Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9689335
    Abstract: A system and method for determining an engine mass air flow (MAF) for use in an engine air to fuel ratio (AFR) calculation to operate an engine includes monitoring engine operation, determining in the electronic controller a first estimation of engine MAF based on a regression model, determining in the electronic controller a second estimation of engine MAF based on a flow model, and selecting the first or second estimation of engine MAF based on an operating state of the engine. Each estimation can use various engine parameters interchangeably to provide a robust system against sensor failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Xinyu Ge
  • Patent number: 9689336
    Abstract: An engine system is disclosed. The engine system may have an engine. The engine system may also have a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of an amount of power generated by the engine and a speed sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the engine. The engine system may also have a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and the speed signal. The controller may also be configured to generate an operating histogram based on the sensor signal and the speed signal. Further the controller may be configured to receive modal points for the engine, the modal points having associated emissions limits. The controller may also be configured to generate a calibration parameter set for the operating histogram based on the weights. In addition, the controller may be configured to apply the calibration parameter set to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Hardy, Christopher K. Wackerle, Jeffrey J. Ribordy, Timothy E. Applegren, Michael S. Bond
  • Patent number: 9689337
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an engine, the control apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to: (i) estimate a characteristic value indicating divergence from a reference value of an intake air volume, (ii) store the characteristic value as a learned value, (iii) calculate the characteristic values for an opening degrees for which learning has not been completed, (iv) learn the characteristics of the throttle valve and reflect the characteristics in control of the intake air volume, (v) update the learned value at which an engine rotation speed is equal to or greater than an idling rotation speed during an initial engine operation after initialization of the learned values, (vi) update the learned value at which an engine rotation speed is lower than an idling rotation speed, by storing a value equal to the learned value for the smallest opening degree for which learning has already been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nozaki
  • Patent number: 9689338
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor control device, connected with two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor having electromotive force and oxygen pump cells with first to third two-cell terminals or a one-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor having a single cell with first and second one-cell terminals, includes: first to third connection terminals for connecting the one-cell or two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor; a control circuit that is switchable between a two-cell circuit configuration for controlling the two-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor through the first to third connection terminals and a one-cell circuit configuration for controlling the one-cell type air-fuel ratio sensor through the first and second connection terminals; and a control unit that sets a circuit configuration of the control circuit to the one-cell or two-cell circuit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Uemura, Satoshi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9689339
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block having at least one cylinder. An intake manifold and an exhaust manifold are each fluidly connected to the at least one cylinder and define an intake manifold pressure (pi) and an exhaust manifold pressure (pe), respectively. A controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to receive a torque request (TR). The controller is programmed to determine a desired fuel mass (mf) for controlling a torque output of the internal combustion engine. The desired fuel mass (mf) is based at least partially on the torque request (TR), the intake and exhaust manifold pressures and a pressure-volume (PV) diagram of the at least one cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Orgun A. Guralp, Sai S. V. Rajagopalan, Hanho Yun, Chen-Fang Chang, Paul M. Najt
  • Patent number: 9689340
    Abstract: A controller integrated fuel pump module may include a receiving part formed on an outer surface of a flange assembled in a fuel tank, a PCB assembly configured by mounting elements of a controller to a PCB, wherein the PCB assembly is molded by a molding part while being received in the receiving part, and a convexo-concave portion having a shape in which recesses and bosses, the convexo-concave portion being repeatedly formed on an inner surface of the receiving part, such that a bonding force between the receiving part and the molding part is increased by the convexo-concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ju Tae Song, Byung Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 9689341
