Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170370348
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for assessing farm-level performance of a wind farm. The method includes operating the wind farm in a first operational mode and identifying one or more pairs of wind turbines having wake interaction. The method also includes generating a pairwise dataset for the wind turbines pairs. Further, the method includes generating a first wake model based on the pairwise dataset and predicting a first farm-level performance parameter based on the first wake model. The method also includes operating the wind farm in a second operational mode and collecting operational data during the second operational mode. Moreover, the method includes predicting a first farm-level performance parameter for the second operational mode using the first wake model and the operational data from the second operational mode. The method further includes determining a second farm-level performance parameter during the second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Megan Wilson, Stefan Kern, Siddhanth Chandrashekar, Akshay Ambekar
  • Publication number: 20170370349
    Abstract: A system for adjusting environmental operating conditions associated with heat generating components located within a tower of a wind turbine may include a heat generating component located within an interior of the tower, a sensor configured to monitor a heat exchange parameter associated with the wind turbine and a split heat exchange system provided relative to the tower. The split heat exchange system may include a first heat exchanger located within the interior of the tower and a second heat exchanger located exterior to the tower. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the split heat exchange system. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the split heat exchange system based at least in part on the monitored heat exchange parameter to adjust an environmental operating condition associated with the heat generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Allen Michael Ritter, Harold Robert Schnetzka, Steven Wade Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20170370350
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises at least one rotatable blade. The method comprises the steps of providing a load sensor configured to generate a load signal representing loading on the blade, generating a first load signal when the blade is in a first position, and generating a second load signal when the blade is in a second position. Additionally, the method comprises steps of detecting a rotational speed of the blade, calculating a weight force on the blade based on the first and the second load signal, and calculating a centrifugal force on the blade based on the first and the second load signal. Subsequently, the weight force is compared with a predetermined weight force, and the centrifugal force is compared with a predetermined centrifugal force at the detected rotational speed. Finally, a risk of ice throw is determined based on the comparisons of the weight force and the centrifugal force with the predetermined forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ib Svend OLESEN, Avanindra GUPTA
  • Publication number: 20170370351
    Abstract: A downdraft-tornado-wind-chimney and a updraft-tornado-wind-chimney create the compressed-and-high-velocity-air for a rotating-turbine. A photovoltaic-powered-blower and a high-temperature-solar-collectors create the compressed-and-high-velocity-air. A downdraft-tornado-wind-chimney inject the compressed-and-high-velocity-air into a photovoltaic-powered-blower, a high-temperature-solar-collectors and a rotating-turbine. A updraft-tornado-wind-chimney extract the compressed-and-high-velocity-air from a photovoltaic-powered-blower, a high-temperature-solar-collectors and a rotating-turbine. The combination of the updraft-tornado-wind-chimney, a downdraft-tornado-wind-chimney, a photovoltaic-powered-blower, and a high-temperature-solar-collectors drive a rotating-turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Eugene Nix
  • Publication number: 20170370352
    Abstract: A vibration energy harvester includes: a pair of electrodes provided so as to face opposite each other, with at least one of the pair of electrodes allowed to move; and an ion gel provided between the pair of electrodes, which is formed by using an ionic liquid, wherein: as an external vibration causes the electrode to move along a direction in which a distance between the pair of electrodes changes, power is generated through a change in an area of an electric double layer formed on two sides of an interface of each electrode and the ion gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroyuki FUJITA, Hiroyuki MITSUYA, Shimpei ONO
  • Publication number: 20170370353
    Abstract: A satellite thruster increases satellite efficiency. The Linear Actuated ?CAT has a stepper motor to move the ablative electrode forward. A LabVIEW program and Arduino microcontroller are used to analyze the Linear Actuated ?CAT to determine how many steps are required for re-ignition, arc current, and the validity of the feed system. Results from testing show that micro-stepping the stepper motor is an effective way to replenish the cannibalized electrode for propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael KEIDAR, George TEEL, Samantha A. HURLEY
  • Publication number: 20170370354
    Abstract: A reciprocating motor and a reciprocating compressor having a reciprocating motor are provided. The reciprocating motor may include a stator having a magnet coil, provided with an air gap respectively formed at both sides in an axial direction by interposing the magnet coil therebetween; a mover inserted into the stator, reciprocating with respect to the stator as at least one magnet is arranged at any one of the air gaps formed at both sides and a non-magnet is arranged at the other one of the air gaps; and a magnetic resonance spring that resonates the mover with respect to the stator using a force for moving toward low magnetic resistance between the mover and the stator. The reciprocating motor and the reciprocating compressor having a reciprocating motor may be downsized and lightweight, and may obtain high efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sangsub JEONG, Ochang GWON, Jungsik PARK, Jongkoo LEE
