Patents Issued in August 9, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180223773
    Abstract: A power generating assembly including an internal combustion engine and a combustion gas supply connected to the internal combustion engine in order to supply combustion gas. The combustion gas supply has an at least double-walled line at least in the region of the internal combustion engine, the line having an inner line volume for combustion gas and an outer line volume. The outer line volume is fluidically connected to an inert gas supply. The power generating assembly also includes a combustion gas pressure adjusting device that adjusts a combustion gas pressure in the inner line volume, and an inert gas pressure adjusting device that adjusts an inert gas pressure in the outer line volume. The combustion gas pressure adjusting device and the inert gas pressure adjusting device select the inert gas pressure and the combustion gas pressure such that the inert gas pressure is higher than the combustion gas pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH
    Inventors: Manuel BOOG, Wolfgang FIMML, Jan Gerrit PRUNNBAUER
  • Publication number: 20180223774
    Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: EControls, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Walser, Randall W. Walser, Christopher M. Cole, Justin H. Sanders, Joseph Grogan, Kenneth Shouse, Kennon Guglielmo
  • Publication number: 20180223775
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine which has a number of cylinders and which comprises a fuel system and a fresh air system, whereby fuel is fed in a fuel mass flow via a fuel supply line of the fuel system to the cylinders at a prescribable air-fuel ratio directly by means of the injectors, and fresh air is fed in a fresh air mass flow via a fresh air system, whereby the fuel system comprises a tank venting system with a tank venting line that has a tank venting valve and that, via the interconnected tank venting valve, is connected to at least one line section of the fresh air system via at least one feed point, thereby forming at least one venting path, whereby, owing to a pressure which prevails at the at least one feed point and which is negative relative to the tank venting line and dependent on the load point, the fuel tank of the tank venting system is vented via the at least one venting path, a venting process in which a purging air mass flow containing fuel is removed from the tank
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Jens WODAUSCH, Florian Zink
  • Publication number: 20180223776
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a cylinder head, a fresh air duct configured for providing a fresh air supply to the internal combustion engine, and a quick-closing valve arranged in the fresh air duct, upstream of the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, in order to interrupt the fresh air supply. The internal combustion engine also includes an exhaust gas recirculation pipe that has an outlet opening that is arranged centrally in the fresh air duct and, in a flow direction of the fresh air supply, upstream of the quick-closing valve forming a minimum gap between the outlet opening and the quick-closing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Braun, Thomas Rode, Christian-Paul Stelzer
  • Publication number: 20180223777
    Abstract: A dedicated exhaust gas recirculation configuration that provides reduced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) backflow and reduced fresh air backflow. One-way valves are positioned in the EGR loop to reduce or avoid fresh-air backflow into the dedicated exhaust gas recirculating cylinder and/or positioned in the engine intake passage to reduce or avoid dedicated cylinder exhaust gas backflow into the intake passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Raphael GUKELBERGER, Steven H. ALMARAZ
  • Publication number: 20180223778
    Abstract: An air intake system includes a plurality of intake runners configured to supply intake air to the engine, and an independent resonator system operably associated with the plurality of intake runners and including a plurality of individual resonator assemblies. Each individual resonator assembly is fluidly coupled to one intake runner of the plurality of intake runners. The plurality of individual resonator assemblies is configured to interact with at least one of sound and pressure waves generated in the engine to reduce engine noise and/or increase engine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Sairam Chittoor, Fadi Estefanous, Lurun Zhong
  • Publication number: 20180223779
    Abstract: A device (1) for lowering flow noises has opposed first and second connection pieces (2, 3), and outer and inner sleeves (4, 5) between the connection pieces. A radial collar (6) is between the sleeves (4, 5) and forms separated volume chambers. Openings (11) in the inner sleeve (5) connect the volume chambers to a line space (13) enclosed by the inner sleeve (5). A sealing ring (15) at the free end (14) of the collar (6) defines a ring cap with a lateral surface (21) that reaches over the collar (6) and seals against the sleeve (4, 5) adjacent the free end (14) of the collar (6) and that has a surface (23, 26) that seals against either an end face (25) of the collar (6) or a side surface (28) of the collar (6) extending parallel to the radial collar (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Ralf Buck, Michael Huer, Dirk Nagel, Philipp Troeger, Norbert Luebbe
  • Publication number: 20180223780
    Abstract: A multi-fuel rail apparatus for an internal combustion engine communicates fuel from 10 a first fuel source and a second fuel source to a plurality of fuel injectors. Each fuel injector receives fuel from the multi-fuel rail apparatus through a branch connection for each fuel. The multi fuel rail apparatus has a first elongate member including a first longitudinal bore spaced apart from a second longitudinal bore and first and second fuel inlets for fluidly communicating first and second fuels into the first and 15 second longitudinal bores respectively. There is a branch connecting structure for each fuel injector along the first elongate member for fluidly connecting the first and second longitudinal bores with respective branch connections from respective fuel injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. WICKSTONE, Alain M.J. TOUCHETTE, Randall T. MARK, Kory L. ZELLER, Jeremy GARNIER, Mark GRAHAM, Mehmet DÖNMEZ, Cüneyt ALTINOL, Michael DE BRUIJN
