Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170363040
    Abstract: An integrally formed piston has a crown portion having an upper crown surface and an undercrown surface. A ring belt extends from the undercrown surface at a periphery thereof. The ring belt includes an uppermost ring land and at least one oil galley contoured to extend around at least two surfaces of the uppermost ring land. The oil galley has an opening at the undercrown surface for receiving a cooling fluid therein for cooling the uppermost ring land. A skirt extends from the undercrown surface and the ring belt and has a plurality of stiffening features arranged in a truss formation. At least one of the plurality of stiffening features has an I-beam cross-section and another of the plurality of stiffening features has a negative draft angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Tyson W. Brown, Anil K. Sachdev, Alin C. Dragoiu, Vincent V. Tiaga
  • Publication number: 20170363041
    Abstract: A nacelle may include a track lock for a thrust reverser. The track lock may comprise a track lock blade which prevents the thrust reverser from accidentally deploying. The track lock blade may comprise a pressurized blade chamber which receives hydraulic fluid through a bore in a piston. In the event of failure of the track lock blade, the hydraulic fluid may leak from the track lock blade and be apparent upon visual inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: BRETT WHARTON, BRUCE J. ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20170363042
    Abstract: A thrust reverser track beam may comprise a noise suppressing structure. The noise suppressing structure may form the airflow surface of the track beam. The noise suppressing structure may be riveted, bolted, or bonded to the track beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: JACQUES LU
  • Publication number: 20170363043
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine comprises a high pressure compressor driven by a high pressure turbine via a high pressure shaft, a first combustor provided downstream of the high pressure compressor and upstream of the high pressure turbine, a low pressure compressor driven by a low pressure turbine via a low pressure shaft, the low pressure compressor being configured to provide air to the high pressure compressor and to a bypass flow. The low pressure turbine comprises at least first and second turbine stages. The engine further comprises a second combustor provided downstream of the first stage of the low pressure turbine and upstream of the second stage of the low pressure turbine. The engine comprises a shaft coupling arrangement configured to transfer power between the high and low pressure shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Ahmad RAZAK
  • Publication number: 20170363044
    Abstract: A novel approach provides a small satellite propulsion system that uses vapor to generate thrust for the small satellite. The vapor naturally sits on top of liquid propellant(s), which are stored within a propellant tank. The vapor may flow from the propellant tank and through a membrane to interact with a reacting surface to generate thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Brandie L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20170363045
    Abstract: A charge forming device may have a rotatable fuel adjustment valve received in a passage of a body of the device. A limiter cap may have a driving feature engageable with a drive feature on the valve and having a first position permitting rotation of the valve relative to the limiter cap and a second position permitting only lesser rotation of the valve than that of the first portion. The limiter cap may have a tamper restraint feature that retains the lesser range of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Doyama, Teruhiko Tobinai
  • Publication number: 20170363046
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions control system during engine-on conditions. In one example, a first fuel vapor storage device is separated from a second fuel vapor storage device by a one-way check valve, thus preventing loading of the first fuel vapor storage device during conditions such as refueling operations, diurnal temperature fluctuations, or from running-loss vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. In this way, the evaporative emissions test diagnostic may be conducted during a cold-start event where an exhaust catalyst is below a predetermined threshold temperature required for catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust, without increasing undesired exhaust emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Mark W. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170363047
    Abstract: A power system including a variable volume combustion chamber for a two-stroke engine having a controlled exhaust port, a fuel injector to the combustion chamber and an oxygen injector to the combustion chamber. The oxygen injector provides repeated oxygen injection pulses to complete a charge. The controlled exhaust port includes an oscillating rotatably mounted valve. A source of pressurized concentrated oxygen to the oxygen injector is in a closed case having a ceramic fiber membrane. An air inlet and a waste outlet are in communication with a first side of the ceramic fiber membrane. An oxygen outlet is in communication with a second side of the ceramic fiber Ionic transport membrane. The case has a heat transfer surface in communication with the controlled exhaust port from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: NEXT GENERATION ENGINES LLC