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing a lift pump voltage to a high threshold voltage responsive to a DI pump efficiency being below a threshold efficiency, and increasing a lift pump voltage to a first threshold voltage less than the high threshold voltage responsive to a main jet pump fuel reservoir level being less than a first threshold reservoir level. The approach increases fuel jet pump performance and thereby reducing engine stalls induced by fuel vaporization, while maintaining DI pump efficiency and fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Christopher Arnold Woodring, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David Ord
  • Patent number: 9689342
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from a direct fuel injector are disclosed. In one example, a transfer function or gain of a direct fuel injector is adjusted in response to an exhaust lambda value and a first pulse width of two pulse widths provided to an injector of a cylinder during a cylinder cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Hao Zhang
  • Patent number: 9689343
    Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine may include an at least partially extending circumferential cooling duct for circulating a coolant. The coolant duct may be closed by a cooling duct cover apart from an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening and the outlet opening may be arranged in the cooling duct cover. A guide element may be disposed in a region of the inlet opening configured to catch an incident coolant jet. The guide element may guide the coolant jet into the cooling duct and deflect the coolant jet in precisely a circumferential direction along the cooling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Ullrich
  • Patent number: 9689344
    Abstract: Multiple free-piston stirling-cycle machine modules are connected together in double-acting configurations that may be used as engines or heat pumps and scaled to any power level by varying the number of modules. Reciprocating piston assemblies oriented in balanced pairs reduce vibration forces. There are no buffer spaces. Linear motors or generators are packaged inside piston cavities entirely within the module working spaces. The external heat-accepting and heat-rejecting surfaces in one embodiment are directed along inward-facing and outward facing cylinders, and in another embodiment along parallel planes, simplifying thermal connections to the external heat source and sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: David Ray Gedeon
  • Patent number: 9689345
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a track lock assembly that includes a pawl assembly comprising a pawl arm extending from a pawl axis and configured to engage a slot in a slider assembly, a cam arm extending from the pawl axis and having a pawl cam, and a compliant member, and a position lock assembly comprising a first lock arm extending from a lock axis and an actuator configured to urge rotation of the first lock arm between a lock locked position and a lock unlocked position, the first lock arm configured to engage and retain the cam arm in a pawl locked position when the first lock arm is in the lock locked position and disengage the cam arm in the lock unlocked position such that the compliant member is able to urge the pawl assembly to a pawl unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 9689346
    Abstract: A divergent flap seal includes a flap seal body with a spine, the flap seal body manufactured of a non-metallic material. A mount is engaged with the spine at the dovetail interface and a resilient member at the dovetail interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Truc Luong, Keegan M. Martin
  • Patent number: 9689347
    Abstract: An engine for propelling vehicles on land, in the air and on the water. The engine is able to extract energy from a same fuel twice, including extracting a first amount of energy with a gas turbine and a second amount of energy by burning the fuel in a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Charles A. Evans, Jr., Michael D. Strathman
  • Patent number: 9689348
    Abstract: A control apparatus 57 is a 2-input, 2-output integral-type optimal servo system in which intake air amount and intake oxygen concentration are used as control quantities (y1, y2) and the degree of opening of a control valve of an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and the degree of opening of a control valve of a supercharger equipped with a variable flow rate mechanism are used as manipulated quantities (u1, u2), and includes an output feedback system. The control apparatus (57) is provided with an EGR valve opening degree unit (70) and an opening rate valve of the supercharger. Each of the control units includes a non-interference controller (64) for eliminating interference between the manipulated quantity for the control valve of the exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and the manipulated quantity for the control valve of the supercharger equipped with the variable flow rate mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunari Ide, Takaharu Hiroe, Hiroyoshi Kubo, Tomohide Yamada
  • Patent number: 9689349
    Abstract: A fuel evaporative emission control apparatus executes a first leak presence/absence determination for determining the presence or absence of leaks of fuel evaporative gases based on the detection results of a tank pressure detection portion, with a first opening/closing portion being closed, a second opening/closing portion being opened, and a third opening/closing portion being closed. The fuel evaporative emission control apparatus can determine whether leaks of fuel evaporative gases are present or absent, can pinpoint the location of the leaks, and can detect a sensor abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideo Matsunaga, Hitoshi Kamura
