Patents Issued in February 7, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190040809
    Abstract: A internal combustion engine system includes a gasoline internal combustion engine having a set of donor cylinders and a set of non-donor cylinders. The donor cylinders provide a proportion of the exhaust gas to an exhaust gas recirculation system and the remainder of the exhaust gas to an exhaust gas aftertreatment system including a particulate filter. The non-donor cylinders also provide exhaust gas to exhaust gas aftertreatment system. An engine controller can determine whether the particulate filter needs regeneration, and in response, retard a spark timing of the non-donor cylinders by an amount that is different from an amount or retardation of the donor cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Samuel C. Geckler, David J. Stroh, Ying Yuan
  • Publication number: 20190040810
    Abstract: A kill switch assembly for an internal combustion engine may include a housing, a first terminal carried by the housing and connected to a ground wire, a second terminal carried by the housing and connected to an engine microcontroller communication wire, and a kill switch. The kill switch may be carried by the housing, electrically connected to the first and second terminals, and manually operable by an operator to change the state of the electric switch to provide an engine stop signal to the engine microcontroller. The assembly may also include an electronic circuit carried by the housing, connected to the first and second terminals, and through the wires communicating with the engine microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Martin N. Andersson, Cyrus M. Healy, Gerald J. LaMarr, Jr., George M. Pattullo
  • Publication number: 20190040811
    Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for fuel systems of an engine includes a first failure determiner executing, while the engine is in each of a first injection form and a second injection form, a failure determination process on the corresponding fuel system, a second failure determiner executing, when the first failure determiner determines occurrence of a failure in one of the injection forms, a failure determination process on the fuel system corresponding to the other injection form, a failure locator determining whether or not the failure has occurred, for each of the fuel systems responsible for the first and second injection forms, based on a result by the second failure determiner, and a purge process prohibiter prohibiting execution of a purge process for the engine. The second failure determiner causes the purge process prohibiter to prohibit execution of the purge process, when executing the failure determination process on the fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi MAEDA, Junya KITADA, Hideo MATSUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20190040812
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing a high pressure fuel delivery system includes sensing an after shutdown fuel pressure in the fuel rail. An after shutdown leak rate is calculated from the after shutdown fuel pressure, and compared to a shutdown leak threshold. The high pressure fuel delivery system is analyzed to detect a leak in one of the fuel rail or the fuel injector when the after shutdown leak rate is greater than the shutdown leak threshold. A cranking fuel pressure in the fuel rail is also sensed. A cranking leak rate is calculated from the cranking fuel pressure, and compared to a cranking leak threshold. The high pressure fuel delivery system is analyzed to detect a leak in the high pressure fuel pump when the cranking leak rate is greater than the cranking leak threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Azeem Sarwar, Xiangxing Lu, Rafat F. Hattar
  • Publication number: 20190040813
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vehicle is provided having improved fuel economy by using gradual engine speed control. Once a governor activation threshold is crossed, a dynamic engine speed limit that gradually increases over time is implemented. In some embodiments, if the engine speed does not continue to rise over time, increases in the dynamic engine speed limit may be paused. In some embodiments, if the engine speed increases at too great of a rate for too long of a time, the dynamic engine speed limit may be reset. In some embodiments, increasing, pausing, and/or resetting the dynamic engine speed limit allows gradual acceleration while also avoiding torque lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Dylan Scott Kleist, Victor Luis Perez, Charles Wayne Reinhardt Swart
  • Publication number: 20190040814
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve capable of forming a homogeneous air-fuel mixture in homogeneous combustion at a low engine speed and a control device thereof are provided. According to the present invention, a fluid injection valve that is configured separately from a fuel injection valve and has a function of injecting a fluid is provided and a control device of the fuel injection valve includes a control unit that performs control such that fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve and then controls the fluid injection valve such that the fluid is injected from the fluid injection valve and the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve is stirred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Tomoyuki HOSAKA, Taisuke SUGII, Eiji ISHII, Yoshihiro SUKEGAWA, Masayuki SARUWATARI, Kazuhiro ORYOJI
  • Publication number: 20190040815