  • Publication number: 20170370355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane-based piston pump (400) for pumping a liquid product. The pump is provided with a device (426) for maintaining a pre-defined hydraulic fluid volume in the pump. The device comprises an axle element (440) and a bushing element (432). The invention further relates to a method for pumping a liquid product in a pump. Furthermore, the invention relates to a homogenizer provided with a membrane-based piston pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Johan STENBECK, Isac SALMAN
  • Publication number: 20170370356
    Abstract: A tube pump includes a tube, a housing member having a cylindrical chamber including an inner peripheral surface, a rotator having a first shaft and a first portion, the first portion having a guide, and a roller having a first shank received by the guide. The tube pump includes a contact member having a contact portion in the cylindrical chamber extending outwardly towards the inner peripheral surface at least the first distance and less than the second distance, the contact portion being configured to selectively contact the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuma TANABE
  • Publication number: 20170370357
    Abstract: A vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and an occupant comfort system. The occupant comfort system includes a pneumatic pump and a pneumatic bladder. The pneumatic pump provides a stream of pressurized air to the pneumatic bladder to inflate the pneumatic bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Robert C. FITZPATRICK, Todd SIETING
  • Publication number: 20170370358
    Abstract: A system for supplementing the electric power needed by a pump jack electric motor, thereby reducing the electric power purchased from the local utility or power supplier. The system comprises a solar photovoltaic system, or other forms of renewable energy, and regenerated power from the electric motor or drive. The system can be both “on-grid” and “off-grid.” Battery banks and capacitor banks may be used to store and provide energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: KAVAN GRAYBILL
  • Publication number: 20170370359
    Abstract: A plurality of external teeth of an inner rotor are formed such that an intake-side clearance is larger than a discharge-side clearance. The intake-side clearance denotes a minimum value of a clearance between an external tooth and an internal tooth defining an inter-teeth chamber which communicates with an intake port and in which an amount of change in volume during rotation of the inner rotor by a unit angle is maximized. The discharge-side clearance denotes a minimum value of a clearance between an external tooth and an internal tooth defining the inter-teeth chamber which at least partially overlaps with a partition wall a first discharge port and a second discharge port when the amount of change in volume per unit angle is maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: AISIN KIKO CO., LTD., AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki KIMURA, Masashi HATTORI, Mitsuhiro TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170370360
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic style motor having a first power input housing containing a first plurality of rotary or centrifugally driven pumps and associated valves, such that the pumps are driven in a determined stacked fashion by a powered input (or drive) shaft. A second power output housing contains at least one second rotary driven pump and associated valve, the second pumps rotatably engaging a second output (driven) shaft. A pressure resistant fluid line interconnects a manifold associated with the first housing with another manifold associated with the second housing so that the pressurized fluid generated by rotation of the input pumps in the input housing is communicated to the output housing to drive the output pumps to rotate the output (driven) shaft. A return line communicates with the output housing manifold, via each of the individual pump and valve subassemblies, for redirecting flow back to an input feed to the input housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: James D. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170370361
    Abstract: A radial compressor employs a compressor wheel having an inducer. An inlet air passage has a first region and a second region separated from the first region by a divider wall. The divider wall extends from an inlet plane of the inducer and connects the first region to a first air filter and said second region to a second air filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Publication number: 20170370362
    Abstract: Apparatus, including a pump system controller, features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about pump differential pressure, flow rate and corresponding power data at motor maximum speed published by pump manufacturers, as well as instant motor power and speed, for a system of pumps arranged in a multiple pump configuration; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about instant pump differential pressure and flow rate for the system of pumps arranged in the multiple pump configuration using a combined affinity equation and numerical interpolation algorithm, based upon the signaling received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew A. CHENG, Kyle D. SCHOENHEIT
  • Publication number: 20170370363