  • Publication number: 20180223781
    Abstract: A clip-for a fuel injection valve includes a load transmitting member-and a fitting member. The load transmitting member is formed from a single wire material and includes a contacting portion, which contacts a contactable surface formed in the fuel injection valve, a depressible portion, which is depressible in a downward direction by a pressing surface formed in a fuel supply conduit, and a spring portion, which is formed between one end of the contacting portion and the depressible portion and is resiliently deformable by a load. The fitting member-is formed separately from the load transmitting member and is connected to the load transmitting member on a side of the contacting portion, which is opposite from the spring portion. The fitting member is fittable to a fittable portion of the fuel supply conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromu SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20180223782
    Abstract: A damper device is provided in a flow passage of a fluid. The damper device includes a plurality of diaphragm dampers that are stacked together. Each of the plurality of diaphragm dampers includes a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion, and a rim including a welded portion. A peripheral edge of the first flexible portion and a peripheral edge of the second flexible portion are welded together in the welded portion. Each of the plurality of diaphragm dampers is configured to seal a gas in an inner region between the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion. A coupler that couples the plurality of diaphragm dampers together includes holders that hold the rims of the plurality of diaphragm dampers. A gap is provided between the holder of the coupler and the welded portion of each of the plurality of diaphragm dampers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION, EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeyuki YABUUCHI, Shinichi SUGIMOTO, Osamu HISHINUMA, Hiroatsu YAMADA, Toshiaki IWA, Yoshihiro OGAWA, Yusuke SATO
  • Publication number: 20180223783
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to an electromagnetic actuator having an anchor which has a stop face, and having a pole piece which has a counter stop face, wherein the stop face and the counter stop face in terms of geometry are configured so as to be mutually complementary such that the stop face and the counter stop face in a movement of the anchor toward the pole piece engage in one another, displacing a medium which is disposed between the stop face and the counter stop face. The embodiments furthermore relate to an electromagnetic valve which has the electromagnetic actuator, and to a high-pressure fuel pump which has the electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jürgen Bohmann, Stephan Bias, Burhan Dagdelen, Ahmad Ghassemi Todeshkchooii, Andreas Mühlbauer
  • Publication number: 20180223784
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a fuel injector. In one example, a fuel injector includes a nozzle tip including a plurality of injection holes, a first needle biased against the nozzle tip via a first biasing member positioned within a first control volume, and a second needle surrounding a portion of the first needle and biased against the first needle and the nozzle tip via a second biasing member positioned within a second control volume. A needle actuator may be energized for different durations of time in order to move one or more of the first needle and the second needle relative to the nozzle tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Willis
  • Publication number: 20180223785
    Abstract: There are described methods and systems for testing operation of a solenoid valve in a control system. A valve command is sent to successively open and close a solenoid valve. A flow command from a control system is monitored to detect a change in the flow command in response to the valve command. The flow command is associated with regulation of fluid flow in a process controlled by the control system. Operation of the solenoid valve is confirmed when the change in flow command is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: MICHAEL DARBY
  • Publication number: 20180223786
    Abstract: A pump device for an internal combustion engine, having a high-pressure fuel pump for supplying fuel to a first injection device, having at least one low-pressure inlet, via which the fuel is fed to the high-pressure fuel pump from a low-pressure fuel pump, having at least one low-pressure outlet for conducting the fuel conveyed by the low-pressure fuel pump and fed via the low-pressure inlet to the high-pressure fuel pump out of the high-pressure fuel pump, and having at least one low-pressure port, for conducting fuel conveyed by the low-pressure fuel pump to a second injection device. At least one mixing region mixes the fuel flowing through the low-pressure outlet with fuel fed to the mixing region from the low-pressure fuel pump upstream of the high-pressure fuel pump. The low-pressure port is fluidically connected to the mixing region, and the low-pressure inlet is supplied with fuel from the mixing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Yavuz KURT, Michael MAUER
  • Publication number: 20180223787