    Abstract: A head-side jacket through which coolant flows is formed in a cylinder head. A main circulation path and a sub circulation path through which coolant fed from a coolant pump respectively circulates are formed. The head-side jacket is separated into an exhaust-port side jacket formed around an exhaust port, and a combustion-chamber-side jacket closer to a combustion chamber than the exhaust-port-side jacket. A heat exchanger is not formed in the main circulation path including the combustion-chamber-side jacket, but is formed in the sub circulation path excluding the combustion-chamber-side jacket and including the exhaust-port-side jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Ryotaro Nishida, Tomohiro Koguchi, Mikimasa Kawaguchi, Yuichi Ayukawa, Tatsuya Takahata, Takayuki Tominaga, Shinji Watanabe, Keita Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20190040816
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion assembly including a bypass turbojet having a stationary inter-compressor casing positioned upstream from a space between passages, a nacelle including at its downstream end an inner wall that defines the outside of the space between passages and the inside of the bypass stream flow passage, and an outer wall arranged around the inner wall and that defines the outside of the bypass stream flow passage, at least a portion of the inner wall being suitable for moving between a maintenance position and a working position, and a thrust-reverser including a downstream element of the outer wall that is movable in translation between a retracted position and a thrust-reversal position in which it allows bypass stream deflector elements to be deployed in a radial direction, the deployment of the stream deflector elements being controlled by guide rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicants: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, SAFRAN NACELLES
    Inventors: Carmen Gina ANCUTA, Kevin Morgane LEMARCHAND, Olivier KERBLER, Melody SERISET
  • Publication number: 20190040817
    Abstract: A coating system includes a diffusion coating on a refractory metal or refractory metal alloy. The coating can be applied to a component such as a rocket engine component that includes a substrate including the refractory metal and is useful to protect the substrate from high temperature oxidation. The diffusion coating process employs an activator that includes a compound of the metal to be diffused into the surface of the substrate and is a vapor phase process in which the vapor includes metal from the activator and additional from the metal source being activated. Aluminum trifluoride can be used to activate an aluminum metal source to form an aluminide coating on a refractory metal-based alloy, such as a niobium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Clifford BERGER
  • Publication number: 20190040818
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a machine powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) fuel is provided. The fuel delivery system includes a pressure sensor provided in fluid communication with a fuel supply line, a first valve provided in in association with a high-pressure fuel rail circuit, a second valve provided in association with a low-pressure circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a pressure of the LNG fuel present in the fuel supply line. The controller is also configured to compare the pressure of the LNG fuel with a predetermined pressure threshold. The controller is further configured to control at least one of the first valve and the second valve to selectively supply the LNG fuel to the high-pressure fuel rail circuit and the low-pressure circuit based, at least in part, on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Engfehr, Nathan P. Atterberry
  • Publication number: 20190040819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for storing and supplying water to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a reservoir for the water, with at least a delivery pump for the water, and with at least a pipeline system comprising at least a feed line to a consumer which is preferably designed in the form of at least a metering unit, and at least a return line into the reservoir as well as with means for demineralizing the water which are disposed inside the reservoir or in the pipeline system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Timm HEIDEMEYER, Hartmut WOLF
  • Publication number: 20190040820
    Abstract: What is proposed is an emulsifying system for an internal combustion engine, wherein the emulsifying system comprises an emulsifying device for producing a water-fuel emulsion and an injector for injecting the water-fuel emulsion in a combustion chamber, the emulsifying device being arranged within the injector. Also proposed is an emulsifying method for preparing a water-fuel emulsion for an internal combustion engine, wherein fuel is pressurized in a fuel pressure accumulator and water is pressurized in a water pressure accumulator and fed separately to an injector for injecting the fuel and water into an associated combustion chamber, and/or fuel and water are emulsified by means of an emulsifying device that is integrated into an injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Roman TANIEL
  • Publication number: 20190040821
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processing device includes a three-way valve having a common valve chamber in which a first valve body, a second valve body, and a third valve body are housed. A single pressure sensor is provided in the common valve chamber. The first valve body enables communication between the common valve chamber and a first valve chamber. The second valve body enables communication between the common valve chamber and a second valve chamber communicating with an inside of the canister. The third valve body enables communication between the common valve chamber and a third valve chamber communicating with an inside of a fuel tank. An ECU controls the three-way valve and a switching valve, and controls driving of a pump to perform fuel vapor leak diagnosis for the fuel tank and the canister, based on a detection value detected by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Keiichirou ISHIHARA, Tomohiro ITOH
  • Publication number: 20190040822
