Patents Issued in April 6, 2021
  • Patent number: 10968854
    Abstract: A port injection valve injects fuel into an intake passage. A base injection amount is an injection amount proportional to an amount of fresh air introduced into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. A division process involves dividing the base injection amount into a synchronous injection amount and an asynchronous injection amount. In an intake-synchronous injection, the fuel is injected in synchronization with a period in which an intake valve is open. In an intake-asynchronous injection, the fuel is injected at a time advanced with respect to the intake-synchronous injection. In a selective correction process, the asynchronous injection amount is corrected according to a required correction amount for the base injection amount, and the synchronous injection amount is not corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koumei Miyata, Masanori Toya, Masanao Idogawa, Kosuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10968855
    Abstract: A control support device for supporting control of a vehicle using a learned model obtained by machine learning, includes: a data acquisition unit acquiring sensor information, which is related to a state of an inside or an outside of a supplying vehicle that supplies parameters to be used for the machine learning; a learning unit generating a learned model by performing the machine learning using an input/output data set, which is the sensor information acquired by the data acquisition unit and is data including input parameters and an output parameter of the learned model; and a transmission unit Transmitting at least one of the generated learned model and an output parameter calculated by inputting sensor information of the vehicle, control of which is supported, to the generated learned model as an input parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiki Kitagawa, Daiki Yokoyama, Keisuke Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 10968856
    Abstract: When an incremental amount of a steering angle exceeds a reference incremental amount, an ECU 60 executes vehicle attitude control of reducing an output torque of an engine, and, in a given operating range, drives a spark plug 16 in a manner allowing an air-fuel mixture to be self-ignited at a given timing, thereby executing SPCCI combustion. When there is a request for an additional deceleration from the vehicle attitude control (#12: YES), and the SPCCI combustion is performed (#13: YES), the ECU 60 executes fuel amount reduction control of reducing the amount of fuel to be supplied into a cylinder 2 (#14), so as to attain torque reduction for the vehicle attitude control. On the other hand, when the SPCCI combustion is not performed (#13: NO), the ECU 60 executes ignition retardation control of retarding an ignition timing of the spark plug 16 (#15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Takayama, Takeatsu Ito, Michio Ito, Kenko Ujihara, Daisaku Ogawa, Daisuke Umetsu
  • Patent number: 10968857
    Abstract: A method and system is provided of controlling a pump having a pumping element configured to provide pressurized fuel to a common rail accumulator coupled to a plurality of fuel injectors configured to inject fuel into a corresponding plurality of cylinders of an engine, comprising: receiving rail pressure values indicating a current fuel pressure in the accumulator; and responding to the received at least one rail pressure value by controlling operation of the pumping element during each potential pumping event of the pumping element to generate actual pumping events during at least some of the potential pumping events to cause the rail pressure values to remain within a desired range and to at least one of increase an overall efficiency of the pump, decrease audible noise generated by the pump, increase reliability of the pump and reduce injection pressure variations at the plurality of fuel injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Benson, Paul Peavler
  • Patent number: 10968859
    Abstract: Control is performed so as to occur SPCCI combustion in which, after an air-fuel mixture in a first area of a combustion chamber that includes an electrode portion of an ignition device is burned by receiving ignition energy, an air-fuel mixture formed in a second area located on an outer periphery of the first area is self-ignited. Control is also performed such that, in a high load operation region of an SPCCI combustion execution region, an air-fuel ratio in the entire combustion chamber becomes richer than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and that an air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture in the first area becomes leaner than an air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture in the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Ota, Ryohei Ono
  • Patent number: 10968860
    Abstract: Provided is a cylinder liner having a first portion with a first thermal conductivity and a second portion with a second thermal conductivity. The first portion having the first thermal conductivity can include as-cast projections or a coating of a material, as desired. The first thermal conductivity can be greater than the second thermal conductivity. In this manner, the cylinder liner can exhibit a thermal conductivity gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZYNP GROUP (U.S.A.) INC.
