Seals Patents (Class 165/9)
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Patent number: 11486653Abstract: A support structure for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger includes an upper section, a lower section, and a plurality of support members. The upper section includes an upper ring having a first exterior surface, an upper hub and at least three upper spokes each extending between and secured at respective ends thereof to the upper ring and the upper hub. Each of the plurality of support members are fixedly secured, directly or indirectly, to the upper ring and the lower section. An annular space is between the upper ring and the lower ring, which is configured to receive compartments of a rotor assembly. The upper hub, the upper spokes and the support members cooperate to provide rigidity to the support structure by cooperating to support and transmit the weight of the upper spokes, the upper ring and the upper hub to the lower section.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Arvos Ljungstrom LLCInventors: William J. Starks, Jr., Adam C. Sorochin, Kevin O'Boyle
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Patent number: 11480101Abstract: A waste heat gathering and transfer system and method that, in certain embodiments, includes a collector for collecting at least a portion of waste heat dissipating from one or more waste heat sources, such as equipment surfaces and flames, a heat-to-electricity converter; and an electricity-to-grid transfer interface. In some instances, the system and method also include an electric-to-grid optimizer. In some embodiments, the heat-to-electricity converter is a semiconductor-based converter. In other embodiments, the heat-to-electricity converter is an organic rankine cycle. In some instances, the heat collector includes an external collector layer with an inner and outer surface, an internal collector layer with an internal and external surface, an interior gap area between the external collector layer inner surface and the internal collector layer internal surface, an insulating material, a heat collecting component, and a heat transfer component.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Inventor: William Honjas
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Patent number: 11208903Abstract: During operation, a bladed rotor disk typically experiences out-of-plane vibration which can result in deterioration and/or cracking at the interface between adjacent shrouds of the turbine blades. In an embodiment, slots are formed at the end of a labyrinth seal segment of each shroud. Preloaded spring strips are inserted through the slots to couple adjacent shrouds while preventing the natural frequency of the turbine blades from drifting to the operating speed range and/or providing vibration damping to the untuned blade mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Loc Quang Duong, Olivier J. Lamicq
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Patent number: 11137217Abstract: A rotor for a high temperature rotary pre-heater includes a hub that has an exterior surface thereon. The rotor includes an annular rim positioned around and coaxially with the hub. The annular rim has an interior surface. A plurality of partitions extend between the hub and the annular rim. Each of the partitions is located in a predetermined circumferential position by one or more alignment features. The exterior surface, the interior surface and/or the partitions have one or more of the alignment features thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Arvos Ljungstrom LLCInventor: Jeffrey O'Boyle
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Patent number: 10807786Abstract: A livestock medication containment and administration container has a thermally insulated body defining an interior cavity and a top opening. A lid is movably attached to the thermally insulated body and has one or more apertures extending through the lid that are configured to receive a dispensing end of a livestock medication delivery device. Divider panels provide interior compartments for storage of livestock medication vials and associated administration supplies. Preferably, the lid is divided so that access to the medication and administration supplies may be accomplished through a first lid side while the medication delivery devices are carried in a second lid side.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Malley CorporationInventor: Darla Bramwell
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Patent number: 10704840Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first leaf with a spacer secured proximate a distal end of the first leaf. The spacer extends along the first leaf from an outboard end of the spacer to an inboard end thereof. The seal assembly includes a second leaf that is secured to the spacer so that the distal end is positioned proximate the outboard end of the spacer. The second leaf has an elongate section that extends away from the distal end. The elongate section extends beyond the inboard end of the spacer and terminates along the first bend of the first leaf, so that a portion of the second leaf proximate the terminus of the second leaf is slidingly moveable relative to and in compressive engagement with a portion of the first bend, and a portion of the second elongate section is spaced apart from the first elongate section.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: ARVOS LJUNGSTROM LLCInventor: Jeffrey O'Boyle
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Patent number: 10533664Abstract: A radial seal assembly is disclosed for a regenerative heat exchanger. The radial seal assembly can include a mount having a first upstanding region and a first arcuate region. Here, the first upstanding region is configured to attach to a diaphragm of the heat exchanger. The radial seal assembly further includes a flexible radial contact or non-contact seal, wherein the seal further includes a second arcuate region. Here, the first arcuate region of the mount is configured to receive the second arcuate region of the flexible seal and securing the flexible seal therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Inventors: Nathan Hastings, Stephan Hastings, Frank T. Klisura