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an engine-off-natural-vacuum (EONV) test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system. In one example, a method may include setting an initial vent duration for the EONV test as a function of a likelihood that the vehicle will pass the EONV test during a pressure phase portion, or during a vacuum phase portion, and commencing the EONV test with the vacuum phase portion responsive to the likelihood that the vehicle will pass during the vacuum phase portion. In this way, battery power may be conserved and fuel economy improved, by avoiding a pressure phase portion of the EONV test if it is indicated that the vehicle is not expected to pass the EONV test during the pressure phase portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20190040823
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for progressively opening and controlling each of a fuel vapor canister purge valve (CPV), an auxiliary throttle coupled in series with a venturi, and a main intake throttle arranged in parallel with the auxiliary throttle in order to deliver a desired intake airflow or manifold vacuum to an engine intake manifold. In one example, a method may include actuating a CPV to supply airflow to the engine via a fuel vapor canister while holding closed a main throttle and an auxiliary throttle arranged in parallel with the main throttle and in series with a venturi. The method further includes progressively opening the CPV, then the auxiliary throttle, and then the main throttle to achieve a desired intake manifold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Brent Alan Hall
  • Publication number: 20190040824
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine structure including a plurality of cylinders. An air intake system and an exhaust system are in communication with the plurality of cylinders. A turbocharger includes a turbine section in communication with the exhaust system and a compressor in communication with an air intake passage of the air intake system. The compressor includes a compressor wheel having a predetermined rotational direction during operation. An EGR passage is in communication with the exhaust system and is connected to the air intake passage at a location upstream of the compressor and is tangential to an inner wall of the air intake passage so as to provide a swirl in the predetermined rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Alberto RACCA, Riccardo BARIA, Andrea TRIPODI
  • Publication number: 20190040825
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing condensate within an inlet of a turbine. In one example, a method or system may include using a channel shape along a wall of an inlet. The channel shape transporting condensate to deliver the condensate to a wheel or rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Graham John Crawley, Simon Thistlethwaite, Russell Gayler
  • Publication number: 20190040826
    Abstract: A computer control network is connected to a multiple-cylinder engine and implements aftertreatment temperature management. Processors are configured to determine an aftertreatment temperature-efficient air to fuel ratio that satisfies the sensed power output request, determine an air to fuel ratio adjustment, select an in-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation technique, select at least one EGR cylinder of the multiple-cylinder engine to implement the in-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation technique, and control the intake valves to open and the exhaust valves to close for the selected at least one EGR cylinder to adjust the oxygen and particulate content of the exhaust gas by applying at least a second compression stroke of the respective reciprocating piston of the at least one EGR cylinder to the exhaust gas to push the exhaust gas through to the intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Douglas J. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20190040827
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel injection device that can secure strength capable of withstanding high fuel pressure. In a fuel injection device in which a fuel boundary includes two or more components, two components are press-fitted with an inner diameter and an outer diameter and are brought into contact at a butting surface, abutting welding is performed from a direction nearly parallel to the butting surface, an inner diameter side corner portion of the butting surface of a component to be fitted and press-fitted on an inner diameter side is chamfered longer in a direction perpendicular to the butting surface to increase a welding coupling length than a butting length, welding coupling length is less than welding depth, weld penetration depth is not less than material thickness, and the center of the weld is on a base material side, the outer diameter of which is larger than a joining face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takao MIYAKE, Kiyotaka OGURA, Masashi SUGAYA, Takumi TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20190040828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector for injecting an over-enriched fuel and air mixture to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, is characterised in that it comprises: a hydrocarbon liquid fuel spray nozzle, at least one supply of a gaseous carrier, a fuel mixing and evaporation chamber and an injector nozzle to the engine combustion chamber (C.C.), configured such that, during operation, liquid fuel is supplied and heated and compressed gaseous carrier are supplied to the fuel mixing and evaporation chamber of this injector through the spray nozzle, where they are mixed and evaporated as a result of elevated temperature, and the mixture of evaporated fuel with a hot gaseous carrier with low oxygen content thus formed reaches the combustion chamber (C.C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Instytut Lotnictwa