    Inventors: ALFRED A. TURNER, JR., EDMOND EUGENE McCRICKARD, THOMAS LEE ROBERTS, III
  • Publication number: 20170363048
    Abstract: An air heater for heating intake air for an internal combustion engine is provided. The air heater may have a heating element with improved air flow redirection. The air heater may include a controller that is formed as an integral component with another component of an internal combustion engine such as an air intake manifold cover. The heater may include thermocouple circuitry for sensing the temperature of the heating element. Methods of calibrating the thermocouple circuitry are also provided. Methods of controlling the air heater while performing engine start are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: HIDRIA AET
    Inventors: Peter Ursic, Janez Urbas, Dean Kravos
  • Publication number: 20170363049
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel pump module for measuring a height of fuel using an ultrasonic wave, and more particularly, a fuel pump module for measuring a height of fuel using an ultrasonic wave, where an ultrasonic wave sensor for measuring the height of the fuel contained in a fuel tank is integrally installed in the fuel pump module provided in the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jong Hyuk YOON, Se Jin KIM, In Gon KIM
  • Publication number: 20170363050
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a medium and for heating the medium to be delivered, having a vehicle pump, an electric motor for driving the vehicle pump and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. For heating the medium in the vehicle pump, the control unit is designed to generate a first alternating electrical current in a conductor winding of the electric motor. This first alternating electrical current induces eddy currents in a component of the delivery device, by which the medium can be heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Rolf GRAF
  • Publication number: 20170363051
    Abstract: A supercharged engine is provided, which includes an engine body having cylinders, an intake passage disposed outside the engine body and connected to the cylinders via intake ports, a supercharger provided in the intake passage and spaced apart from an intake-side side surface of the engine body, the intake-side side surface being connected to the intake passage, and a fuel pump disposed on the intake-side side surface. A portion of the intake passage constitutes an intervening part located between the supercharger and the engine body. The intervening part overlaps with the fuel pump in one of vertical and lateral directions of the engine body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Hidesaku Ebesu, Ryotaro Nishida
  • Publication number: 20170363052
    Abstract: An electric fuel pump includes a housing having an oil inlet and an oil outlet, an impeller, a stator unit mounted in the housing and including a stator and a starter terminal set connected to the stator, a packaging adhesive encapsulating the stator and the starter terminal set to create an oil guide passage in communication between the oil inlet and the oil outlet, and a rotor unit mounted in the housing and including a rotor rotatably mounted in the stator and a rotating shaft mounted in the rotor and connected with the impeller. When the stator unit is electrically conducted, the rotor unit drives the impeller to draw a fuel oil into the oil guide passage. When the fuel oil goes through the oil guide passage, the stator and the starter terminal set are well protected by the packaging adhesive and prohibited from contacting the fuel oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Po-Liang LIN
  • Publication number: 20170363053
    Abstract: A partitioning wall is provided in a fluid space formed between a cover member and a body member, which surrounds a forward end of a fluid injection valve. The partitioning wall divides the fluid space into an inlet-side fluid space and an outlet-side fluid space in a circumferential direction of the fluid injection valve. A forward-end space, which is formed at a bottom of the fluid space, is communicated to the inlet-side and the outlet-side fluid spaces, so that cooling water flows from the inlet-side fluid space to the outlet-side fluid space through the forward-end space. The cooling water circulates in the forward-end space surrounding the forward end of the fluid injection valve to effectively cool down the fluid injection valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Katsuhiro ICHIHASHI, Hiroshi OHARA
  • Publication number: 20170363054
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for use in repairing a damaged fuel injector cylinder in an internal combustion engine includes a replacement injector sleeve and a replacement injector lower body. The replacement injector sleeve is installed in the damaged fuel injector cylinder and covers a crack in the fuel injector cylinder sidewall or the fuel injector cylinder bottom wall to inhibit leakage of fuel into a cooling system of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A. Pickard
  • Publication number: 20170363055