    Abstract: An air moving device according to the present disclosure can include a housing and an installation hub. The housing can be connected to the installation hub via one or more adjustable supports. An impeller can be installed at least partially in the housing and configured to direct air out of the housing. In some embodiments, the adjustable supports can be adjusted to move the housing with respect to the installation hub. For example, the adjustable supports can be configured to modify the tilt of the housing and/or the overall distance between the housing and the installation hub. The installation hub can be installed on a ceiling, wall, or other mounting surface. Adjustment of the adjustable supports can permit vertical alignment of the air moving device housing, even when the installation hub is mounted to a slanted or sloped (e.g., non-horizontal) ceiling or wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond B. Avedon
  • Publication number: 20170370364
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor assembly and method of operation provides a motor that drives a first stage compressor. The motor comprises a rotor. The motor uses radial aerostatic bearings to stabilize rotation and axial displacement of the rotor. The motor also uses a thrust aerostatic bearing to balance an axial force of the rotor. The radial aerostatic bearings and the thrust aerostatic bearing use a low-viscous vapor-liquid two-phase fluid as a lubricating medium. The radial aerostatic bearings supports the rotor. The thrust aerostatic bearing uses porous aerostatic bearings that use a low-viscous vapor-liquid two-phase fluid, so as to reduce radial and axial oscillation of the rotor. This enables clearance between a blade tip of an impeller and a volute. This causes a seal clearance to be reduced by a half; thereby increasing efficiency of the centrifugal compressor by at least 10 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Fahua Gu, Peng Yuan, Jiejie Song, Weixing Ji
  • Publication number: 20170370365
    Abstract: A device for pumping blood, includes a housing having a distal end adapted to be coupled to a catheter, a proximal end having an outlet, and a tubular body extending between the distal and proximal ends along an axis. A rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. A first magnetic bearing is operative to levitate the rotor along the axis within the housing. A second magnetic bearing controls a rotational frequency of the rotor. A third magnetic bearing controls a radial position of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan Patrick Fritz, Martin David Simon
  • Publication number: 20170370366
    Abstract: A system for controlling thermal comfort in a space is provided with a variable mode of operation. The system may include a conditioner for conditioning air in the space, and a sensor for measuring a temperature in the space. A controller is provided for controlling the conditioner based on the temperature sensed by the sensor, and a fan for circulating air within the space is regulated based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. A related system for controlling a fan based on height is also provided, as is a system and method for easily and efficiently determining the height of a fan using a simple camera, such as one on a “smart” phone. A further aspect pertains to a controller, such as for example a portable handheld device, having a user interface adapted for suggesting an increase in a set point temperature of a thermostat based on the selected speed of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Delta T Corporation
    Inventors: Jerrill Scott Johnson, Alex Christopher REED, Marcus Landon BORDERS, Thomas James Lesser, Jason Hunt Fizer, Adam Glenn Tucker, Stephen Alexander Harper, Ernest John Noble, Ken Siong Tan, Jon Jet Ling, Seng Rui Chan
  • Publication number: 20170370367
    Abstract: A ceiling fan is designed with enhanced structural strength and prolonged service life. The ceiling fan includes a stator, a loading plate, a rotor and a plurality of blades is disclosed. The stator includes a shaft. The loading plate includes a sleeve and a radial extending portion. The radial extending portion radially extends outwards in radial directions of the shaft. The sleeve receives a bearing coupled with an outer periphery of the shaft. The rotor includes a hub coupled with the loading plate. The plurality of blades is coupled with the radial extending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Tso-Kuo Yin, Bo-Wei Chiou
  • Publication number: 20170370368
    Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a surge event in a compressor of a turbomachine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include one or more computer processors associated with the turbomachine. The one or more computer processors may be operable to receive a plurality of performance parameters of the compressor and analyze the plurality of performance parameters to determine corrected performance values of the performance parameters. Based at least partially on the corrected performance values, a compressor efficiency may be determined. The processor may be further operable to standardize the compressor efficiency for a standard mode of operation, ascertain historical performance data associated with the standard mode of operation, and analyze the compressor efficiency based at least partially on the historical performance data. Based on the analysis of the compressor efficiency, a surge event may be selectively predicted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sachin Srivastava, Alexander James Pistner, Raghavan Varadhan, Matthew Everett Moore