    Inventor: Rodrigo Favaron
  • Patent number: 10968861
    Abstract: The cylinder head includes an intake port communicating with a cylinder of a cylinder block, a cylinder head main body having an exhaust port communicating with the cylinder, and a rocker housing integrally formed on the cylinder head main body and an inner side of which is defined as a valve-system accommodating space. The rocker housing includes a lateral wall having a lateral wall main body and a base end portion which extends along a lower end of the lateral wall main body, connects the lateral wall main body to the cylinder head main body, and has a thickness thicker than that of the lateral wall body. A flow path which extends in an extending direction of the base end portion and through which a fluid flow is formed in the base end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Yuuki Kageyama
  • Patent number: 10968862
    Abstract: A galleryless piston for an internal combustion engine is provided. The piston has a monolithic piston body including an upper wall forming an upper combustion surface with first and second portions. The first portion extends annularly along an outer periphery of the upper wall and the second portion includes a combustion bowl. The first portion can also include valve pockets formed therein to reduce weight. The upper wall has an undercrown surface directly opposite the second portion of the upper combustion surface. To enhance cooling, a center portion of the undercrown surface is concave, such that oil is channeled during reciprocation of the piston from one side to the opposite side of the piston. The concave center portion is axially offset from the surrounding area of the undercrown surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Riffe, Michael Weinenger
  • Patent number: 10968863
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes: a crankshaft supported via a bearing; a balancer drive gear; a balancer shaft; and a one-way clutch mechanism that transmits to the crankshaft a drive force to start the internal combustion engine. In the internal combustion engine, the bearing includes an oil seal built therein, the oil seal sealing a crank chamber of the crankcase. The one-way clutch mechanism includes a case fixed to the crankshaft and a starter driven gear provided relatively rotatably with respect to the case and driven by the drive force. The starter driven gear includes a thrust bearing portion that abuts on the balancer drive gear in an axial direction of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Hatae, Masakazu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 10968864
    Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Aten, Sara Crawford
  • Patent number: 10968865
    Abstract: A rocket propulsion system comprises a combustion chamber, an oxygen supply system, comprising an oxygen supply duct and being configured to supply oxygen to the combustion chamber, and a hydrogen supply system, comprising a hydrogen supply duct and being configured to supply hydrogen to the combustion chamber. An ignition unit of the propulsion system, to which at least portions of the oxygen and the hydrogen supplied to the combustion chamber can be supplied, is configured to initiate combustion of the oxygen-hydrogen mixture in the combustion chamber. The propulsion system further comprises a cooling duct extending along an inner surface of a combustion chamber wall and through which at least a portion of the oxygen supplied to the combustion chamber, at least a portion of the hydrogen supplied to the combustion chamber or a combustion gas mixture emerging from the ignition unit flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Gotzig, Malte Wurdak, Joel Deck, Manuel Frey
  • Patent number: 10968866
    Abstract: An internal combustion gas engine (2) is disclosed. It includes a cylinder arrangement (4) and a first compressor (6) for compressing a gaseous fuel and air mixture. The at least one cylinder arrangement (4) forms a combustion chamber (8) and includes an intake arrangement (10) for intake of charge gas, a sparkplug (12), and a pre-chamber (14). The engine (2) comprises a second compressor (16) for compressing a gaseous medium, and a pressure reducer (18). An outlet (20) of the first compressor (6) is arranged in parallel with an outlet (22) of the second compressor (16). The outlet (20) of the first compressor (6) is connected to the pre-chamber (14). The outlet (20) of the first compressor (6) and the outlet (22) of the second compressor (16) are connected to the pressure reducer (18). An outlet (24) of the pressure reducer (18) is connected to the intake arrangement (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Svante Lejon
  • Patent number: 10968867
    Abstract: When a natural gas compressor completes its compression cycle, residual pressurized natural gas remains in the cylinders, valves, and conduits of the compressor. Gas leaks into the environment increasing greenhouse gas emissions and introducing safety concerns. The systems and methods herein provide ways for substantially reducing or eliminating leakage of natural gas to the atmosphere while the system sits idle between compression cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ONBOARD DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Echter, Kristina Weyer-Geigel
  • Patent number: 10968868
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a compressed natural gas fuel rail. In one example, a system comprises a device having a first volume for housing compressed natural gas and a second volume for housing lubricant, the first and second volumes arranged in a single housing and separated by a barrier. Lubricant flow from the second volume to the first volume may be adjusted by adjusting a pressure of the second volume so that a pressure difference between the second and first volumes is increased to increase lubricant flow or decreased to decrease lubricant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Bernd Steiner