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Patent number: 10391441Abstract: A rotor includes a hub, a frame, several processing elements and several plates. There are ribs and slots formed between the frame and the processing elements, in which the ribs are engaged with the slots. Therefore, the ribs provide axial support and thus enhance the structural strength of the processing elements. In addition, the processing elements may include two layers of fiber substrates with different structural strength, so that the rotor can meet the requirements of both the structural strength and the processing efficiency by the combination of different substrates. Furthermore, there can be a perforated plate disposed on the frame for the processing elements to abut thereagainst. The rotor can thus have enhanced structural strength.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: JG Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Feng-Tang Chang
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Patent number: 10295272Abstract: An insulation retaining assembly for a high temperature rotary pre-heater having a cold-end rotor and a hot-end rotor includes a plurality of elongate retainer elements. Each of the retainer elements has a root end adapted to be held in fixed relationship to the cold-end rotor and a distal end proximate to the hot-end rotor. Portions of each of the plurality of retainer elements are adapted for circumferential movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: ARVOS LJUNGSTROM LLCInventor: Jeffrey M. O'Boyle
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Patent number: 10259711Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separating oxygen from air using a sorption/desorption cycle that includes a reduced or minimized difference between the maximum and minimum pressures involved in the sorption/desorption cycle. The reduced or minimized difference in pressures can be achieved in part by using valves that can allow for commercial scale flow rates while avoiding large pressure drops for flows passing through the valves. A rotary wheel adsorbent is an example of a system that can allow for a sorption/desorption cycle with reduced and/or minimized pressure drops across valves associated with the process. Stationary adsorbent beds can also be used in combination with commercially available valves that have reduced and/or minimized pressure drops.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Ramesh Gupta, Robert A. Johnson, Thomas N. Anderson, Harry W. Deckman, Peter I. Ravikovitch
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Patent number: 10138742Abstract: A multi-ply finger seal with a first ply that is subject to a first amount of deflection during operation of the gas turbine engine and a second ply that is subject to a second amount of deflection during operation of the gas turbine engine. The first amount of deflection of the first ply differs from the second amount of deflection of the second ply. The differing amounts of deflection can result from the first ply and second ply being constructed from materials that have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Additionally or alternatively, the first ply can have a stiffness that differs from the stiffness of the second ply.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Matthew Budnick
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Patent number: 10094626Abstract: A heat transfer sheet for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger includes a plurality of rows of heat transfer surfaces each being aligned with a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends thereof. The heat transfer surfaces have a height relative to a central plane of the heat transfer sheet. The heat transfer sheet includes one or more notch configurations for spacing the heat transfer sheets apart from one another. Each of the notch configurations are positioned between adjacent rows of heat transfer surfaces. The notch configurations include one or more lobes connected to one another, positioned in a common flow channel and extending away from the central plane and one or more lobes extending away from the central plane in an opposite direction and being coaxial. The lobes have height a relative to the central plane that is greater than the height of the heat transfer surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: ARVOS LJUNGSTROM LLCInventors: Nathan T. Atkinson, James D. Seebald, Jefferey E. Yowell, Jeffrey M. O'Boyle
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Patent number: 9920940Abstract: A rotary wheel assembly is configured for use with a system for conditioning air to be supplied to an enclosed structure. The rotary wheel is configured to be positioned within a supply air stream and an exhaust air stream. The assembly includes a cassette frame, a wheel rotatably secured within the cassette frame, and a self-adjusting seal subassembly configured to maintain sealing engagement with respect to a surface of the wheel. The self-adjusting seal subassembly includes at least one seal member.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.Inventors: Blake Norman Erb, Manfred Gerber, Maury Brad Wawryk, David Martin Wintemute, Paul Lorenzo Pieper
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Patent number: 9772036Abstract: A rotary wheel assembly is configured for use with a system for conditioning air to be supplied to an enclosed structure. The rotary wheel is configured to be positioned within a supply air stream and an exhaust air stream. The assembly includes a cassette frame, a wheel rotatably secured within the cassette frame, and a self-adjusting seal subassembly configured to maintain sealing engagement with respect to a surface of the wheel. The self-adjusting seal subassembly includes at least one seal member.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.Inventors: Blake Norman Erb, Manfred Gerber, Maury Brad Wawryk, David Martin Wintemute, Paul Lorenzo Pieper
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Patent number: 9644899Abstract: Heat transfer sheets (70) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger (10) have a alternating first and second undulation surfaces (71,81). The first and second undulation surfaces (71,81) are composed of parallel ridges (75,85) angled in alternating directions. When the heat transfer sheets (70) are stacked, they create passageways (79) between them that direct air/gas through them. The ridges (75,85) redirect the air flow near the surface of the heat transfer sheet (70) imparting turbulence reducing laminar flow to improve heat transfer. The heat transfer sheets (80) employ curved ridges (95) having valleys (97) between them that define passageways (99) that constantly redirect the air/gas flow minimizing turbulence, creating efficient heat transfer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Arvos, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Cowburn, Scott R. Duffney, Dennis R. Grantier, Jeffery E. Yowell