    Inventors: Piotr WOLANSKI, Wlodzimierz BALICKI, Piotr KALINA, Witold PERKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20190040829
    Abstract: A method for moulding a connector which includes a connecting element having a cylindrical body and, one arm extending along an arm axis for the L-shaped connector or, two arms extending along two different arm axes for the T-shaped connector, the body being capable of being connected to an injector, and each arm being capable of being connected to the end of a pipe. The moulding method includes a) providing a mould having a cavity for a T-shaped connecting element, the cavity including a cavity for a body and two cavities for arms and b) arranging an insert in the cavity for one of the two arms when an L-shaped connecting element is to be moulded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Thierry Frouin, Alain Amand
  • Publication number: 20190040830
    Abstract: An object of a control method to control a direct injection internal combustion engine that directly injects fuel in a cylinder is to reduce an increase in PN caused by attachment of the fuel to a fuel injection valve distal end. The control method cools the fuel before a fuel temperature when the fuel passes through an injection hole on a fuel injection valve reaches a temperature at which an amount of attached fuel to the fuel injection valve distal end increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro IMAOKA, Takao INOUE, Takeshi TSUYUKI
  • Publication number: 20190040831
    Abstract: A starter is installed in a vehicle. In the starter, a crank shaft is driven by a motor which rotates a pinion gear in a state where a ring gear connected to the crank shaft is in engagement with the pinion gear. Thus, an engine is started. The starter sets a start-up period depending on the type of the start-up trigger that generates a start-up request for the engine, and sets a current supplied to the motor on the basis of the set start-up period. Thus, at least either of a rotation speed and an output torque of the motor is controlled. This control is implemented by a control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masakazu YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190040832
    Abstract: Provided is an electric power system mounted on a vehicle having an engine, a battery, and a starter that starts the engine. The electric power system includes an SOC estimation part, estimating the SOC of the battery based on a first algorithm; an idling stop control part, permitting implementation of an idling stop control when an estimation result of the SOC estimation part satisfies a predetermined automatic stop condition; a full charge determination part, determining whether the battery is in a full charge state based on a second algorithm different from the first algorithm; and a malfunction determination part, determining that malfunction occurs in the SOC estimation part when the battery is estimated in the full charge state by the full charge determination part and the estimation result of the SOC estimation part does not satisfy the automatic stop condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru NAMIKI, Yuki KOIZUMI
  • Publication number: 20190040833
    Abstract: A starter apparatus is provided for starting a combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle, wherein an energy accumulator, a switching element for optionally coupling the energy accumulator with the combustion engine and a drive unit for driving the energy accumulator and for actuating the switching element. Also claimed is a drive train with the proposed starter apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin RUIDER, Michael IBELE
  • Publication number: 20190040834
    Abstract: An ignition device includes an ignition coil, an ignition plug and ignition control unit. The ignition control unit includes a secondary current adjusting unit that adjusts, in each cycle, an amount of the secondary current after initiating the discharge, a discharge extension detecting unit that detects an amount of extension of the discharge, and a short determination unit that determines whether a discharge-short has occurred. The ignition control unit controls the secondary current control unit such that a first step and a second step are repeatedly executed. The first step decreases the secondary current while keeping the secondary current higher than a predetermined lower current limit, when the extension amount detected by the discharge extension detecting unit is a predetermined extension amount or more. The second step increases the secondary current when the short determination unit determines that a discharge-short has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Noriaki NISHIO, Kanechiyo TERADA
  • Publication number: 20190040835
    Abstract: An ignition control apparatus applied to an internal combustion engine including a spark plug includes an in-cylinder pressure acquisition section, a frequency signal transmitting section which transmits a frequency signal having a predetermined frequency to a switching element, and a weak discharge generating section which causes the frequency signal to be transmitted during an intake stroke and controls the frequency signal such that a weak discharge is generated at the spark plug a plurality of times. The weak discharge generating section controls the frequency signal so as to cause a duty ratio of the switching element to be changed in accordance with the in-cylinder pressure, such that the frequency of generating weak discharges during a time period in which the frequency signal is transmitted becomes higher than a predetermined frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke TANAKA, Shota KINOSHITA, Noriaki NISHIO, Satoru NAKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20190040836