  • Patent number: 10968869
    Abstract: A device may determine whether there is a communicated point with open air between a pump and a control valve or on an opposite side to the control valve of the pump, by at least two of pressures: between the pump and the control valve in case the control valve is in a cutoff state, the switching valve is in a communication state, and the pump sends in forward direction, on an opposite side to the control valve of to the pump in case the control valve is in a communication state, the switching valve is in the cutoff state, and the pump sends in reverse direction; and between the pump and the control valve or on the opposite side to the control valve of the pump in case the valves are in the cutoff states and the pump is stopped after one of these cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kato, Daisaku Asanuma
  • Patent number: 10968870
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an evaporative emission control canister system that includes: one or more canisters comprising at least one vent-side particulate adsorbent volume comprising a particulate adsorbent having microscopic pores with a diameter of less than about 100 nm; macroscopic pores having a diameter of about 100-100,000 nm; and a ratio of a volume of the macroscopic pores to a volume of the microscopic pores that is greater than about 150%, and having a retentivity of about 1.0 g/dL or less. The system may further include a high butane working capacity adsorbent. The disclosure also describes a method for reducing emissions in an evaporative emission control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: INGEVITY SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Byrne, Laurence H. Hiltzik, Marta Leon Garcia, Cameron I. Thomson
  • Patent number: 10968871
    Abstract: An engine system may include an engine including a plurality of intake lines through which outside air supplied to combustion chamber flows, a first electric supercharger and a second electric supercharger disposed respectively in the plurality of intake lines, a first exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device including a first EGR line branched from an exhaust manifold and joining an intake manifold and a first EGR valve disposed in the first EGR line, and a controller determining an engine target torque according to a driving condition of the engine, setting an engine torque within an operation region of the first EGR device when the engine target torque is in a torque dead band between the operation region of the first EGR device and a non-operation region thereof, and compensating a difference value between the engine target torque and the engine torque by a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seungwoo Hong, Jong Il Park, Heechang Oh, Kwanhee Lee, Jaegu Kang, Dong Hee Han, Yeongseop Park
  • Patent number: 10968872
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve warming device includes an exhaust throttle arranged in an exhaust passage, an exhaust gas recirculation passage that extends from a portion of the exhaust passage that is upstream of the exhaust throttle and is connected to an intake passage, an exhaust gas recirculation valve arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage, and a branch passage that extends from a portion of the exhaust gas recirculation passage that is upstream of the exhaust gas recirculation valve in a direction in which exhaust gas flows, in which the branch passage is connected to a portion of the exhaust passage that is downstream of the exhaust throttle. The exhaust gas recirculation valve includes a valve passage that forms part of the exhaust gas recirculation passage and a warming passage that forms part of the branch passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keishi Nanno, Koichi Nishitani
  • Patent number: 10968873
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorption system for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, the system includes one or more hydrocarbon adsorption elements being housed within a frame, the frame being permanently affixed within the air intake housing of engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Hoesl
  • Patent number: 10968874
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a foam sleeve circumferentially surrounding an engine passage. In one example, a system may include a collapsible foam sleeve including cuts on its surface that may be fit onto the engine passage. The foam sleeve may be stacked and transported in a collapsed state and then expanded prior to the fitting to the engine passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adilson Canovas Almeida, Antonio Mathias
  • Patent number: 10968875
    Abstract: An intake manifold includes a passage wall portion having a first member passage wall portion provided at a first member, a second member passage wall portion provided at a second member, and an inner joint portion including a division point at which an inner joint portion is divided from an outer peripheral joint portion, the inner joint portion at which the first member passage wall portion and the second member passage wall portion are joined with each other. At least a part of the inner joint portion except for the division point is arranged at a height position closer to a middle part of a gas passage than the division point in a first direction in which the first member and the second member are opposed with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuma Kuriki, Tomohisa Senda, Hideaki Teramoto, Ryo Ikegami, Kyohei Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 10968876
    Abstract: An engine air intake duct includes a duct wall and an orifice cap. The duct wall extends between an air inlet and an air outlet and has at least one orifice disposed therethrough. The duct wall has an integrally-formed closure mechanism adjacent the orifice. The orifice cap is moveable relative to and securable to the closure mechanism to substantially cover the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ivan Lage Matos, Guilherme Augusto Lopes Da Silva