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Patent number: 9523733Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to automatic test equipment for testing a circuit having an oscillating crystal and to a method for operating such automatic test equipment. A generator generates a first signal comprising an oscillating part having at least one predetermined frequency. A first terminal couples the first signal to the oscillating crystal. At least one predetermined frequency is located inside a predetermined window around one of the resonance frequencies of the oscillating crystal. An analyzer has a second terminal coupled to the oscillating crystal for detecting a second signal and a rectifier connected in series with a low-pass filter for rectifying and filtering the second signal. A detector for detects a DC-signal at the output of the low-pass filter and for signals a valid test result for the oscillating crystal if the DC-signal exceeds a certain threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Ralf Sonnhueter, Anton Ecker
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Patent number: 9506364Abstract: At least one sealing arrangement is provided for a connecting mechanism between an inner annular member or an outer annular member and an associated segment to connect between the annular members and the segments. The sealing arrangement includes an elastic sealing member provided between the sealing surfaces, disposed linearly along a side of polygon defined around a central axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryozo Tanaka, Tomoki Taniguchi
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Patent number: 9353868Abstract: The present relates to a seal for an energy recovery wheel. The seal comprises a main body defining an inner surface, and a pair of lateral walls extending from each lateral side of the main body. Each lateral wall respectively comprises a free edge defining a lip. The inner surface and lateral walls define a space therebetween. The seal provides for air travelling from one section of the energy recovery wheel to another to turbulate within the space. The inner surface is generally flat and the space may comprise a cavity. The lateral walls may be flexible or rigid. The present also relates to a combination of the seal with the energy recovery wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Innergy Tech Inc.Inventors: Michel Julien, Gabriel Duff, Dominic Blanchette
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Patent number: 9341120Abstract: A sealed joint may include a first plate with a seal land, a second plate that moves relative to the seal land, and a seal connected to the second plate. The seal may extend laterally between a first seal end and a second seal end. The seal may include a plurality of seal elements that extend longitudinally between a first seal side and a second seal side. A first of the seal elements may extend laterally from the first seal end towards a first seal segment, which is separated from the second plate by an airflow channel. The second of the seal elements may extend laterally from the second seal end towards a second seal segment, which is located between and engaged with the first seal segment and the seal land.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Barry, Jr., Corina Scanio
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Patent number: 9276271Abstract: A fuel cell system (10) with a toggle switch (32) between an ON or OFF position is provided. In the OFF position, gas is purged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell (12) may surround the fuel source (14) with the cathode side of the fuel cell facing the fuel source. Additionally, both the fuel cell (12) and the fuel source (14) may have similar form factor to maximize the available space. Preferably the form factor is substantially an oval shape. The fuel cell system may also have a pressure regulator (26).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignees: Intelligent Energy Limited, The Commissariat a L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Andrew Curello
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Patent number: 9115585Abstract: A seal assembly is provided having a retention assembly attached to a first component, and a seal element secured by the retention assembly. The seal element comprises at least one leaf seal, and the leaf seal is comprised of a plurality of tabs in series with a plurality of slots. The seal assembly forms a flexible seal between the first component and a second component.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, David William Cihlar
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Patent number: 9115808Abstract: A transition piece seal assembly includes a first seal, and a second seal joined to the first seal. The second seal being spaced from the first seal to define a coolant passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Scott Robert Simmons, Ronald James Chila
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Patent number: 8973649Abstract: A rotary type heat exchange apparatus with automatic flow rate exchange modulation includes unidirectional pumps for pumping fluid through a heat exchange rotating disk in two different directions. The heat exchange apparatus may further be installed with at least one temperature detecting device, humidity detecting device and/or gaseous or liquid state fluid composition detecting device for generating temperature, humidity, and/or composition detection signals. The temperature humidity, and/or composition detection signals may be used as references for modulating the pumping flow rate of exchange fluid, or for modulating the operating timing of the fluid flow by controlling the rotating speed of the heat exchange rotating disk.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 8931584Abstract: A seal member may include a base portion, a plurality of deflector portions, and an expansion portion. The base portion may include a plurality of tabs adapted to be mounted to a heat exchanger. The plurality of deflector portions may each extending from a corresponding one of the plurality of tabs and manipulate a flow of fluid proximate the heat exchanger. The expansion portion may be disposed between adjacent deflector portions and may be expandable in response to exposure to heat between a first position at which the adjacent deflector portions are a first distance apart from each other and a second position at which the adjacent deflector portions are a second distance apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Sasina, Alfred Piggott