    Abstract: In a control device for an internal combustion engine and a method of estimating a combustion chamber-wall temperature of an internal combustion engine of the invention, a difference between a wall temperature of the combustion chamber and a cooling water temperature is set according to an integrated value of the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine after start of the fuel-cut, and the estimated value of the wall temperature of the combustion chamber during the fuel-cut is obtained based on the difference and the cooling water temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi TOYAMA, Shigeyuki SAKAGUCHI, Atsushi MURAI
  • Publication number: 20190040837
    Abstract: A method of controlling pre-primary ignitions of an internal combustion engine includes accessing data corresponding to an exhaust gas recirculation error and data corresponding to at least one of a rotational speed of the engine, a throttle position of a throttle, and a combustion mode of the engine. A voltage of the electrical power to be applied to an ignition source and a number of pre-primary ignitions to be applied are calculated based on the data corresponding to the exhaust gas recirculation error and the data corresponding to at least one of the rotational speed of the engine, the throttle position, and the combustion mode of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hanho Yun, Cherian A. Idicheria, Paul M. Najt
  • Publication number: 20190040838
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining an ignition coil dwell time based on an estimated ignition coil temperature. In one example, a method may include estimating the ignition coil temperature based on heat transfer between engine and the ignition coil, heat transfer between ambient and the ignition coil, and internal resistive heating of the ignition coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Justin Cartwright, Kirk Pulay
  • Publication number: 20190040839
    Abstract: Described herein are wave energy conversion systems including actuated geometry components. An example system may include at least one body portion configured to transfer wave energy to a power take off device, and at least one actuated geometry component that is connected to the at least one body portion, the at least one actuated geometry component operable to modify a geometric profile of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Thresher, Michael Lawson, Nathan Tom, Jason Cotrell, Yi-Hsiang Yu, Alan Wright
  • Publication number: 20190040840
    Abstract: A means for improving the motion stability of a floating, semi-submerged, or submerged body used in, multi-capture-mode wave energy converters (WECs) having two or more bodies, against wave-induced heave, surge, and pitching forces, while reducing the size, mass and cost of such bodies or bases, thus improving the relative motion and hence capture efficiency of such WECs over a broad spectrum of wave periods and wave heights. Stabilizing counter moments against wave-induced motion are substituted by strategic placement of drag plates or planes entraining seawater mass or water-filled cavities within, or attached to, the bases and/or at least one tensioned seabed-affixed cable. The base or reaction-body stabilizing means is disclosed in a two-body multi-capture-mode, deep-water, surface-deployed, wave-terminator-type WEC to concurrently increase wave energy capture efficiency and reduce the volume, mass, and capital cost of the WEC's stabilized reaction body or base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Rohrer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Rohrer
  • Publication number: 20190040841
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system including a pod rotatably supported by a platform structure. The platform structure includes a horizontal stabilizing beam that is disposed in spaced relation to the pod and a plurality of vertical stabilizing beams. The plurality of vertical stabilizing beams is arranged in a spaced apart configuration and is configured to rotatably support the pod. The horizontal stabilizing beam is interposed between an outer pair of the plurality of vertical stabilizing beams opposite the pod, a facet of which faces the pod and intersects each of the outer pair of vertical stabilizing beams at a perpendicular angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Ramuel Maramara
  • Publication number: 20190040842
    Abstract: A joint assembly for joining rotor blade segments of a wind turbine rotor blade includes a female structural member secured within a first rotor blade segment. The female structural member includes first bore holes on opposing sides thereof that are aligned in a chord-wise direction. Further, the joint assembly includes a male structural member extending longitudinally from an end face of a second rotor blade segment. As such, the male structural member is received within the female structural member of the first rotor blade segment such that the first and second rotor blade segments are aligned and connected. The male structural member includes second bore holes on opposing sides thereof. Further, the second bore holes are aligned with the first bore holes. Moreover, the joint assembly includes at least one chord-wise extending pin extending through the first and second bore holes so as to join the first and second rotor blade segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Scott Jacob Huth, Andrew Mitchell Rodwell
  • Publication number: 20190040843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a wind speed in a plant (1) having at least two wind turbines (2) spaced apart from one another. In order to determine the wind speed with high accuracy, it is provided according to the invention that an occurrence of a change in the local wind speed is detected for the at least two wind turbines (2), whereupon at least one time difference by which the local changes at the at least two wind turbines (2) are offset is determined, whereupon the wind speed is determined based on the time difference and a distance (3) between the wind turbines (2). In addition, the invention relates to a plant (1) having at least two wind turbines (2) spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: UPTIME HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Christopher GRAY, Franz LANGMAYR