  • Publication number: 20170370369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for implementing a self-test for sump system components using two-way communications between a main controller and each of the system components to check system operation and status. The self-test system is designed to remotely or locally test the installation of field wiring, system functionality and performance of equipment located in an elevator pit, a transformer vault, a transformer moat, a confined space or any other pit/ditch/sump. The benefits of this technology are: 1) ensure proper installation, 2) exercise the system that might otherwise be dormant for years, 3) avoid the costs and risks associated with entering a confined space, and 4) create an easy to implement preventative maintenance program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Grzeika
  • Publication number: 20170370370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling stators of a compressor of a gas turbine engine are provided. The stators and rotatable blades may be included in a stage of the compressor. The rotatable blades may be configured to rotate about an axial axis of the compressor, and each of the stators is rotatable about a corresponding vane axis that extends radially outward from the axial axis of the compressor. Electric motors may be coupled to the stators, where each of the electric motors is configured to individually rotate a corresponding one of the stators in the compressor. A motor controller may be configured to cause the electric motors to rotate the stators in unison or individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Richard J. Skertic
  • Publication number: 20170370371
    Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying degradation in components of a compressor recirculation valve (CRV). One method may include inferring degradation of the CRV based on adaptation of a compressor surge line outside an expected range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Baitao Xiao, Hamid-Reza Ossareh
  • Publication number: 20170370372
    Abstract: A rotary machine system includes: a rotary machine including a gas seal portion; a gas seal device connected to the rotary machine and that supplies a seal gas to the gas seal portion; and a connecting pipe that connects the gas seal portion and the gas seal device. The rotary machine includes a casing through which a working fluid flows; a rotatable rotary shaft; and the gas seal portion that seals the working fluid by the seal gas having a pressure higher than a pressure of the working fluid in the casing. The gas seal device includes: a seal gas supply pipe through which the seal gas delivered to the connecting pipe flows; a pressure regulating valve provided in the seal gas supply pipe and that adjusts the pressure of the seal gas supplied to the gas seal portion; and a control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Egami, Takeshi Kaneko, Kazutoshi Yokoo, Masaki Shakuda, Masahiro Hayashi, Tomoaki Takeda
  • Publication number: 20170370373
    Abstract: A method for producing a centrifugal pump impeller having a base plate, which is a single piece with pump blades and a cover plate, which consists of a thermoplastic material, wherein contact areas are available, which are heated and melted by means of ultrasonic excitation and form a close bonded connection after cool-down. The objective of the invention is to ensure inherent stability with the individual parts and a simple and reliable pre-assembly as well as a fixed mechanical connection, wherein only a small amount of excitation energy is required, with a centrifugal pump impeller comprising a base plate and cover plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Bühler Motor GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Rausch
  • Publication number: 20170370374
    Abstract: A compressor rotor airfoil in a gas turbine engine is presented. Opposed pressure and suction sides are joined together at chordally opposite leading and trailing edges. The pressure and suction sides extend in a span direction from a root to a tip. A leading edge dihedral angle is defined at a point on the leading edge between a tangent to the airfoil and a vertical. The leading edge dihedral angle has a span-wise distribution. The distribution has at least one inflection point. A method of reducing a rub angle between a compressor rotor blade and a casing surrounding the blade is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hien DUONG, Krishna Prasad BALIKE, Thomas VEITCH, Keegan LOBO, Raman WARIKOO
  • Publication number: 20170370375
    Abstract: A fan blade of a gas turbine engine may include a blade body having an inner surface defining a cavity in the blade body. A blade filler may be disposed in the cavity. The blade filler may include a bump integrally formed on a first surface of the blade filler. An adhesive may be formed on the first surface of the blade filler. The first surface of the blade filler may be bonded to a fan blade component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Quinn, Jody M. Grosso
  • Publication number: 20170370376
    Abstract: An airfoil material loss control structure is provided. This structure includes at least one fuse zone that, during impact from a foreign object, fail before the surrounding structure. In a further aspect, a rotary machine is provided. This rotary machine includes a ducted fan gas turbine engine including a composite airfoil with at least one fuse zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph KRAY, Kishore BUDUMURU, Jain NITESH, Michael Harvey SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20170370377
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor includes a casing body (11) configured to rotatably support a rotation shaft (2) and an impeller (3) fixed to the rotation shaft around an axis (O), the casing body in which an intake volute (B1) which has a ring shape centered on the axis and through which a processing gas (G) is caused to flow in a direction of the axis and is introduced into a flow channel of the impeller, and a discharge volute which has a ring shape centered on the axis and through which the processing gas is discharged from the flow channel are formed; and a plurality of intake nozzles (16) which communicate with the intake volute and are able to cause the processing gas to flow into the intake volute from the outside and are provided at intervals in a circumferential direction around the rotation shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro NAKANIWA, Satoru YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170370378