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating evaporative emissions from a fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise spinning an engine unfueled responsive to a hydrocarbon concentration at a fresh air end of a fuel vapor canister increasing above a first threshold. The method may comprise spinning the engine to pull hydrocarbons away until a hydrocarbon concentration at a purge end of the fuel vapor canister, opposite the fresh air end, increases above a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Mark W. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170363056
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and kit for starting a quick-start chainsaw. The quick-start chainsaw comprises a chainsaw having a crankshaft extending along an axis between first and second ends and a quick-start extension extending along the axis from the second end adapted to engage with and be rotated by a socket. The quick-start chainsaw further comprises a casing with a hole therethrough aligned with the axis providing access to the quick-start extension therethrough. The method comprises securing the socket to a portable drill, locating the socket within the hole and connecting the socket with the quick-start extension. The method further comprises rotating the socket and the quick-start extension around the axis with the portable drill thereby rotating the crankshaft and starting a combustion engine. The kit comprises a quick-start chainsaw and a socket rotatable by a portable drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Doyle Budden
  • Publication number: 20170363057
    Abstract: A method of operating an dedicated exhaust gas recirculation engine including a water gas shift catalyst by supplying ambient air and fuel to a dedicated cylinder at a first fuel to air equivalence ratio in the range of greater than 1.0 to 1.6 for a first number of engine cycles and, for a second number of engine cycles, supplying ambient air and fuel to the dedicated cylinder at a second fuel to air equivalence ratio in the range of 0.7 to less than 1.0. During the second number of cycles, spark timing of the dedicated cylinder is adjusted and a time delay when exhaust recirculated from the dedicated cylinder will be inducted into the cylinders is determined. At the end of the time delay, a second spark timing of the main cylinder is adjusted and the amount of fuel supplied to the main cylinders is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Raphael GUKELBERGER, Gordon J.J. BARTLEY
  • Publication number: 20170363058
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (1) has: a buoyant structure (2) which, in use, floats on water; a generator (18); a generator drive mechanism (38) on board the buoyant structure (2), the generator drive mechanism (38) having an rotational input drive shaft (20) and a rotational output drive shaft (36); a drive member (22) operably connected to the input drive shaft (20), the drive member (22) being moveable back and forth between a first position and a second position; a biasing arrangement (23, 26) for example a buoyant block acting on the drive member; and, a submerged element 4, 4? which, in use, moves below the surface of the water out of phase with the buoyant structure (2), the drive member (22) being attached by a tether (28) to the submerged element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Samuel Devon Etherington
  • Publication number: 20170363059
    Abstract: A hydraulic engine with hydraulic pumps that moves the oil filled in the body thereof through the hydraulic pumps to allow rotational load bodies to be driven by means of the reciprocation of pistons, thereby obtaining a rotational force required for driving, includes: a power supply adapted to supply power to a driving part and to charge the power generated from rotational load bodies through the driving of a power driving part; the driving part driven through the power supplied from the power supply; a pair of hydraulic pumps adapted to pump a fluid through the rotation of the driving part; and the power driving part adapted to generate a driving force through the reciprocation of a driving piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Shin Chong PYO
  • Publication number: 20170363060
    Abstract: Provided is a blade for a wind power generator comprising: a main spar including: an upper main spar flange and a lower main spar flange whose both ends are protruded towards the front and rear side respectively; a front main spar web and a rear main spar web which are connecting the upper main spar flange and the lower main spar flange; a first body, located in the front side of the main spar, including an inverted D-type rib; and a second body, located in the rear side of the main spar, including a curved rib. The inverted D-type rib includes: a vertical frame; and a block frame extendedly formed from the upper side and the lower side of the vertical frame respectively and convexly formed towards the front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jae-Sung BAE, Soo-Yong LEE, Dong-Guk CHOI
  • Publication number: 20170363061