  • Publication number: 20190040844
    Abstract: Described is a self-supporting support structure for wind turbine equipment. The support structure can be accommodated in a hollow transition piece for connecting a tower of an offshore wind turbine to a foundation pile, or in a foundation pile itself. The support structure includes two or more floors placed vertically above each other and supported by upright supports. At least one floor connects substantially fittingly to an internal peripheral wall of the transition piece or the foundation pile, and said floor is provided with means for reducing its surface area, for instance foldable edge parts. Also described is a method for assembling at least a part of an offshore wind turbine, wherein the self-supporting support structure is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Alexandra Sofia Gonçales Da Silva, Dieter Wim Rabaut, Wouter Haring
  • Publication number: 20190040845
    Abstract: A method for balancing a wind turbine having a vertical axis. The method includes transmitting, via a turbine shaft, mechanical power to an alternator or generator; supporting, via a support structure, a vane shaft and the turbine shaft; and balancing the wind turbine based at least in part on freely moving objects within a hollow chamber of a balancing channel. In some cases, the support structure couples the vane shaft to the turbine shaft. In some cases, the balancing channel is coupled to the vane shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Noel Richard Potter
  • Publication number: 20190040846
    Abstract: Method for retrofitting a lightning protection device of a rotor blade of a wind turbine. In the method, a cable section of a lightning protection cable is stripped of insulation. A connection piece and a lightning protection receptor are fitted to the cable section which is stripped of insulation, so that the lightning protection receptor is electrically coupled to the lightning protection cable. The invention also relates to a rotor blade which is retrofitted using the method. The risk of lightning strikes in specific regions of a rotor blade can be reduced by the invention by means of the retrofitting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Christian Flach
  • Publication number: 20190040847
    Abstract: Methods for replacing a Wye-ring of a wind turbine generator preferably, but not necessarily, in-situ are described along with a combination of three arcuate Wye-ring sections that when assembled comprise a Wye-ring. The method after gaining access to the Wye-ring typically comprises: removing all or most of the damaged Wye-ring; installing the replacement sections typically by welding or brazing them in place; insulating the new ring; installing new blocking; and adhesively securing the new blocking in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Hodges
  • Publication number: 20190040848
    Abstract: A device for removal and installation of a pitch bearing on a wind turbine having a plurality of blades is provided, comprising a platform having a frame, wherein the platform includes a first bearing attachment member on a first side of the frame, and having a first pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; a second bearing attachment member on a second side of the frame, and having a second pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; and a rigging member attached to the frame, wherein the rigging member includes at least one cable bracket adapted to receive a lifting cable. A method of removal and installing a pitch bearing using the platform is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co.
    Inventors: Kevin Reynolds, John Clark, Stephen Warren, Thomas A. Pepin, III
  • Publication number: 20190040849
    Abstract: The present invention features a solar-thermal power generator. The generator makes use of solar energy to heat a component of the generator which leads to the heating of air or fluid within the generator. The rise of the heated air of fluid is channeled towards turbines which turn to produce electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: GRAVITY WELLS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: KENT BUTLER
  • Publication number: 20190040850
    Abstract: A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel ALLIS, Ian MCLAUGHLIN, Kenneth Phillips
  • Publication number: 20190040851
    Abstract: A system and method for boosting the pressure of a low-pressure multiphase mixture into a high-pressure multiphase mixture. The system includes a gas-liquid separator, a liquids pump and a liquid piston compressor. The method includes introducing the low-pressure multiphase mixture into the pressure boost system, operating such that a low-pressure liquid and a low-pressure gas form, boosting the pressure of the low-pressure liquid to a high-pressure liquid, introducing low-pressure gas during a charging period into the liquid piston compressor, converting the low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas using the high-pressure liquid during a compression period, discharging the high-pressure gas form the liquid piston compressor, and mixing the high-pressure liquid and gas such that the high-pressure multiphase mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Shoubo Wang
  • Publication number: 20190040852