  • Patent number: 10968877
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically controllable suction valve (1) for a high-pressure fuel pump (2), comprising a magnet assembly (3) and a hydraulic module (4), the hydraulic module (4) engaging at least in sections in an annular magnet coil (5) of the magnet assembly (3). According to the invention, a heat-conducting material (6) and/or a heat-conducting body (7) is/are arranged between the magnet coil (5) and the hydraulic module (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing an electromagnetically actuatable suction valve (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gabriel Cichon, Stefan Kolb, Steffen Holm, Tobias Landenberger
  • Patent number: 10968878
    Abstract: Circuits and methods to control a current in a coil are disclosed. The circuit and methods provide over-dwell protection and soft shut-down functionality to safely discharge the coil. The safe discharge of the coil is facilitated by a soft-start ramp signal that reduces the coil current gradually by controlling a switching device according. A profile of the soft-start ramp signal over time determines the gradual reduction. The profile of the soft-start ramp signal can be adjusted to set (i) an over-dwell period of the coil current, after which the coil current is shut down, and (ii) a soft shut-down period, over which the coil current is gradually reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Mikio Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 10968879
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an exhaust catalyst heating strategy that uses spark retard to increase an amount of heat output by an engine without a combustion stability limit. In one example, a method may include, during an engine cold start, applying an ignition spark at a timing that produces substantially zero combustion torque while maintaining an engine speed greater than a threshold speed via electric motor torque. Furthermore, an amount of heat output by the engine may be controlled by adjusting an airflow through the engine, such as by adjusting one or more of a throttle position and the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Ulrey
  • Patent number: 10968880
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for controlling a coil current are disclosed. The control utilizes current sources to source/sink charge to/from a capacitance of a switching device to turn the switching device ON/OFF. When turned OFF, the switching device blocks coil current from flowing, which can create a large kickback voltage on the coil. To reduce the large kickback voltage, the capacitance can be discharged slowly by a small discharge current. The disclosed circuits and methods provide a gradual reduction of the coil current at a rate that is slow enough to prevent a spark while minimizing a period for shutdown to prevent overheating. The disclosed systems and methods may be simpler than other approaches because the soft shutdown is no ramp signal is required for the reduction. Instead, a rate of gate capacitance discharge is controlled to maintain the kickback voltage at a particular level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Mikio Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 10968881
    Abstract: The present invention provides spark plug that can improve detection accuracy of pre-ignition caused by flame kernel occurring inside spark plug. Terminal is located at a rear end side with respect to thread portion of metal shell. Detector electrode is provided at a portion located at a top end side with respect to a top end of contact portion between reduced diameter portion and shelf portion or packing in a space formed between outer periphery of insulator and inner periphery of the metal shell. The detector electrode and the terminal are connected by conductor. The detector electrode and the conductor are insulated from center electrode, the metal shell and ground electrode. Since the detector electrode is located in the space between the outer periphery of the insulator and the inner periphery of the metal shell, an early detection of the flame kernel occurring in this space can be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Kano, Kiyoteru Mori, Tomohiro Iwatsuka, Yoshiki Inoue, Keita Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10968882
    Abstract: A movable-blade operation system for a hydraulic machine according to an embodiment includes an oil hydraulic cylinder installed within a rotational shaft, a bidirectional pump, a pump drive motor, a control unit, and an oil head installed in the hydraulic machine. The bidirectional pump selectively feeds pressurized hydraulic oil to one of a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber. The oil head couples the rotational shaft rotatably, and the hydraulic oil fed from the bidirectional pump to the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber flows through the oil head. The bidirectional pump, the pump drive motor, and the control unit are installed outside the hydraulic machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ENERGY SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junji Mori, Masahiko Nakazono, Ryoji Hakataya, Kouya Inada, Kenichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 10968883