    Abstract: A process for managing the re-start of an internal combustion engine in a Start and Stop system using an electric motor managed by an electric motor control unit (EMU), a first step of direct evaluation of the rotation regime of the crankshaft being provided by an internal combustion engine control unit (ECU) through a sensor put on the crankshaft: if the rotation regime is above a threshold corresponding to the sensor accuracy loss, in case of re-opening of the throttle valve said control unit of the combustion engine (ECU) continues to provide fuel and ignition; otherwise a crankshaft positioning step is provided by the electric motor control unit (EMU) comprising: a forward crankshaft rotation by a predetermined forward rotation angle; a detection of a possible piston stall state followed, in negative case, by an additional forward crankshaft rotation until reaching a maximum predetermined forward rotation angle; an inverse crankshaft rotation by a predetermined angle; and a detection of a possible piston
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Piaggio & C. S.p.A
    Inventors: Roberto Bernardini, Jury Cantini, Jeanpaul Milani
  • Publication number: 20180223788
    Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerty, Uday Vadlamani, Jordan Mosher, Sundeep S. Tuteja, Constantin E. Nedelcu
  • Publication number: 20180223789
    Abstract: A coil secure bracket system including a bracket assembly, a plurality of threaded-studs to removably couple to the bracket assembly via a plurality of first-machined-holes in the bracket assembly, and to an engine valve cover. Also included is a plurality of nuts configured to coupled to the bracket assembly by the plurality of threaded-studs, a plurality of set-screws to removably couple to the bracket assembly via the plurality of second-threaded-holes to hold the engine ignition coils to the engine, a plurality of jam-nuts removably coupled to the set-screws to maintain the set-screws in the bracket assembly. The coil secure bracket system is useful for securing engine ignition coils to the engine when the exiting fastening means has become damaged such that a replacement of engine valve covers may be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Dennis Koomans
  • Publication number: 20180223790
    Abstract: The return circuit of the ignition device returns to the battery the current supplied to the primary coil by the operation of the second circuit, and the voltage detection unit detects the voltage VB. The operation stopping unit monitors the voltage VB and when it is determined that the voltage VB is excessive, that is, when the voltage VB exceeds the threshold voltage VBc, it stops the supply of energy by the second circuit. As a result, when a load dump state occurs, the supply of energy by the second circuit can be stopped. Thus, when a load dump state occurs by the operation of the second circuit, other devices can be protected from overvoltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Shunichi TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20180223791
    Abstract: An ionization detector that reduces the filtering effects of the ignition coil inductances by shorting an inductance of a primary winding of the ignition coil. The ionization detector includes a bias voltage source and an inductance control switch. The bias voltage source supplies electric voltage across an electric gap of a spark plug for detecting ionization within the combustion chamber. The inductance control switch is electrically parallel with a primary winding of an ignition coil and is operable to short an inductance of the primary winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Guoming G. ZHU, Kevin D. MORAN
  • Publication number: 20180223792
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power generation apparatus includes a braking force generation unit configured to apply a braking force to rotation of a hydraulic turbine, and a controller configured to control the braking force generation unit to repeat increasing and decreasing the braking force to vary a rotational speed of the hydraulic turbine. Varying the rotational speed of the hydraulic turbine helps to flow away debris and the like adhering to hydraulic turbine blades. Preferably, the braking force generation unit includes an electrical, mechanical or fluid type braking device configured to apply a braking force to a rotary shaft of the hydraulic turbine. Preferably, the braking force generation unit includes a power generator configured to generate power through rotation of the hydraulic turbine, and the controller increases/decreases the braking force by varying power extracted from the power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Yasuyuki FUJITA, Tomoya KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20180223793
    Abstract: Provided are a wind turbine blade, with which effective reinforcement against possible flexural deformation in a longitudinal direction is realized, and a reinforcing method for the wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade includes a hollow blade main body having a cylindrical blade root portion and extending from the blade root portion along a blade length direction, and a reinforcing plate provided in contact with an inside surface of the blade root portion and formed of an elongated member having a dimension along the blade length direction that is larger than a dimension along a circumferential direction of the blade root portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Yasutaka KIMURA, Takao KUROIWA, Kouji ESAKI, Toshiyuki HIRANO, Kentaro SHINDO, Takeshi FUJITA, Keisuke OTA
  • Publication number: 20180223794
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for manufacturing wind turbine rotor blades and components thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an outer surface of a rotor blade panel from one or more fiber-reinforced outer skins. The method also includes printing and depositing at least one reinforcement structure onto an inner surface of the one or more fiber-reinforced outer skins to form the rotor blade panel, wherein the reinforcement structure bonds to the one or more fiber-reinforced outer skins as the reinforcement structure is being deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: James Robert Tobin, Stephen Bertram Johnson, Jamie T. Livingston, Alan M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180223795