  • Patent number: 9689350
    Abstract: A system for an engine is provided, the system comprising a vacuum pump at least partially deposed within an engine crankcase, and a fuel vapor canister coupled to an exhaust conduit of the vacuum pump via a one-way valve. By coupling the vacuum pump exhaust to the fuel vapor canister, unmetered fuel vapor flow to the engine intake may be reduced, thus decreasing engine stall events. Further, crankcase pressure may more accurately represent airflow through the crankcase via a crankcase ventilation system, thereby improving the accuracy of crankcase ventilation diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Patent number: 9689351
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus of a vehicle in which a supercharger that supercharges intake air is provided at an intake passage of an internal combustion engine includes a pump controller that drives a pump, a gas passage pressure detector that is provided between a canister and the pump in a gas passage and detects pressure of the gas passage, and an abnormality determining module that determines whether an upstream-side purge passage has an abnormality, on the basis of the pressure detected by the gas passage pressure detector. The pump controller drives the pump when an upstream-side valve is in an opened state. The abnormality determining module determines whether the upstream-side purge passage has an abnormality, on the basis of the pressure detected by the gas passage pressure detector after the upstream-side valve enters the opened state and the pump is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Ono
  • Patent number: 9689352
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for marine internal combustion engines and other variants is provided. An internal combustion engine is coupled to an electric power generator. An exhaust aftertreatment system connected to the engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation system with an exhaust gas recirculation system having one or more cooling features to reduce an external temperature of the EGR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CUMMINS POWER GENERATION IP, INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Turpin
  • Patent number: 9689353
    Abstract: A charge air cooler (CAC) device includes a body including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of passages extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. At least one of the plurality of passages is covered by an inlet blocking member at the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Nyeholt, James A. Lasecki, John D. Wyatt, Ian D. Butcher
  • Patent number: 9689354
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine is provided. The system comprises an exhaust duct configured to receive and exhaust gases from the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation duct configured to recirculate a portion of the exhaust gases within the exhaust duct to the intake of the engine; and at least one recirculation treatment device provided in the exhaust gas recirculation duct, wherein the recirculation treatment device comprises a catalyst configured to encourage removal of contaminants from the recirculated exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Beresford-Knox, Anthony Birri, Iain Murray, Mark Stephen Brogan
  • Patent number: 9689355
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes: a frame body having at least a part made of fiber reinforced resin and forming at least part of a vehicle body frame supporting a rider seat and a power unit which generates drive force for driving a drive wheel. The structure increases freedom in partially setting thickness of the frame body. The frame body is formed by joining together a press-molded outer body made of fiber reinforced resin and an injection-molded inner body made of resin with the inner body brought into contact with an inner surface of the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsushima, Yasuhiro Nakayama, Hiroki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9689356
    Abstract: A filter device with filter housing and housing cover has a filter element disposed therein. A first holding part on the filter element projects past an outer wall surface of the filter element. A second holding part in the form of a counter holding part on the housing cover interacts with the first holding part. The first and second holding parts engage each other in a mounted state of the filter element. A first form-fit part is arranged on the filter element axially spaced from the first holding part and is associated with a second form-fit part in the form of a counter form-fit part. The first form-fit part and the first holding part, by rotational movement of the filter element about a longitudinal axis of the filter element, are each transferable into a form-fit engaged state with the counter holding part and the counter form-fit part, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Waltenberg, Daniel Schmid, Norbert Strassenberger, Matthias Krohlow
  • Patent number: 9689357
    Abstract: A method of modifying an engine after the engine has been initially sold by the manufacturer of the engine, wherein the engine has an air intake pipe and an air flow sensor, wherein the air intake pipe has an exterior wall surface and an interior wall surface, and wherein the air flow sensor has a sensing head disposed at a first location within the air intake pipe spaced apart from the interior wall surface of the air intake pipe, includes the step of: repositioning the sensing head from the first location to a second location, wherein the second location is closer to the interior wall surface of the air intake pipe than the position of the sensing head at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Quirt Evan Crawford