    Abstract: A control valve includes: a body having a main passage through which a discharge chamber and a control chamber communicate, and a sub-passage through which the control chamber and a suction chamber communicate; a main valve seat provided in the main passage; a main valve element configured to touch and leave the main valve seat to close and open a main valve; a sub-valve seat provided in the sub-passage; a sub-valve element configured to touch and leave the sub-valve seat to close and open a sub-valve; a solenoid configured to generate a drive force in a valve closing direction of the main valve; an actuating rod for transmitting the drive force of the solenoid to the main valve element and the sub-valve element; a spring for applying a biasing force to the main valve in a valve opening direction; a spring for applying a biasing force to the sub-valve in a valve closing direction; and a differential pressure valve opening mechanism configured to open the sub-valve when a pressure difference between a control
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Ryota Sugamura, Shinji Saeki, Masaaki Tonegawa
  • Publication number: 20190040853
    Abstract: A control valve includes: a body having a main passage through which a discharge chamber and a control chamber communicate, and a sub-passage through which the control chamber and a suction chamber communicate; a main valve seat provided in the main passage; a main valve element configured to touch and leave the main valve seat to close and open a main valve; a sub-valve seat provided in the sub-passage; a sub-valve element configured to touch and leave the sub-valve seat to close and open a sub-valve; a solenoid configured to generate a drive force in a valve closing direction of the main valve; an actuating rod for transmitting the drive force of the solenoid to the main valve element and the sub-valve element; a spring for applying a biasing force to the main valve in a valve opening direction; a spring for applying a biasing force to the sub-valve in a valve closing direction; and a differential pressure valve opening mechanism configured to open the sub-valve when a pressure difference between a control
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Ryota Sugamura, Shinji Saeki, Masaaki Tonegawa
  • Publication number: 20190040854
    Abstract: A silencer device for acoustic suppression may include a first housing section; and a second housing section detachably connected to the first housing section. The first housing section may define a first baffle chamber and the second housing section defines a second baffle chamber. The silencer device may include a baffle device positioned within the first baffle chamber and the second baffle chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Justin Manley
  • Publication number: 20190040855
    Abstract: Compressor for generating compressed air for a commercial vehicle, having a housing with a piston chamber in a crankcase and a dead space which is configured at least in the cylinder head. The compressor has a valve device with a valve element which has an actuating section and a shut-off body for separating the dead space from the piston chamber, wherein the shut-off body can be lifted up from a valve seat in the direction of the piston chamber in order to open the valve device. The valve element is configured in one piece with the actuating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Frederic AMIOT, Jean-Baptiste MARESCOT, Joerg MELLAR
  • Publication number: 20190040856
    Abstract: Depicted and described herein is a diaphragm pump (1) for conveying a gaseous and/or liquid medium, having at least one deformable membrane (2) for changing the size of a work chamber (3) of the diaphragm pump (1), and having at least one actuating unit (4) for deforming the membrane (2) by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane (2) using a magnetic field, wherein the membrane (2) comprises and/or consists of a material which is magnetic and/or magnetizable, and the actuating unit (4) features at least one magnetic and/or magnetizable actuating means (7). According to the invention, the actuating unit (4) is rotatably mounted and the membrane (2) is arranged circumferentially with respect to the actuating unit (4), wherein, in a dead point position of the membrane (2), the polarization direction of the magnetic field generated between the material of the membrane (2) and the actuating means (7) is oriented in a direction radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Marcus Schwarzer, Heiko Hoffmann, Jan Westerwick
  • Publication number: 20190040857
    Abstract: A pump jack includes a number of standard components that have been sized and configured according to unique relative dimensions to produce a pump jack that reduces structural stress, increases bearing life and permits a lower cost of manufacture. These geometric ratios can be used to express the relative size and spacing of the crankshaft, crank arms, center bearing, equalizer bearing, walking beam and pitman arms. Pump jacks incorporating one or more of these geometric ratios can be sized and scaled for a variety of pumping applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Lufkin Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Garnett W. Valentine
  • Publication number: 20190040858
    Abstract: A submersible pumping apparatus comprises a filtration system (2), a gravity gas separator, a head (3), a double action pump (4), a linear driven electric motor (5), a hydro-protector (6) in the bottom part of the apparatus, and a telemetry system (7) united in a single housing (1). The linear electric motor (5) comprises a fixed part, a stator (15), filled with a dielectric liquid, and a movable part, a slider (16), comprising several sections spaced-apart from a stator central axis, mechanically connected to movable parts of the pump (4), plungers, one of which is located inside the stator (15), the second one is located inside the hydro-protector (6), fixed parts of the pump (4), cylinders, are arranged as follows: one cylinder is in the central part of the stator (15), and the second cylinder is inside the hydro-protector (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Dmitrij Valerevich KHACHATUROV