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Patent number: 8806750Abstract: A forced oscillation radial seal is described for regenerative air preheaters which contain rotatable radial plates having upper and lower edges. The forced oscillation seal includes a base with a first portion attached to a lateral face of the plates adjacent the upper and lower edges, and a second free portion, with a pivot system having an axis attached to the second free portion, and a rigid sealing sheet with a first free portion, second portion, and central portion, the sealing sheet attached at its central portion to the pivot system. The forced oscillation seal includes a counterweight attached to the sealing sheet so the sealing sheet reassumes a vertical position after forming a seal with a sealing surface, and a plurality of springs in contact with the sealing sheet and base along the axis of the pivot system, which cooperate with the counterweights to force the seal to oscillate.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: Fernando Treviño Hurtado
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Patent number: 8776864Abstract: A seal assembly for a regenerative heat exchanger can include a primary sealing member with a mounting base and a flexible contact portion that defines a first distance between a proximal edge of the mounting base and a contact edge of the flexible contact portion, the first distance being generally constant along the length of the primary sealing member. The seal assembly can also include a second member with a mounting portion and a cantilevered portion that defines a second distance between a proximal edge of the mounting portion and a distal edge of the cantilevered portion, the second distance being generally constant along the length of the second member. The first distance is greater than the second distance by a predetermined amount so as to limit the preload flexure of the flexible contact portion against a sector plate of the heat exchanger when the seal assembly is installed in the regenerative heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Paragon Airheater Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank Klisura, Stephan Hastings
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Publication number: 20140116641Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary gas-gas heat exchanger with an isolating air curtain structure of a leak-free sealing system. The rotary gas-gas heat exchanger comprises: a shell; a rotor, which is arranged in said shell and is driven to rotate with respect to said shell; a sealing system, which is arranged between said shell and a spindle of said rotor, and divides the space between said shell and the spindle of said rotor into an original flue gas circulation zone and a clean flue gas circulation zone. Said sealing system comprises two pairs of sealing plates which are located at the upper and lower sides respectively and are opposite to each other. Said two sealing plates are provided with at least one pair of holes which face with each other. Said at least one pair of holes communicate with a fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventor: Aiping Cheng
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Patent number: 8627878Abstract: A rotary air preheater 10 includes a housing 12 having a rotor 14. The rotor 14 has opposing ends 20,24 and is divided into sections by diaphragms 48. Sector plates 28 include one sector plate 28 in sealing relation with one of opposing ends 20,24 of the rotor 14. The air preheater 10 includes a flange 56 and a sensing device 49 coupled to at least one of the sector plates 28. The sensing device 49 provides non-contact sensing of a distance between the sector plate 28 and the flange 56. The sensing device 49 includes a conduit 54 that directs a jet of compressed air onto the flange 56, a first pressure sensor 60 and a second pressure sensor 70. The first pressure sensor 60 senses pressure inside the sensing device 49, and the second pressure sensor 70 senses pressure outside the sensing device 49. The distance between the sector plate and the flange is a pressure difference measured by the first and the second pressure sensors 60,70.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: William C. Cox, Kevin J. O'Boyle, John D. Proctor
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Publication number: 20130327495Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to seal a sector-plate at a diaphragm for an air duct. The apparatus includes a flexible seal including a radial seal body. The radial seal body produces a travel path with a major axis when operatively coupled with the diaphragm. Mounting hardware includes a rail to maintain a defined beam position of the radial seal body relative to the diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventor: Nathan Hastings
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Patent number: 8584733Abstract: An automatically operable dynamic purge system that is incorporated into a heat recovery wheel that comprises a number of radial seals that direct a controlled area of supply air into the exhaust air stream passing through the heat recovery wheel. Two possible configurations include a single purge and a double purge. For the single purge, one seal is fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a second seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. For the double purge, two seals are fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a third seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. In each case the dynamic seal is secured by an automatically operable wiper blade. This wiper blade is attached near the center of the wheel such that it rotates, in turn, allowing the seal to rotate while remaining approximately radial to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Thermotech Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Marcus James D'Arcy, Krister Nils Eriksson