  • Patent number: 9689358
    Abstract: A second sensor includes a lead wire and is exposed to intake air flowing through a passage outside a housing. A conduction body is conductively-joined to the wire. A lead hole opens on an exposed surface, and the wire or the conduction body is pulled out of the passage through the hole. A predetermined terminal is conductively-joined to the wire or the conduction body which is pulled out through the hole. A mold part is provided by injection-molding from resin fluid to seal a conductively-joined part between the wire or the conduction body and the predetermined terminal. The hole is filled up with a filler material to limit leakage of intake air from the passage. A high resilient part has higher resilience than the filler material and is located between the filler material and the mold part to receive injection pressure at time of the injection-molding of the mold part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akiyuki Sudou
  • Patent number: 9689359
    Abstract: A piezo injector with an actuator chamber, in which a piezo actuator is arranged, includes an upper section (the injector body) and a lower section (the nozzle body). The piezo injector also has a control piston bore formed in the nozzle body, wherein a control sleeve, in which a control piston is received, is arranged in the control piston bore. The control sleeve seals against an intermediate plate with a first front face facing the piezo actuator. The control piston has a first side facing the piezo actuator, wherein the first front face of the control piston and the section of the control sleeve facing the piezo actuator form a first control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Willibald Schuerz
  • Patent number: 9689360
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (1) comprising a housing (8), a coil (29) and an armature (2) which interacts with a tappet (30) and a spring, the armature plate (3) thereof being arranged to lie opposite an armature counterpiece (16), and said actuator (1) comprising at least one magnetostrictively-active component. According to the invention, an actuator (1) is provided with which large actuating paths can be travelled at high actuating forces. This is achieved by the actuator (1) additionally being designed to act as a solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Beier, Andreas Rettich, Thomas Pauer, Mario Ricco
  • Patent number: 9689361
    Abstract: A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energization, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SENTEC LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew Dames
  • Patent number: 9689362
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve equipped with an in-cylinder pressure sensor is provided, in which the fuel injection valve is fitted into an injection valve mounting hole provided in an engine, the in-cylinder pressure sensor is attached to a valve housing part of the fuel injection valve, the in-cylinder pressure sensor having a front end facing the combustion chamber and detecting a pressure of the combustion chamber, and a signal transmission device is connected to the in-cylinder pressure sensor, the signal transmission device transmitting an output signal thereof to an outside. The signal transmission device is disposed on the valve housing part and covered together with a part of the valve housing part by an insulating layer. In such arrangement, the signal transmission device is protected by the insulating layer, and a contact between the signal transmission device and an inner face of the injection valve mounting hole is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Gaku Sato, Yuki Kojima, Nakaya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9689363
    Abstract: A mixing device for introducing gaseous fuel into an intake airflow of an engine, the mixing device including an inlet, an outlet, an intake passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, an annular channel, and a plurality of fuel supply manifolds, each coupled to a main gaseous fuel inlet of the mixing device, and a separate plurality of gaseous fuel injectors coupled to each one of the plurality of fuel supply manifolds to receive gaseous fuel from the corresponding fuel supply manifold. The annular channel is configured to receive gaseous fuel injected from all of the separate pluralities of gaseous fuel injectors. The mixing device includes a diffuser, the diffuser arranged to receive gaseous fuel from the annular channel and operable to diffuse gaseous fuel from the annular channel into the intake airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Todd Wallace Helsel, Robert Royall Edens
  • Patent number: 9689364
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel pump is disclosed. In certain aspect, the valve assembly includes a housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet in fluid communication with the valve chamber, a valve outlet in fluid communication with the valve chamber, a valve seat; a valve body movably disposed within the valve chamber, a retainer sealingly engaging the housing and defining a cavity between the base portion of the valve body and the retainer, wherein the retainer comprises one or more control orifices formed therein and configured to provide fluid communication to the cavity to regulate a position of the valve body based on at least a pressure difference between the valve chamber and the cavity, and a spring member disposed between the retainer and the valve body, wherein the spring member is configured to bias the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Mack, Alan R. Stockner, John Unes