    Abstract: A compressor capable of generating a swirling flow at a sufficient speed with respect to a main flow of intake air that flows into a compressor impeller without hindering the main flow. The compressor includes a compressor impeller, a shroud covering a tip end edge of the impeller, an intake duct extending along an axial direction of the impeller, a swirling flow passage being annular around a rotating shaft and having a flow passage cross-sectional area that gradually decreases along the same direction as a rotation direction of the impeller from a base end side where a swirling gas introduction portion is disposed toward a front end side, and a swirling gas ejection passage extending along a radial direction of the impeller. The swirling gas introduction portion is connected to a portion on a downstream side of the front edge portion of the impeller in the intake flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki KUNO, Naoki ITOH
  • Publication number: 20170370379
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to impellers with removable and replaceable vanes, and methods of constructing such impellers. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of impeller back plates are provided with differently configured slots to receive removable vanes. In addition, a plurality of differently configured vanes are disclosed which may be connected to the plurality of impeller back plates. As a result, the desired performance characteristics of a pump based upon end use applications may be efficiently and quickly achieved by combining appropriately configured vanes and back plate into a desired impeller providing the desired characteristics, together with a particular pump casing and motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: AR IMPELLER, INC.
    Inventor: JACK FREDERICK WILFLEY
  • Publication number: 20170370380
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a fastening strut for a fan guard with at least one first leg extending in a longitudinal direction, configured so as to reach across several cage bars of the fan guard, wherein the at least one first leg comprises a free lengthwise end, and in the region of the free lengthwise end of the at least one first leg a cube-shaped or cuboidal fastening element is secured laterally to the at least one first leg by integral bonding in a transverse direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sven Beck, Tobias Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20170370381
    Abstract: A ram air fan assembly includes an outer housing. An inner housing is located within the outer housing. A motor is attached to the inner housing. An inlet tube extends between the outer housing and the motor. The inlet tube includes a straight first portion and a curved second portion. At least one of the two portions includes a perforated portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Milan Lucic, John M. Beck, Paul E. Hamel, Robert Telakowski
  • Publication number: 20170370382
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system includes control valve and operating devices, a variable displacement pump, and a flow regulator. When an operating lever inclination angle becomes a value, a control valve opening area becomes a reference. When the operating lever inclination angle maximizes, the opening area maximizes. The flow regulator: until the operating lever inclination angle becomes the value, increases the pump discharge flow rate with the inclination angle, so a differential pressure between pump discharge and actuator load pressures is constant; when the operating lever inclination angle becomes the value, controls the pump discharge flow rate, so a control valve passing flow rate is an actuator maximum flow rate when the differential pressure is constant; and when the operating lever inclination angle is between the value and the maximum, defines a maximum pump discharge flow rate, so the pump discharge flow rate is kept to the actuator maximum flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro KONDO, Makoto ITO
  • Publication number: 20170370383
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic control valve assembly of automatic steering system for agricultural machine including a proportional directional valve (3). A balancing valve (1) is arranged between the proportional directional valve (3) and the steering cylinder. A first shuttle valve (2) is arranged between the proportional directional valve (3) and the balancing valve (1). The first shuttle valve (2) is positioned on one side of the proportional directional valve (3). An overflow valve (4) is positioned on another side of the proportional directional valve (3). The overflow valve (4) is connected to a second shuttle valve (6) and a logic valve (5) respectively. The hydraulic control valve assembly has a large control power, a rapid response, and is more suitable for the autonomous navigation operation of agricultural machine. Moreover, the system saves more energy, such that the autonomous navigation operation of agricultural machine is more stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: SHANGHAI HUACE NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Guangjie CAO, Yanping ZHAO, Wending DAI, Anbang WANG, Xiaohan GAO, Xunye MAO, Kai CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170370384