    Abstract: An air-driven generator for generating electric power from movement of a working fluid. Upper ends of buoyancy conduits are in fluidic communication with an upper end of a gravitational distribution conduit, and a lower end of the gravitational distribution conduit is in fluidic communication with lower ends of the buoyancy conduits. An air injection system injects air into the buoyancy conduits. A closed fluid loop is formed with working fluid flowing from the gravitational distribution conduit driving a fluid turbine system that is interposed between the lower ends of the gravitational distribution conduit and the buoyancy conduits. Flow of working fluid can be induced by an injection of air into working fluid disposed in the buoyancy conduits to achieve a generation of power by actuation of the fluid turbine system. An upper chamber can remove entrained air. A Rankin Cycle Generator can receive and be actuated by exhausted air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Mark J. Maynard
  • Patent number: 10968884
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid flow energy harvester (10) comprising a crankshaft (12) and at least one vane (14) pivoted into a sail portion (18) and a crank portion (20) on respective sides of the pivot (16). Both portions (18) and (20) are operatively oscillatable about the pivot (16) when the crank portion (20) is operatively arranged facing into a fluid flow (22). The crank portion (20) is linked to the crankshaft (12) via a crank (24) so that operative oscillation of the vane (14) imparts rotational force to said crankshaft (12). The harvester (10) also includes a fin arrangement (26) which comprises a fin (28) arranged on, and configured to guide, the sail portion (18) of the vane (14) facing towards or in a direction of the fluid flow (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Douglas Richard English
  • Patent number: 10968885
    Abstract: A rotor blade having a suction side and a pressure side for a wind power installation, comprising: a rotor blade root of a hub region for the attachment of the rotor blade to a rotor hub, and a rotor blade tip arranged toward that side of a tip region which is averted from the rotor blade root. In the region of the hub region, the rotor blade has, at least in part, a thickness profile which has a thorn-like extension at its trailing edge, wherein, in the region of the hub region, the thickness profile has, at least in part, a first thorn-like extension at the trailing edge at the suction side, and a second thorn-like extension at the trailing edge at the pressure side, and, in the region of the hub region, the thickness profile has, at least in part, a flow stabilizer and/or a vortex generator on the suction and/or pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10968886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a turbine airfoil for relative movement in an ambient fluid, and a turbine apparatus comprising at least one airfoil. The airfoil comprises a main spar having two hill formations and discharge means operable to discharge evaporative and condensing fluids outwardly into the ambient fluid flowing over the main spar. The first of these hill formations accelerates the flow of the ambient fluid until it reaches the speed of sound. After the first hill formation the Mach number continues to increase and the evaporative fluid is discharged into the ambient causing the air to cool which accelerates the ambient flow further and decreases the pressure. On the second hill formation the lower pressure causes a thrust. As the flow moves relative to the second hill formation the Mach number decreases and then increases as it descends the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Caren Meicnic Teoranta
    Inventor: Colm Joseph Caren
  • Patent number: 10968887
    Abstract: Provided is a trailing edge assembly of a wind turbine rotor blade, which includes a mounting portion; a flap portion flexibly connected to the mounting portion so that a flap angle subtended between the mounting portion and the flap portion can be altered; a volume adjustable chamber arranged between the mounting portion and the flap portion and realised to alter its volume between a minimum volume associated with a minimum flap angle and a maximum volume associated with a maximum flap angle; and at least one tube to face into an airflow passing over the airfoil region of the rotor blade, and an inner orifice arranged to face into the interior of the volume adjustable chamber such that an airflow between the outer orifice and the inner orifice alters the volume of the volume adjustable chamber. Embodiments of the invention further describe a wind turbine rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Busra Akay, Peder Bay Enevoldsen, Alejandro Gomez Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10968888
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine is disclosed, the wind turbine comprising a set of wind turbine blades (1), each wind turbine blade (1) being provided with at least one air deflector (2) being movable between an activated position in which it protrudes from a surface of the wind turbine blade (1) and a de-activated position. The occurrence of an event causing a change in operational conditions is registered, and a new operating state for the wind turbine is determined, the new operating state meeting requirements of the changed operational conditions. The air deflectors (2) of the wind turbine blades (1) and pitch angles of the wind turbines blades (1) are controlled in order to reach the new operating state for the wind turbine, and in such a manner that the control of the pitch angles of the wind turbine blades (1) is performed while taking information regarding the control of the air deflectors (2) into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Poul Brandt Christensen, Claus Thybo, Jesper Sandberg Thomsen
  • Patent number: 10968889
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a generator and at least one heat generating component. The method includes obtaining a temperature of the heat generating component; determining the presence of a predetermined increase of the temperature of the heat generating component; and upon determining the presence of the predetermined temperature increase, controlling the rotational speed of the generator so as to increase the rotational speed of the generator while not increasing the electrical power output of the generator or while increasing the electrical power output of the generator at a smaller proportion than the increase in rotational speed of the generator so as to reduce the level of electrical current in the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Samuel H. Hawkins, Michael Bilet Skovgaard Steffensen