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for manufacturing wind turbine rotor blades and components thereof, e.g. using 3D printing. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a rotor blade structure having a first surface and an opposing, second surface, the first and second surfaces being substantially flat. Another step includes printing a leading edge segment of the rotor blade onto the first surface, wherein heat from the printing bonds the leading edge segment to the first surface. The method also includes rotating the rotor blade structure having the leading edge segment attached thereto. A further step includes printing a trailing edge segment of the rotor blade onto the second surface, wherein heat from the printing bonds the trailing edge segment to the second surface. Another step includes securing one or more fiber-reinforced outer skins to the leading and trailing edge segments so as to complete the rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: James Robert Tobin, Stephen Bertram Johnson, Jamie T. Livingston, Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Alan M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180223796
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine may include a first blade segment having a first joint end and a second blade segment having a second joint end, with the blade segments being coupled together such that the first and second joint ends are located at or adjacent to a joint interface between the blade segments. The blade assembly may also include a pre-loaded beam extending outwardly from the second blade segment across the joint interface such that the pre-loaded beam is received within the first blade segment. The pre-loaded beam may be compressed between the opposed internal structural components of the first blade segment such that a first engagement interface is defined between a first side of the pre-loaded beam and the first internal structural component and a second engagement interface is defined between an opposed second side of the pre-loaded beam and the second internal structural component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso
  • Publication number: 20180223797
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed methods for manufacturing spar caps for wind turbine rotor blades. In certain embodiments, the method includes forming an outer frame of the spar cap via at least one of three-dimensional (3D) pultrusion, thermoforming, or 3D printing. As such, the outer frame has a varying cross-section that corresponds to a varying cross-section of the rotor blade along a span thereof. The method also includes arranging a plurality of structural materials (e.g. layers of pultruded plates) within the pultruded outer frame of the spar cap and infusing the structural materials and the outer frame together via a resin material so as to form the spar cap. The resulting spar cap can then be easily incorporated into conventional rotor blade manufacturing processes and/or welded or bonded to an existing rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
  • Publication number: 20180223798
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed methods for manufacturing spar caps for wind turbine rotor blades. In certain embodiments, the method includes forming an outer frame or tray of the spar cap via at least one of three-dimensional (3D) pultrusion, thermoforming, or 3D printing. As such, the outer frame has a varying cross-section that corresponds to a varying cross-section of the rotor blade along a span thereof. The method also includes arranging a plurality of structural materials (e.g. layers of pultruded plates) within the pultruded outer frame of the spar cap and infusing the structural materials and the outer frame together via a resin material so as to form the spar cap. The resulting spar cap can then be easily incorporated into conventional rotor blade manufacturing processes and/or welded or bonded to an existing rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
  • Publication number: 20180223799
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade is reinforced while suppressing possible stress concentration resulting from a load imposed on a blade root portion of the wind turbine blade in a flap direction. The wind turbine blade includes a blade main body extending from the blade root portion toward a blade tip portion and an FRP reinforcing layer formed so as to cover at least a part of the outer surface of the blade root portion of the blade main body. The FRP reinforcing layer includes a plurality of laminated fiber layers and a resin with which the plurality of fiber layers is impregnated. The FRP reinforcing layer is formed such that, in a cross section along a longitudinal direction of the blade main body, both ends of the plurality of laminated fiber layers in the longitudinal direction are tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Yasutaka KIMURA, Takao KUROIWA, Keisuke OTA
  • Publication number: 20180223800
    Abstract: Provided is a rotor blade that may include a first layer having first plurality of fibers oriented at first angle of about 10 to 30 degrees relative to a long axis of the rotor blade, a second plurality of fibers oriented at a second angle of about 60 to 75 degrees relative to the first plurality of fibers, and a third plurality of fibers oriented at a third angle of about ?60 to about ?75 degrees relative to the second plurality of fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: KYLE K. WETZEL
  • Publication number: 20180223801
    Abstract: A vane device includes vane units, coupling modules around a shaft body, and connection units. Each coupling member has two brackets each of which has an insertion hole. Each connection unit is disposed between the brackets and has a rotary member, and two pin members threadedly inserted into the rotary member and projecting outwardly from the rotary member to extend into the insertion holes. When the rotary member is rotated, the pin members are moved toward each other so that the pin members are released from the insertion holes, or moved away from each other so that the pin members are respectively inserted into the insertion holes and each connection unit detachably connects one of the vane units to one of the coupling modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang HUANG