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting vortex generators on a wind turbine blade is disclosed, the wind turbine blade being mounted on a wind turbine hub and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a tip end and a root end, the wind turbine blade further comprising a profiled contour including a pressure side and a suction side, as well as a leading edge and a trailing edge with a chord having a chord length extending there between, the profiled contour, when being impacted by an incident airflow, generating a lift. The method comprises identifying a separation line on the suction side of the wind turbine blade, and mounting one or more vortex panels including a first vortex panel comprising at least one vortex generator on the suction side of the wind turbine blade between the separation line and the leading edge of the wind turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jesper MADSEN
  • Publication number: 20170363062
    Abstract: A rotor blade for addressing the deflection of rotor blades of a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a plurality of exterior surfaces defining a blade body having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade body extending between a blade tip and a blade root. The blade body including a breakaway tip portion defined by a predetermined breaking point. The breakaway tip portion is configured to break away from the remaining portion of the blade body when subject to a predetermined tower strike load. A wind turbine including the rotor blade configuration is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Merzhaeuser, Sara Simonne Louisa Delport
  • Publication number: 20170363063
    Abstract: A jointed rotor blade assembly may include a first blade segment having a first outer shell terminating at a first joint end and a second blade segment coupled to the first blade segment at a blade joint. The second blade segment may include a second outer shell terminating at a second joint end. The outer shells may overlap one another at the blade joint such that an overlapping region is defined between the first and second joint ends. In addition, the first outer shell may be spaced apart from the second outer shell along at least a portion of the overlapping region such that a gap is defined between the outer shells within the overlapping region. Moreover, the rotor blade assembly may include a sealing member positioned between the outer shells within the overlapping region that is configured to allow relative movement between the outer shells at the blade joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Donald Joseph Kasperski, Daniel Alan Hynum
  • Publication number: 20170363064
    Abstract: Provided is a blade for a wind power generator including: a main spar; a front rib and a rear rib respectively located in the front side and the rear side of the main spar; and a skin, installed on the main spar, the front rib and the rear rib, constituting the outer skin of the blade. The skin is coupled by a zipper formed in the skin. The zipper includes an end portion zipper connecting the both end portions of the skin. The end portion zipper is covered by a cover portion provided in the skin. The cover portion covers the end portion zipper from the front side of the suction surface of the blade towards the rear side of the suction surface of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jae-Sung BAE, Soo-Yong LEE
  • Publication number: 20170363065
    Abstract: A method for authorizing a user for a control access to at least one wind turbine or at least one wind farm is disclosed. In this method, a certification center first authenticates a user, and the certification center accepts a control-access type from the authenticated user. The certification center then generates an electronic certificate according to the accepted control-access type and/or according to stored access permissions of the authenticated user. Then the certificate is used for authentication with the wind turbine or with the wind farm for the purpose of performing a control access. A system for performing the method and also relates to a certification center and to an interface of a wind turbine or of a wind farm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Thorsten JAKOBS, Simon DEMUTH, Helge GIERTZ
  • Publication number: 20170363066
    Abstract: A method of generating power. An airborne power generating craft is connected to an anchor using a tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. The tether line is maintained at a constant length between the airborne power generating craft and the anchor as the airborne power generating craft moves in response to the wind force. The airborne power generating craft is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system. A condition is sensed in which transmitting power to the electrical transmission system is not desired. The airborne power generating craft is electrically isolated to prevent power from being transmitted from the airborne power generating craft to the electrical transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby, Brandon Cassimere, Roald T. Lokken
  • Publication number: 20170363067
    Abstract: A method of maintaining an offshore power plant. A power generating craft is attached to a tow cable on a floating vessel. The floating vessel is moved to an offshore power generating site. The power generating craft is maintained in an airborne state while the floating vessel is moving to the offshore power generating site. The power generating craft is detached from the tow cable and attached to a first end of a tether line at the offshore power generating site. The second end of the tether line is anchored to an underwater floor. The power generating craft is operated in an airborne state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby
  • Publication number: 20170363068