  • Patent number: 9689365
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder for combusting a mixture of fuel and air therein, and a starting air system configured to provide pressurized starting air to the cylinder and to monitor operability of the starting air system. The starting air system may include a pressurized starting air source, a starting air manifold, a starting air venting valve, and a sensing device. The pressurized starting air source is configured to store pressurized starting air. The starting air manifold is fluidly connected to the pressurized starting air source. The starting air venting valve is fluidly connected to the starting air manifold and configured to vent the starting air system. The sensing device is configured to detect a parameter that measures a condition within the starting air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Benjamin Bleyer
  • Patent number: 9689366
    Abstract: A method of decoupling a battery during high current cranking of an engine comprises charging a supercapacitor bank to a preselected DC supercapacitor voltage from a battery when said battery is above a preselected battery voltage, switching the supercapacitor bank to a load and switching the battery off the load, starting the engine and supplying initial voltage and current until terminal voltage of the supercapacitor is equal to terminal voltage of the battery, switching the battery into parallel with the supercapacitor, disconnecting the supercapacitor from the load, and recharging the supercapacitor to the preselected DC capacitor voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: UNISON INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Kirlew, Michael Joseph Cochran
  • Patent number: 9689367
    Abstract: A method for determining the starting capability of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which can be started by an electric motor powered by a battery, including detecting first battery parameter values during a successful starting sequence of the internal combustion engine at a first time, detecting second battery parameter values at a second time following the first time, determining at the second time the expected battery voltage for a starting sequence of the internal combustion engine taking place at a third time based on the detected first and second battery parameter values, and comparing the battery voltage expected at the third time with a predetermined threshold value in order to derive therefrom the starting capability of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schramme, Horst Gering, Wolfgang Weigert, Matthias Münch, Thomas Klement, Hans-Michael Graf, Reinhard Tendler, Oliver Friedrichsohn
  • Patent number: 9689368
    Abstract: A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water in a body of water is provided, the system comprising a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water; a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly, each rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub, the first and second rotor assemblies being arranged such that the volume swept by the blades of the first rotor assembly overlaps the volume swept by the blades of the second rotor assembly. The system may be used to generate energy, for example electricity. In addition, the system may be used to control the level of water on the upstream side of the installation, for example in the cases of flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans P Hopper
  • Patent number: 9689369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a way to convert energy from a fluid flow, using a fluid-flow transducer, having a frame anchorable against the flow, an elongated conveyor supported by the frame, and a plurality of vanes distributed along the conveyor, adapted to engage the fluid flow and to drive the conveyor in response to urging of the fluid flow, in combination with a power take-off coupled to be driven by the conveyor and adapted to drive a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Sieber
  • Patent number: 9689370
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting wave motion on a body of water into electrical power includes an electrical power generating system. The system includes a floatable housing. An electrical power generating unit is disposed within the floatable housing. The electrical power generating unit includes two spaced apart wheels which are connected by a drive element, and at least one generator for generating electrical power. A weight is connected to the drive element. When the system is tilted by wave motion, the weight moves toward the lower wheel, thereby turning the wheels and generator(s) and creating electrical power. In an embodiment, two weights are combined to provide drive element movement in a single direction. In another embodiment, the weight travels along a track which has two upturned ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Georges Skaf
  • Patent number: 9689371
    Abstract: An adhesive machine for constructing segmented rotor blades having at least three prefabricated rotor blade parts contains a first accommodating region for receiving a first prefabricated rotor blade part, a second accommodating region for receiving a second prefabricated rotor blade part and a third accommodating region for receiving a third prefabricated rotor blade part. The first accommodating region, the second accommodating region and the third accommodating region can be moved relative to each other so that, following successful receiving of the three prefabricated rotor blade parts in the proper accommodating regions in an open position of the adhesive machine, the rotor blade parts can be brought into direct or indirect contact with each other via predetermined adhesion regions and thus transferred into an adhesion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Carbon Rotec GmbhH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kai Daenekas, Lars Weigel, Marcus Drewes