  • Patent number: 10968890
    Abstract: A method and associated control arrangement are disclosed for controlling a power output of a wind power plant (WPP) according to a predetermined power ramp rate limit, the WPP comprising a plurality of wind turbine generators (WTGs). The method comprises receiving a first signal indicating that a first WTG is in a ready state to begin producing power. The method further comprises, upon determining that, responsive to the received first signal, beginning power production of the first WTG at a predetermined default power ramp rate would cause the power output of the WPP to exceed the power ramp rate limit, controlling power production of the first WTG using at least one of: a first delay, a power ramp rate reference less than the default power ramp rate, and a power reference less than a nominal power output of the first WTG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Mu Wei, Martin Ansbjerg Kjær, Kouroush Nayebi, Jesper Sandberg Thomsen, Eik Herbsleb
  • Patent number: 10968891
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling active power generation of a wind power plant coupled to a power grid, the wind power plant including a power plant controller for controlling a plurality of wind turbine generators. In an embodiment, the method includes monitoring an operational status of a plant compensation equipment and adjusting a plant reactive power capability when the operational status of the plant compensation equipment indicates a fault in the plant compensation equipment. According to an embodiment, the method includes controlling the wind power plant to curtail the active power generated by the wind power plant by a curtailment amount determined based on the adjusted plant reactive power capability. A corresponding wind power plant is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Manoj Gupta, Kouroush Nayebi, Ravi Kumar
  • Patent number: 10968892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a wind turbine. The method includes: dividing a plurality of wind turbines into at least one group based on a similarity in status information of the plurality of wind turbines; in response to having detected a fault in a first wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines, searching a group to which the first wind turbine belongs for a second wind turbine matching status information of the first wind turbine; and controlling the first wind turbine based on parameters from the second wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Utopus Insights, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Xin Bai, Jin Dong, Li Li, Liang Liu, Xiao Guang Rui, Hai Feng Wang, Wen Jun Yin
  • Patent number: 10968893
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a tower structure configured to hold a nacelle with a rotor and a parking structure for holding the rotor. To improve the ability to carry out maintenance and to allow easier assembly and disassembly of the wind turbine, the parking structure is configured to connect the rotor directly to the tower structure to thereby allow removal of the nacelle while the rotor remains fixed to the tower structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Ivar J. B. K. Jensen, Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen, Henrik Kudsk
  • Patent number: 10968894
    Abstract: A wind turbine foundation and method for making a wind turbine foundation. The wind turbine foundation preferably includes a core member including a substantially cylindrically-shaped main body, a first outer flange extending out from the main body along an upper section of the core member, and a second outer flange extending out from the main body along a lower section of the core member, and a plurality of radial girders connected to the first outer flange and the second outer flange and radiating out from the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TETRA TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Kemp, Cory Williams
  • Patent number: 10968895
    Abstract: A method ships a wind tower by nesting a plurality of sections of the tower. The plurality of nested sections includes a radially outermost section. Each of the sections has a bottom end configured to be closer to a bottom of the tower, and a top end configured to be closer to a top of the tower. Each of the bottom ends has an internal flange and/or an external flange, and each of the top ends has the other of the internal flange and/or the external flange. The method mounts a removable force distribution fixture to the radially outermost section. The fixture suspends the radially outermost section to form a single shipping unit. The fixture is configured to distribute force along the tower when it is attached to a hinge and tilted up using a force generating member. The shipping unit is configured to ship as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Pecos Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Groleau
  • Patent number: 10968896
    Abstract: A connection and fastening unit for components of a lightning protection system, the connection and fastening unit being realized for the purpose of being integrated in a wind turbine rotor blade and for being connected to the components of the lightning protection system, wherein the connection and fastening unit includes a cavity which can be closed in an airtight manner and in which a connector for connection to at least one of the components of the lightning protection system is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nordex Energy SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hendrik Klein, Thomas Lipka
  • Patent number: 10968897