    Abstract: A method of generating power using an airborne power generating craft connected to an anchor using a tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. A constant length of the tether line is maintained between the airborne power generating craft and the anchor as the airborne power generating craft moves in response to the wind force. The airborne power generating craft is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby, Brandon Cassimere
  • Publication number: 20170363069
    Abstract: A method of generating power. An airborne power generating craft is connected to a floating structure using an aloft portion of a tether line. The floating structure is connected to an anchor using an underwater portion of the tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. The floating structure is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher G. Hart, Donald P. Bushby, Brandon Cassimere, Roald T. Lokken
  • Publication number: 20170363070
    Abstract: A method of maintaining an offshore power plant. A plurality of airborne power generating craft are landed on or near a floating vessel. Each of the plurality of airborne power generating craft forms part of the offshore power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher G. Hart
  • Publication number: 20170363071
    Abstract: A wind turbine nacelle configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and for supporting a rotor assembly, the nacelle comprising at least a first and a second nacelle module. The first nacelle module comprises a first frame structure and a main bearing system for a main shaft of the rotor assembly, and the second nacelle module comprises a second frame structure and a drive train system for the wind turbine. When the nacelle is mounted on the wind turbine tower, the main bearing system is supported by the wind turbine tower, and the drive train system is attached to the main bearing such that the weight of the drive train system is transferred to the main bearing system and thereby to the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Torben Ladegaard Baun, Henrik Kudsk, Klaus Lynge Petersen, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer
  • Publication number: 20170363072
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration monitoring and diagnosing system for monitoring conditions of a wind power generator and diagnosing a defective portion thereof using vibration characteristics obtained from acceleration sensors mounted to the wind power generator. A vibration-based defect detecting method may include: collecting vibration data of the wind power generator using the plurality of sensors; extracting a first characteristic value of a time domain based on the vibration data; extracting characteristic values in one or more frequency bands for a location of each sensor in a frequency domain or an envelope frequency domain if the first characteristic value is greater than a preset alarm setting value; and determining that a defect is present when at least one characteristic value of the characteristic values is greater than a preset normal value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Duk SON, Jeong Hoon LEE, Ki Hak LEE, Seung Man EOM
  • Publication number: 20170363073
    Abstract: An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements are positioned to from a gap between adjacent elements and configured to improve heat transfer from a fluid to each element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Georgiana Tirca-Dragomirescu, Kevin O'Toole, Barry Cullen, Robert Kelly, Rory Beirne
  • Publication number: 20170363074
    Abstract: A variable displacement compressor which prevents leakage of a refrigerant flowing directly into a suction chamber without passing via a crank chamber at a time of a minimum discharge displacement operation, thus making it possible to prevent an increase of a minimum discharge displacement by increasing a refrigerant pressure in the crank chamber, and in addition, making it possible to prevent insufficient lubrication of sliding portions and the like in the crank chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yukihiko TAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170363075
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an energy-saving one-dimensional compressor, comprising an air compressor, a fixing rod, a bearing plate, a condensing tube and a driving device. The air compressor comprises an inner shell and an outer shell; the inner shell comprises an upper pressing plate and a cylindrical plate; a top of the cylindrical plate is fixed under the upper pressing plate; an air inlet is formed at an upper part of the outer shell; part of a bottom of the outer shell protrudes downwards to form a cylindrical plate slot corresponding to the cylindrical plate; and the cylindrical plate can move up and down in the cylindrical plate slot. An air outlet is also formed at the bottom of the outer shell. The present invention has the beneficial effects of simple structure and high energy utilization rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaohui CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170363076