  • Patent number: 9689372
    Abstract: A vertical-axis wind turbine apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a substantially vertically-oriented main shaft. A blade assembly is coaxially aligned with and rotatably engaged about the main shaft. The blade assembly provides an at least one blade radially projecting therefrom. A housing is rotatably engaged with the main shaft and configured for selectively encompassing the blade assembly. A first screen is integral with the housing and configured for shielding a return portion of the blade assembly. A second screen is rotatably engaged with the housing and configured for selectively moving between a retracted position, wherein the second screen is positioned substantially adjacent to the first screen such that a catch portion of the blade assembly is exposed, and a deployed position, wherein the second screen is rotated away from the first screen for at least partially shielding the catch portion from the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Aurelio Izquierdo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9689373
    Abstract: Pocket and cup sails formed from flexible materials, especially such sails formed with excess material, have spar like supports attached at their deepest point to maintain the depth of the said sails when the wind fills them so that the sails expand to maximize resistance to the wind coming into the openings of the sails and so that the sails deflate when the wind is coming from the back of the sails to minimize resistance to the wind, the said sails being attached to rotor arms on rotary devices to provide torque, the torque being used to rotate decorative structures including the sails themselves, generate electricity, bring airplane tires up to speed before landing, and/or measure wind speed, and sails optionally having cuffs on the inside to help the sails inflate and/or maintain inflation by minimizing spillage of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas Aruhn Aylor Suetrong, Robert Benson Aylor
  • Patent number: 9689374
    Abstract: An adjustable lift regulating device (30, 32, 40, 50, 52, 56, 60, 68, 72, 76) on an inboard portion of a wind turbine blade (28). The lift regulating device is activated to reduce lift on the inboard portion of the blade by causing flow separation (41) on the suction side (22) of the blade. To compensate for the lost lift, the blade pitch is increased to a running pitch that facilitates stalling on the outer portion of the blade in gusts. This provides passive reduction of fatigue and extreme loads from gusts while allowing full power production under non-gust conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Kristian R. Dixon, Edward A. Mayda
  • Patent number: 9689375
    Abstract: Inertia control system for a wind turbine comprising a rotor (5), generator (12) driven by the rotor (5) that interacts with a power converter (13) to generate electricity, a wind turbine controller (15) that comprises a blade pitch controller (19) and a generated power controller (18), a controller for the power converter (14) that interacts with the wind turbine controller (15), characterized because it comprises an inertia emulation block (17) that generates an extra power signal (32) negatively proportional to the frequency change rate (23) that is added to the power reference of the wind turbine generated power controller (15) and adapts the rotational speed reference of the wind turbine controller (15) according to the grid frequency (21) to prevent distortion in the active power output after adding or subtracting power in proportion to the frequency change rate (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventor: Francisco Jimenez Buendia
  • Patent number: 9689376
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement includes an interface seal part arranged between a stationary element of a wind turbine and a rotary element of the wind turbine. The interface seal part is arranged to establish a seal between an interior of the stationary element and an exterior environment. Also a brake disc is realized to accommodate at least a portion of an interface seal part of such a sealing arrangement. Also described is a wind turbine which includes the sealing arrangement and the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: James Kenneth Booth, Thorkil Munk-Hansen, Jacob Blach Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9689377
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes: a rotor blade root; a rotor blade tip; an electrical heating device; a first lightning receptor disposed in the region of the rotor blade tip; precisely two lightning conductors leading from the lightning receptor to the rotor blade root; a second lightning receptor arranged at a distance to the rotor blade tip and connected to one of the lightning conductors; and, each one of the two lightning conductors being electrically conductively connected to the electrical heating device at a multiplicity of points between the rotor blade root and the rotor blade tip so as to cause equipotential bonding between the two lightning conductors via the electrical heating device in response to a lightning strike to the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Klein, Nick Ohlerich