    Abstract: This disclosure includes hydraulic apparatuses and methods for redundant actuation of a hydraulic device. Some apparatuses include a hydraulic device having a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator, wherein each of the first and second hydraulic actuators comprises at least a first hydraulic cavity, a second hydraulic cavity, and a piston. Some apparatuses also include a controller coupled to the hydraulic device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid source via at least two parallel hydraulic lines coupled to the controller, select a first hydraulic line of the at least two parallel hydraulic lines, and transfer the hydraulic fluid from the selected first hydraulic line to a first cavity of the first hydraulic actuator to apply pressure to a first piston to actuate the hydraulic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: John Matthew Dalton, Terry Dickson
  • Publication number: 20170370385
    Abstract: A flow conditioner for use in a conduit includes a ring having a plurality of stepped elements disposed on an inner surface of the ring. A method for conditioning fluid using a flow conditioner includes coupling a flow conditioner to an interior surface of a conduit, flowing fluid through the conduit, contacting a surface of the flow conditioner with the flowing fluid, positioning a flow meter downstream of the flow conditioner, and measuring the flow profile of the fluid with the flow meter. Contacting the flow conditioner reduces one or more disturbances in a flow profile of the fluid. A flow conditioner includes a ring having at least one of a stepped element formed on an inner surface of the ring or a fin assembly coupled to the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell P. Reckner, Philip A. Martone
  • Publication number: 20170370386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade oscillation preventer comprising an aperture and a sleeve and having a peripheral extent and a longitudinal extent, the preventer being configured for removable application over a wind turbine blade and configured to extend longitudinally thereover and peripherally thereabout; the preventer having a non-aerodynamic exterior surface which exhibits a rough surface capable of disrupting smooth or laminar airflow over a substantial portion of the longitudinal and peripheral extent of the sleeve when the preventer is in place on a wind turbine blade. The preventer further comprises a smooth interior surface extending along a substantial portion of the longitudinal extent of the sleeve. The invention also relates to a method of application of a blade oscillation preventer over wind turbine blades which comprise serrations at a trailing edge thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Wardropper, Adrian Edwards, Arran Wood
  • Publication number: 20170370387
    Abstract: Systems and method for active control of stationary vortices for aerodynamic structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for active control of vortices over a solid surface includes: generating vortices proximate to the solid surface; sensing locations of vortices by printed skin sensors; and maintaining the vortices in their fixed spanwise positions with respect to the solid surface by actuation of printed skin actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: Quest Integrated, LLC, University of Washington
    Inventors: Giovanni Nino, Robert E. Breidenthal, Aline Cotel
  • Publication number: 20170370388
    Abstract: A method includes: mounting a rail on a wall; mounting a fixture on the rail by interlocking a channel of the fixture to the rail; removing the fixture from the rail; and mounting a replacement fixture on the rail by interlocking a channel of the replacement fixture to the rail. An apparatus has: a rail with a wall contacting base side, an exterior side, and a beam formed on the exterior side; a fixture with a base side, an exterior side, and a channel formed on the base side; and in which the channel forms a female profile that reversibly interlocks via a snap fit to a male profile formed by the beam to reversibly mount the fixture on the rail, with respective longitudinal axes of the beam and the channel extending in respective axial directions along the rail. The fixture and rail may retain a panel over the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Carroll
  • Publication number: 20170370389
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a joint part in which a first metal piece and a second metal piece are joined to each other by performing welding by irradiating a high-energy beam to a joint surface on which the first metal piece and the second metal piece face each other, the first metal piece including a first flow path for passage of a fluid provided at a specific depth from a surface on a side exposed to the high-energy beam, the second metal piece including a second flow path for passage of the fluid provided at a specific depth from the surface on the side exposed to the high-energy beam, and the first flow path and the second flow path being coupled to each other on the joint surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi IWAMA, Hiroyuki ONO, Takeshi TORII, Keisuke NAKASHIMA, Yusuke MIYAMOTO, Tetsuya AOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170370390
    Abstract: A device, system and method to connect a receiving member and a connecting device with a pin such that an asymmetrical configuration after the alignment of the connecting member and the receiving member does not give rise to asymmetrical glue distribution, nor asymmetrical shrinking nor curing drift. The receiving member has a receiving planar surface with at least one opening, and the connecting device has a main body with a contact plane, the main body having at least one opening where the connecting device is placed with the contact plane towards the receiving planar surface so that the at least one opening of the connecting device overlaps the at least one opening of the receiving surface, and the pin is inserted into the overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BARCO NV
    Inventor: Frank HELLIN
  • Publication number: 20170370391