  • Publication number: 20180223802
    Abstract: A wheel-hub driven wind turbine apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus may include a body and at least one vertical-axis wind turbine blade mounted on the body to translate wind forces exerting on the at least one vertical-axis wind turbine blade to the body, causing the body to move. The apparatus may also include at least one wheel-hub attached to the body and configured to rotate when driven by the movement of the body. The apparatus may also include at least one generator coupled to the at least one wheel-hub to generate electrical power when driven by the rotation of the at least one wheel-hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Hangxian Liu, Yu Gong
  • Publication number: 20180223803
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling a pitch angle of a rotor blade of a wind turbine. The method includes adjusting, with an actuator, the pitch angle of the rotor blade during a start-up sequence of the wind turbine. The actuator adjusts the pitch angle of the rotor blade by rotating the rotor blade about a pitch axis relative to a hub. The method also includes determining, with a controller, a minimum pitch angle threshold of the rotor blade based on a tip speed ratio of the rotor blade. The method further includes comparing, with the controller, a current pitch angle of the rotor blade to the minimum pitch angle threshold. When the pitch angle meets the minimum pitch angle threshold, the method includes preventing, with the actuator, the pitch angle of the rotor blade from exceeding the minimum pitch angle threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Sheng Jia Zheng, Mathew Doyle Angel, Ziad Mohamed Amin, Mahdi Hallak
  • Publication number: 20180223804
    Abstract: Historical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified past time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding the specified past time and for a time period immediately following the specified past time are received. The historical wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to wind power values. Based on the historical power output measurements and the wind power output values, a machine learning model for predicting wind power output is trained. Real-time power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine are received. The real-time wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to real-time wind power values. Using the machine learning model with the real-time power output measurements and the real-time wind power values, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223805
    Abstract: Historical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine for a time periods immediately preceding the specified past time and immediately following the specified past time are received. The historical wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to wind power values. Based on the historical power output measurements and the wind power output values, a machine learning model for predicting wind power output is trained. Real-time power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine are received. The real-time wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to real-time wind power values. Using the machine learning model with the real-time power output measurements and the real-time wind power values, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223806
    Abstract: Historical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine for a time periods immediately preceding the specified past time and immediately following the specified past time are received. The historical wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to wind power values. Based on the historical power output measurements and the wind power output values, a machine learning model for predicting wind power output is trained. Real-time power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine are received. The real-time wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to real-time wind power values. Using the machine learning model with the real-time power output measurements and the real-time wind power values, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223807
    Abstract: Historical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine for a time periods immediately preceding the specified past time and immediately following the specified past time are received. The historical wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to wind power values. Based on the historical power output measurements and the wind power output values, a machine learning model for predicting wind power output is trained. Real-time power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine are received. The real-time wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to real-time wind power values. Using the machine learning model with the real-time power output measurements and the real-time wind power values, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223808
    Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises determining a target fatigue life consumption for each of one or more components of the wind turbine; comparing the target fatigue life consumption with a measure of fatigue life consumption for each of the one or more turbine components; and controlling the turbine power output based upon the comparison. The target fatigue life consumption is determined by combining data indicative of a target rate of accumulation of fatigue damage over at least a portion of the operating life of the wind turbine and data indicative of an expected rate of accumulation of fatigue damage caused by seasonal variations in turbine operating conditions. A corresponding wind turbine controller and wind power plant controller is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Chris SPRUCE