    Abstract: A micropump assembly is comprised of modular stacked pump stages. The modular pump stages are preferably stacked vertically on top of each other. The stacked design allows each pumping chamber to be compressed by two pumping membranes and thereby provide twice the compression as compared to conventional planar pump designs. The stacked design also eliminates the need for bidirectional movement of the pumping membrane. Lastly, the number of stacked pumping stages can be changed post-fabrication to achieve the required pressure for a given application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Khalil NAJAFI, Luis P. BERNAL, Seyed Amin Sandoughsaz ZARDINI, Ali BESHARATIAN
  • Publication number: 20170363077
    Abstract: First piston position data of a piston in a displacement unit is obtained based on an output signal from a sensor associated with the displacement unit, the output signal being dependent upon a physical position of the piston in the displacement unit. Second piston position data of the piston in the displacement unit is obtained based on data indicative of a number of revolutions of a hydraulic motor in a hydraulic system, the hydraulic system being operable to drive the piston of the displacement unit. Based on the second piston position data, a flow rate of a fluid pumped by the displacement unit is estimated. A system correction factor is generated based on the first piston position data and the second piston position data. The estimated flow rate is adjusted based on the system correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Adriaan Gisolf, Youxiang Zuo, Yi Chen
  • Publication number: 20170363078
    Abstract: A pump controller features a signal processor configured to respond to signaling containing information about three corresponding discrete arrays with respect to a discrete motor speed for each system position at a motor speed derived from 3D discrete distribution surfaces of motor power, pump differential pressure and flow rate by respective numerical interpolations; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump, or pumps in a system of pumps, or a system of pumps based upon a corresponding pump differential pressure and flow rate at the motor speed for a corresponding power reading value determined using a numerical interpolation of the three corresponding discrete arrays, the signaling received. The signal processor is configured to provide the corresponding signaling as control signaling to control the pump, or the pumps in the system of pumps, or the system of pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew A. CHENG, Kyle D. SCHOENHEIT
  • Publication number: 20170363079
    Abstract: An integrated wireless data system and method for controlling and measuring operational data of a pumpjack system, for safety, health monitoring, and pump control is provided. The integrated wireless data system and method may be configured to allow for bi-directional communication with a central station to enable human intervention with pumpjack and to store pump parameters in a database for use in development of predictive maintenance techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: DOUGLAS M. BAKER
  • Publication number: 20170363080
    Abstract: A compressor includes a cylinder housing having a number of pistons, a control chamber communicating with piston casings, a suction chamber and a discharge chamber communicating with the piston casings, a control valve includes a receptacle engaged in the cylinder housing, a valve member engaged in the receptacle for controlling the pressurized air to flow from the discharge chamber into the control chamber of the cylinder housing, and a valve element for controlling a bypass of the pressurized air through the receptacle. A bellow device is connected to actuate the sliding member internally, and a sliding member is slidably engaged in the control space of the receptacle, and to operate the valve element externally with a solenoid device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Henry C. CHU
  • Publication number: 20170363081
    Abstract: A new pump design is described. The pump features a casing with a continuous enclosure extending from a power end of the casing to a fluid end of the casing for housing the reciprocating assembly of the pump, which includes a crankshaft, a plurality of control rods coupled to the crankshaft, and a plurality of crossheads coupled to the control rods. A detachable lid is attached to the casing at the power end and the fluid end of the casing, and encloses the reciprocating assembly. An alignment plate oriented substantially parallel to a stroke axis of the pump maintains alignment of the crossheads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: David KERR, Ian HAAS
  • Publication number: 20170363082
    Abstract: A pump including a housing defining a plurality of inlet bores. A first interior wall is arranged to at least partially define a first of the plurality of inlet bores. The first interior wall has a contour in a cross section taken normal to the plunger axes. The first interior wall is at least partially defined by the revolution of the contour about a first inlet axis that is normal to and intersects a first of the plurality of plunger axes. The contour includes a cylindrical portion arranged parallel to the first inlet axis, a planar portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first inlet axis and spaced a first distance from the plunger axis, and a convex bulge portion extending from the cylindrical portion and spaced a second distance from the plunger axis. The contour further includes a V-shaped groove portion extending from the convex bulge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Cary, Vadim Kachkovskiy