  • Patent number: 9689378
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device (1000) and a method for storing and transporting a wind turbine blade (100). The blade (100) is inserted between an upper structure (220) and a lower structure (240) applying a clamping force on the blade surface. The magnitude of the clamping force can be adjusted by way of a device (400) comprising an elastic member (440) arranged between the upper structure (220) and the lower structure (240) during operation. The magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the elastic element (420) is proportional to the magnitude of the clamping force. Furthermore, the magnitude of the elastic force linearly depends on the amount of compression of the elastic element (440) with respect to a characteristic rest length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Peter Frans Thomsen
  • Patent number: 9689379
    Abstract: A mechanism to create rotational mechanical advantage from an acceleration field consisting of a gravity arm assembly (14) rotationally connected in a horizontal plane to a gimbal assembly (41). A powered action arm assembly (21) rotationally connected in a horizontal plane, adjacent to the first arm assembly, to the gimbal assembly (41). A counterweight arm assembly (72), connecting at one end to a gearbox assembly (64) and connecting at the opposite end to an attachment mounting assembly (87), all vertically connected to the gimbal assembly (41). A mounting stand assembly (80) to rotationally connect to the gimbal assembly (41). An electrical control assembly (100) to controllably power the action arm assembly. The gravity arm and action arm assemblies are balanced about the gimbal assembly by the counterweight arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick Holt
  • Patent number: 9689380
    Abstract: An actuator device for a rearview device of a motor vehicle includes at least one retaining element, at least one adjusting element, at least one driving means, and at least one heat-conducting means. The adjusting element is configured to be transferred into a plurality of functional positions, in particular from a basic position into at least one end position. The driving means includes at least one shape-memory element in the form of a wire, extending between the retaining element and the adjusting element and configured to be secured to both. Extension of the shape-memory element can be modified when electrically energized. The adjusting element can be transferred from one functional position into another functional position by modifying the extension. The heat-conducting means lies in contact with the driving means at least in the end position of the adjusting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SMR PATENTS S.À.R.L.
    Inventor: Romeo Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 9689381
    Abstract: A system for the recovery of parasitic energy loss in a vehicle includes a magnet and coil arrangement operatively and movable coupled with respect to one another, such that motion of the drive train of the vehicle with respect to the frame components causes relative motion therebetween to thereby induce an electrical current in the coil which may be used or stored in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Yanir Nulman
  • Patent number: 9689382
    Abstract: A linear energy harvesting device that includes a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when it is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives an electric generator that produces electricity. Both the motor and generator are central to the device housing. Exemplary configurations are disclosed such as monotube, twin-tube, tri-tube and rotary based designs that each incorporates an integrated energy harvesting apparatus. By varying the electrical characteristics on an internal generator, the kinematic characteristics of the energy harvesting apparatus can be dynamically altered. In another mode, the apparatus can be used as an actuator to create linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Clive Tucker, Ross J. Wendell, Zackary Martin Anderson, Evan Moen, Johannes Schneider, Zachary J. Jackowski, Sean C. Morton
  • Patent number: 9689383
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a reciprocating electric submersible pump with an AC linear motor. The system includes a programmable logic controller for controlling an inverter to provide pulse-width modulated AC power to the linear motor. Under operating conditions, a constant voltage is applied to the linear motor whose operating frequency can be controlled by the pulse-width modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Rotating Right Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lesanko, Lorne Tilby
  • Patent number: 9689384
    Abstract: A recess into which a protrusion of a plunger seal is to be fitted is provided at a part of a pump head where a plunger is to be inserted into a pump chamber. The plunger seal seals the pump chamber by an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion coming into close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the recess and a surface of a flange on the side of the protrusion coming into close contact with a circumferential edge surface of the recess of the pump head due to the protrusion being fitted into the recess and being pressed by a backup ring toward the pump chamber. The inner circumferential surface of the recess of the pump head and the circumferential edge surface of the recess are covered by a film of an acid-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Imamura, Yoshiaki Maeda