy, Brandon T. Shull, Ronald G. Silver
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Patent number: 9677442Abstract: A concentration of sulfur components contained in fuel is determined, without adding any special sensor for determining the sulfur concentration of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiromasa Nishioka, Daichi Imai
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Patent number: 9677443Abstract: A method of determining suitability of correction for a control logic of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, may include determining a suitability function of the correction based on a previous error and a current error when the correction has been performed, determining a suitability coefficient based on the suitability function of the correction, determining whether the correction may be suitable based on the number of corrections and the suitability coefficient, and resetting the control logic when the correction may be not suitable.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, FEV GMBHInventors: Ji Ho Cho, Jin Ha Lee, Bastian Holderbaum, Bernhard Lüers, Alexander Vovk