  • Publication number: 20170363083
    Abstract: A stepping motor-driven system includes a stepping motor, an output device, and a belt and pulley system operably coupling the stepping motor with the output device to impart rotation therebetween. The belt and pulley system includes an input pinion engaged with the stepping motor, an output pinion engaged with the output device, and a timing belt. The timing belt is disposed about the input and output pinions, inhibits elongation, and defines a plurality of spaced-apart grooves on an inwardly-facing surface thereof that are wider than the teeth of the pinions and are configured to receive the teeth of the pinions in meshed engagement therewith. As a result, a gap is defined within each groove. The gaps permit backlash of the timing belt in response to changes in a rotational speed input to the belt and pulley system from the stepping motor, thereby inhibiting loss of control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Mosi Chu
  • Publication number: 20170363084
    Abstract: An electrically driven positive displacement compressor includes an electric drive motor configured to drive the compressor, the electric drive motor including a ring shaped electric stator and an electric rotor arranged inside the ring shaped electric stator and defining a cavity within the electric rotor. The compressor also includes a working chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the working chamber being arranged at least partially inside the cavity of the electric rotor. The compressor additionally includes a compressor rotor arranged inside the working chamber and coupled to the electric rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Richard BURN, Simon WARNER
  • Publication number: 20170363085
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes a scroll compression unit having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll a drive shaft configured to drive the orbiting scroll in an orbital movement, and a support frame including a bearing configured to guide in rotation a guided portion of the drive shaft. The scroll compressor also includes an anti-rotation device including a pair of first engaging elements slidably engaged with a pair of complementary engaging elements on the support frame; and a lubrication system to lubricate at least partially the first engaging elements. The lubrication system includes a lubrication channel and hole on the drive shaft; the hole is fluidly connected to the channel and emerges in an outer wall of the guided portion. The system further includes an oil lubrication passage on the support frame, which includes an oil inlet aperture emerging in a receiving chamber, and an oil outlet aperture configured to supply with oil at least one of the first engaging elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Parimal NILANGEKAR, Tapesh PATEL, Swapnil KHAIRE, Ye HANG
  • Publication number: 20170363086
    Abstract: The disclosed invention improves on self-priming centrifugal pumps. The improvements facilitate ease of maintenance by allowing the vacuum pulley belt to be changed without the need to disassemble the centrifugal pump to access the vacuum pulley belt. Additionally, issues with float valves becoming restricted leading to loss of prime conditions can be corrected with a disclosed invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John David Aguilar, Ty Randolph Holbrook, Bracken Phillip Jones
  • Publication number: 20170363087
    Abstract: A milk pump that is connected to, but electrically isolated from dairy lines, pipes, and other electrically conductive components using insulators in the milk pump between a motor and a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew J. Stuessel, Jeffrey S. Hanson, Kevin L. Torgerson, Duane F. Sellner
  • Publication number: 20170363088
    Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of an electric submersible pump. The method includes receiving data signals indicating values for a plurality of parameters regarding operation of the electric submersible pumping system; establishing, for at least some of the plurality of parameters, an associated reference signal; and detecting a deviation of one of the parameters from the reference signal associated with that parameter. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change below a predetermined threshold, the method includes updating the value of the reference signal to reflect the deviation. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change above the predetermined threshold, the method includes detecting an event and generating an indication of the event. The indication of the event further depends on a type of the parameter and a direction of the deviation from the reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Nam NGUYEN, Yves-Marie Clet ROBERT, Emmanuel COSTE
  • Publication number: 20170363089
    Abstract: An axial compressor comprises a plurality of compressor stages positioned axially adjacent each other within a casing. Each of the plurality of compressor stages includes a rotor segment and a banded stator segment. An annulus is formed between the casing and an outer flowpath ring of the banded stator segment. A pathway may be provided that establishes an air flowpath between the annulus and another annulus formed by an adjacent stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas D. Dierksmeier, Edward C. Rice, Ryan C. Humes