  • Publication number: 20180223809
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes comprising an inflatable portion comprising one or more blades and a device for rotatably driving the inflatable portion at a predetermined rate for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Lagenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, Andrew A. Schnellinger, George B. Lanigan
  • Publication number: 20180223810
    Abstract: An articulating solar energy and wind power harvesting apparatus optimizes harnessing of solar energy and wind power by rotatably and pivotally articulating a solar thermal collector plate to track the sun, and air foils to follow the changing direction of the wind. The air foils also directionally funnel wind to cool a heat exchange system and the solar thermal collector plate. The solar thermal collector plate captures solar radiation for conversion to electricity. A solar lens directs the solar radiation towards the solar thermal collector plate. Air foils are disposed in a radial, spaced-apart relationship around the solar thermal collector plate, pivoting up to 90° to optimize capture of wind. The solar thermal collector plate and the air foils are controllably articulated up to 360° about a vertical plane, and up to 180° about a horizontal plane to optimize capture of solar radiation and wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Pieter Bootsma, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180223811
    Abstract: A transport system for transporting a wind turbine blade on first and second railcars that serve as load cars. A root end fixture on the first railcar is connected to a root end portion of the wind turbine blade. A mid-frame fixture on the second railcar supports a reinforced midsection of the wind turbine blade using a pair of support saddles. A tip end fixture restrains a tip end portion of the wind turbine blade against lateral movement outside of a preselected range of movement in opposite lateral directions and causing bending of the blade about the mid-frame fixture when the restraint device imparts sufficient restraining force to the tip end portion of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Scott R. FLETCHER, John D. GLOVER
  • Publication number: 20180223812
    Abstract: Historical electrical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified past time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the geographic location of the wind turbine, for a time period immediately preceding the specified past time and for a time period immediately following the specified past time are received. Based on the historical electrical power output measurements and the historical wind speed micro-forecasts, a trained machine learning model for predicting wind power output of the wind turbine is generated. Real-time electrical power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the geographic location of the wind turbine are received. Using the trained machine learning model with the real-time electrical power output measurements of the wind turbine and the real-time wind speed micro-forecasts, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223813
    Abstract: A condition monitoring system for a wind turbine generator includes an orientation sensor installed in a nacelle and configured to detect an orientation of the nacelle and a condition monitoring unit configured to receive an output from the orientation sensor and perform at least any one of recording, analysis, or transmission of a signal. The condition monitoring unit preferably detects, based on the output from the orientation sensor, the movement along the rotation direction of the nacelle associated with a torsional oscillation of the tower. The orientation sensor can also detect slow directional fluctuations that are difficult to detect using an acceleration sensor or the like, and thus, can satisfactorily detect the rotation of the nacelle associated with the torsional oscillation of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Toru TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180223814
    Abstract: Historical electrical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified past time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the geographic location of the wind turbine, for a time period immediately preceding the specified past time and for a time period immediately following the specified past time are received. Based on the historical electrical power output measurements and the historical wind speed micro-forecasts, a trained machine learning model for predicting wind power output of the wind turbine is generated. Real-time electrical power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the geographic location of the wind turbine are received. Using the trained machine learning model with the real-time electrical power output measurements of the wind turbine and the real-time wind speed micro-forecasts, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Varun Badrinath Krishna, Younghun Kim, Tarun Kumar, Wander S. Wadman, Kevin W. Warren
  • Publication number: 20180223815
    Abstract: An injection system includes a reservoir for containing liquid, and a gating plate having a circular array of gating plate apertures. The injection system additionally includes a faceplate positioned adjacent to the gating plate and having a circular array of faceplate orifices. The injection system also has a motor to rotate the gating plate, and a controller to control the motor for rotating the gating plate into an aligned clocking orientation in which the gating plate apertures and the faceplate orifices are aligned to initiate the formation of a cylindrical array of liquid jets, and rotate the gating plate into a non-aligned clocking orientation terminate formation of the liquid jets after a predetermined discrete quantity of the liquid is injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Anderson, Erin R. Gish
  • Publication number: 20180223816