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower is supported on a transition piece that connects the tower to a foundation and that defines a space beneath the lower end of the tower. Electronic components positioned within a removable module in the lower portion of a wind turbine tower may be removed through a lower end of the tower for service or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Victor Donescu, Jacob Karottki Falk Andersen, Erland Falk Hansen
  • Patent number: 10968898
    Abstract: Disclosed is a guiding device for guiding an elongated element such as a cable or a pipe from the exterior into a hollow interior of a support element, the support element being a support element for supporting an offshore structure and being at least partly submerged in water, wherein the guiding device comprises; a tube having a first opening at a first end for facing the exterior and a second opening at a second end opposite to the first end for facing the hollow interior of the support element. The guiding device is configured to allow water to flow into the first opening and out of the second opening of the tube, and substantially prevent water from flowing into the second opening and out of the first opening whereby the guiding device allows water to enter the hollow interior of the support element but not exit the hollow interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Jan Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10968899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump unit applied to a high-pressure cleaning machine, including: a water inlet chamber, a water outlet chamber, and a central chamber connected to the water inlet chamber and the water outlet chamber. The pump unit further includes a plunger disposed in the central chamber and an eccentric mechanism connected to the plunger. The eccentric mechanism drives the plunger to perform reciprocating motion in the central chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pinghua Wu, Yong Qiao, Haijun Zhang
  • Patent number: 10968900
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump for pumping a fluid mastic comprises a plurality of cylinders each having a piston arranged for reciprocal motion within the cylinder. Movement of the piston in a first direction draws the fluid into the cylinder and movement in a second, opposite direction pumps the fluid out of the cylinder. A variable speed electric motor is drivingly coupled to a cam arrangement providing a reciprocating drive to the pistons. The cam arrangement comprises cams shaped and arranged to drive each piston in the first direction over less than half of a rotational cycle and to drive each piston in the second direction over the remainder of the rotational cycle. The cams are arranged to drive the pistons out of phase with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 10968901
    Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes: a casing; a differential piston having an upper ring and a lower base, sliding reciprocally in the casing and a cylindrical housing inside the envelope, separating two chambers of the casing; a hydraulic switch conveying liquid to/from the chambers, the switch controlled by movement of the piston and including at least one rod acting on a distribution member that includes an upper valve cooperating with a first seat in the upper ring of the piston and at least one lower valve cooperating with a second seat in the lower base of the piston; and a trigger causing, at the end of the stroke, a sudden change in the position of the switch to reverse the stroke. The lower and upper valve seats accept upper and lower frustoconical portions and a lower frustoconical portion tapering in opposite directions. Also disclosed is a reversible metering pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DOSATRON INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Sébastien Furet, Sandrine Lambinet, David Vacher, Najib Laatiaoui
  • Patent number: 10968902
    Abstract: A modular pump system permits combining multiple discrete pump assemblies in serial and/or parallel configurations to tailor system output to user needs. The assemblies may be combined by hand quickly, without the needs for tools, to permit use in remote areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Kickstart International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Charles Spybey, Martin John Fisher
  • Patent number: 10968903
    Abstract: A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and drives the fluid downstream to a spray tip where the fluid is applied to a surface. The pump includes a polymer pump body and a metallic piston configured to reciprocate relative to and within the polymer pump body. The metallic piston interfaces with an inner cylinder formed within the polymer pump body and pumps fluid through the polymer pump body to a spray nozzle downstream of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Diane L. Olson, Christopher C. Hines, Robert W. Kinne
  • Patent number: 10968904
    Abstract: An oil pumping system to carry oil from an oil sump in a pump housing to an internal oil reservoir in another portion of the pump housing. A top plate is attached to a pump rod and moves in accordance with a reciprocating motion of the pump rod. A bottom plate is below the top plate. A pump mechanism, disposed between the top plate and bottom plate, includes a valve seat that contacts the bottom plate, and an upper portion that contacts the top plate. A first biasing element is configured to urge the valve seat upward away from the bottom plate. A second biasing element is configured to urge the plunger upward away from the valve seat. Upward movement of the pump rod allows oil to flow into the pump mechanism. Downward movement of the pump rod causes the bottom of the valve seat to seal against the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hilgers, Michael A. MacDonald, Benjamin J. Gregory, Ronald G. Peterson