    Abstract: A pair of connectable box carcass framework members for the fabrication of non-panel constructed furniture carcasses. They simplify the construction of a furniture carcass with a minimal of tools and skill required to produce a dimensionally square, precisely sized, box that accepts an abundance of aesthetic and functional options. They are based on a pair of mechanical fastener connectable vertical and horizontal members that have connectable zipper channels, linear rabbets for the retention of side panels, screw busses, and open channels with series of spaced orifices therein for the passage of mechanical connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mac Goelst, Luke Wright
  • Publication number: 20170370392
    Abstract: Composed element including at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, as well as each including an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, wherein at least one of the panel-shaped elements includes an arrangement which hides from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed at the pertaining edge zone at the location of the end face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Luc MAERTENS, Mark CAPPELLE, Luc VANHASTEL, Luc DEMAN, Guy VAN HOOYDONCK
  • Publication number: 20170370393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element for interconnecting at least two workpieces, having a shaft; a connection-element head, radially protruding beyond the external side of the shaft, at the one end of the shaft; a drive configuration on the connection-element head and a front shaft end, wherein in a holding portion of the shaft that emanates from the lower side of the connection-element head at least one pair of closed annular protrusions are disposed thereon, of which at least one annular protrusion is not completely disposed in a plane that runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; and the spacings between the two annular protrusions of the pair along the circumference are of dissimilar size, or the two annular protrusions of the pair of annular protrusions are disposed so as to be mutually parallel; wherein the front end of the shaft is configured as a tapered hole-forming portion, and wherein a maximum external diameter of the hole-forming portion is between 3% and 10% smaller,
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Heiko MILLER, Dominik Fröhlich
  • Publication number: 20170370394
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retaining a fastener receiver are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a retainer to retain a nut assembly adjacent an object. The retainer includes a first plate defining a first opening. The first plate is to couple to the object. The first opening is to receive a portion of the nut assembly when the retainer is coupled to the object. The retainer includes a second plate defining a second opening and including a first deflectable tab adjacent the second opening. The second plate is to couple to the first plate opposite the object. The deflectable tab of the second plate is to cover a portion of the first opening of the first plate. The first deflectable tab is to deflect to receive and retain the portion of the nut assembly in the first opening when the retainer is coupled to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Jeremy Foenander, Andrew Birch, Nicholas Garcia
  • Publication number: 20170370395
    Abstract: A spring fastener clip includes first, second, and third strips, each with a corresponding hole therethrough. The clip is bent to form an S-shape, wherein the first strip, the second strip, and the third strip are aligned one with another, and the three holes are aligned one with another. The spring fastener clip further includes a hook extending from the second strip to the first strip and including a tab proximate the first hole. When a substrate is disposed between the first and second strips, the tab hooks over an edge of the substrate and resists flexing of the clip on installation of a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mills
  • Publication number: 20170370396
    Abstract: An insert nut includes a cylindrical portion into which a bolt is removably insertable. An inner periphery of the cylindrical portion includes a first region, a second region and a third region which are provided in the order named from an upstream side to a downstream side with respect to an insertion direction of the bolt at an inner periphery thereof. The first region and the third region include a female screw portion threadably engageable with the bolt. The second region has a minimum inner diameter larger than D1+2×h1×0.3, where D1 is an inner diameter of the female screw portion in the first region at a screw thread position and h1 is a height of a screw thread of the female screw portion in the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kazushi Kitajima, Hiroshi Hiura, Kazuhisa Okuda
  • Publication number: 20170370397
    Abstract: A device with an adjustment bolt includes a bolt attachment wall, an adjustment bolt screwed with an internal thread hole of the bolt attachment wall, a locknut screwed with the adjustment bolt, a cover that surrounds the adjustment bolt and the locknut, and a stopper unit that prevents removal of the cover from the locknut. The stopper unit includes an inner circumference groove of the cover fitted around a C-shaped retaining ring, and an external circumference groove of the locknut fitting within the retaining ring. The external circumference groove includes a first groove portion having a large-diameter groove bottom that restricts contraction and removal of the retaining ring fitted within the inner circumference groove, and a second groove portion provided continuously for the first groove portion and having a small-diameter groove bottom that allows contraction and removal of the retaining ring fitted within the inner circumference groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroki OSO, Naoya SAKURAI, Takumi FUKUDA, Mitsugu OKUDA, Wataru IWANAGA, Yusuke SUZUKI, Takahiro KAJIHARA