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a variable flow pump may include a swashplate rotatably driven by a driveshaft. The swashplate may be movable between a first and second tilt angle relative to the driveshaft. A piston pump may be reciprocatingly driven by the swashplate based upon, at least in part, the tilt angle of the swashplate. An actuator piston may be moveable between a first and second position based upon, at least in part, a downstream backpressure of a fluid pumped by the piston pump. An actuator assembly may be moveable between a first and second position based upon, at least in part, the position of the actuator piston. The actuator assembly may include a swashplate driver configured urge the swashplate between the first and second tilt angles, and a biasing driver configured to apply a force urging the swashplate into contact with the swashplate driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Gus Alexander, Paulo Rogerio Funk Kollcheski
  • Publication number: 20180223817
    Abstract: A reciprocating pump having a combination check valve and relief valve is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body having an inlet, an outlet and a pumping chamber. A biasing element provides a force that biases a movable seat toward sealing engagement between a first region of the movable seat and a fixed seat at the inlet. A movable checking element is movable away from a second region of the movable seat when fluid flows in one direction through a passageway in the movable seat. The movable seat also acts as a relief valve wherein the first region of the movable seat disengages the fixed seat if the movable checking element is being forced into engagement with the second region of the movable seat by a force that exceeds the force of the biasing element against a third region of the movable seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: PEOPLEFLO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Turner, William R. Blankemeier
  • Publication number: 20180223818
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a first inlet, a piston being disposed in the dispenser housing, with the piston having a chamber extending through the piston, where the piston is movable in the dispenser housing between an open position and a closed position. The first inlet is in fluid communication with the chamber when in the open position. The first inlet is blocked from fluid communication with the chamber when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Srikar VEMULA, Kenneth L. LUNDBERG, Patrick BAKER, Paul HANNIFFY, Dan IONESCU
  • Publication number: 20180223819
    Abstract: A bearing device includes: a bearing portion that has an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of balls interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a cage that holds the balls; and an oil supply unit provided adjacent to the bearing portion in the axial direction. The oil supply unit has a pump that discharges a minute amount of lubricating oil to the bearing portion, and varies the amount of oil supplied to the bearing portion by discharge of lubricating oil from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimichi HIGASHIYAMA, Tsukasa SAKAZAKI, Masami NAKA
  • Publication number: 20180223820
    Abstract: A compressor may include a crankcase, a crankshaft, a piston, a discharge valve and a suction plenum. The crankcase defines a discharge plenum receiving working fluid at a first pressure. The crankshaft is disposed within the discharge plenum. The piston is drivingly connected to the crankshaft and reciprocatingly received in a cylinder. The piston and cylinder cooperate to define a compression chamber therebetween. The discharge valve may control fluid flow through a discharge passage between the compression chamber and the discharge plenum. The suction plenum may receive working fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The suction plenum may provide working fluid at the second pressure to the compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill M. IGNATIEV, Michael M. PEREVOZCHIKOV
  • Publication number: 20180223821
    Abstract: A transverse flux type reciprocating motor and a reciprocating compressor having a transverse flux type reciprocating motor are provided. The transverse flux type reciprocating motor may include a first reciprocating module including a first stator and a first rotor that reciprocates with respect to the first stator, a second reciprocating module including a second stator disposed to be spaced apart from the first stator in parallel to an axial direction and a second rotor that reciprocates with respect to the second rotor in the axial direction, and a connection member that connects side surfaces, which face each other, of the first rotor and the second rotors to each other. Thus, a magnetic resonance spring for allowing the rotor to be resonant with respect to the stator may be realized by using a force that moves to a side at which magnetic resistance is low between the stator and the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jaebeum KIM
  • Publication number: 20180223822
    Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes a cylinder that defines an inner space, a piston that is located in the inner space of the cylinder and that defines a compression space configured to receive refrigerant, a discharge cover that is coupled to a side of the cylinder and that defines a discharge space configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compression space, and a valve plate that is located at a side space defined at the side of the cylinder and that partitions the side space into the compression space and the discharge space. The valve plate defines a discharge hole through which the compression space and the discharge space communicate with each other, in which the discharge hole includes an inlet that faces the compression space and an outlet that faces the discharge space. The inlet and the outlet have different shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jongkoo LEE, Sungchul GONG, Jeonguk LEE