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Patent number: 8585397Abstract: A hot air generator comprising a handle (12), an elongated nozzle (14), flame generating means (6), a venturi (4), a gas conduit (162) intended to bring a combustible gas into the elongated nozzle (14) and at the flame generating means (6), an air conduit (164) intended for bringing compressed air into the elongated nozzle (14) and downstream from the venturi; characterized in that the generator further comprises a servocontrolled pressure regulator (2) controlling a gas pressure (Pd.g) in the gas conduit (162) depending on an air pressure (Pd.a) in the air conduit (164).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Guilbert ExpressInventors: Yves Guillou, Christophe Le Drappier
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Patent number: 8561672Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger for the heat exchange of gaseous media with a substantially cylindrical heat storage body including a radial seal for use in a regenerative heat exchanger and a method for separating gaseous media in a regenerative heat exchanger. The heat storage body of the regenerative heat exchanger may include a plurality of radially extending sector walls which subdivide the heat storage body into sectors. At least two heat storage chambers which are arranged behind one another in the radial direction are provided within a sector, which heat storage chambers are arranged for the through-flow of gaseous media.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Balcke-Durr GmbHInventors: Volker Halbe, Heinz-Guenter Raths
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Publication number: 20130105105Abstract: A bimetallic seal for an air heater is designed to flex and close a gap as the temperature changes. The laminated metal/bimetallic seal is designed such that when subjected to a temperature change, the laminated metals deflect and this deflection is used provide a seal to control leakage. With its ability to deflect with a temperature change, the laminated metal proves to be a material that can deflect to accommodate the clearances caused by the structural deformation found in air heaters. Various mounting configurations can be used, depending on the conditions in each air heater. The bimetallic seal can be used in air handlers and other devices that are exposed to a temperature change.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Harlod L. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8425660Abstract: A method by which water may be extracted from the air even without a supply of electricity from a power source or even without a supply of fuel, as well as an apparatus therefor, is disclosed. The apparatus used for the method for extracting water from the air comprises at least a rotatably mounted hygroscopic moisture-absorbing rotor having at least one region through which air can pass in the direction of thickness thereof; a passage for regeneration through which air for regeneration is circulated, of which both ends are opened at the opposing two surfaces of a regeneration region, respectively, the regeneration region being a part of the moisture-absorbing rotor, at which the moisture-absorbing rotor that absorbed moisture is regenerated; and a drain hole for taking out condensed water from the passage for regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Kankyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Ike, Nao Okuhata
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Patent number: 8327809Abstract: A tri-sector regenerative oxidant preheater apparatus, method and arrangement for utilization with oxy-fired pulverized coal combustion power plants. The preheater includes a stationary housing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing. Sector plates are located at the axial ends of the rotor and divide the preheater into a flue gas sector, two primary oxidant sectors, and a secondary oxidant sector interposed between the two primary oxidant sectors. A primary oxidant fan is located downstream of the preheater to create a negative environment in the primary oxidant sectors. During operation of the preheater, the environments of the two primary oxidant sectors and the flue gas sector are at about the same negative pressure, and thus there is very limited leakage between the oxidant side and the flue gas side of the preheater.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.Inventors: Kiplin C. Alexander, David L. Kraft, Dennis K. McDonald
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Patent number: 8327919Abstract: A semi-modular rotor module [52] for a modified modular air preheater [10] has a two-pin lug assembly for engaging an air preheater post [16]. The two-pin lug assembly includes an upper two-pin lug [54] and a lower two-pin lug and is configured to occupy a sector sealing plate angle ?. A plurality of diaphragms [56], [58], [60], [62] extend radially from the two-pin lug assembly, including two outer diaphragms [56], [62] positioned to define a sub-sector angle ? that is less than the sealing plate angle ?. Stay plates [42] are between the diaphragms to define basket modules where heat exchange elements [22a] are received. A modular rotor can be modified by removing pairs of adjacent unitary rotor modules [20] and replacing each pair with the semi-modular rotor module [52].Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: William D. Slocum
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Publication number: 20120298326Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger, including a heat accumulator arranged as a rotor, rotatably held around a central rotational axis, and configured to transmit a heat of at least one gas volume flow passing through the rotor to another gas volume flow passing through the rotor, and including a sealing system for the rotor including at least one seal which is fixed in relation to the rotor, is pressed against the rotor, and is supported by a plurality of rollers on the rotatable rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: BALCKE-DURR GMBHInventor: Erich Born
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Publication number: 20110303135Abstract: An air preheater 100 is described having an air damper assembly 162 that partially restricts an air inlet 130 and a flue gas damper assembly 152 that partially restricts flue gas inlet 124 during periods of reduced boiler load. Restricting the flue gas inlet 124 reduces the effective surface area of the preheater causing more heat to pass to the cold end of the air preheater 100, reducing acid condensation and fouling. Restricting the gas inlet 124, increases gas velocity, thereby eroding accumulations in the air preheater 100, also reducing fouling. Restricting the air inlet 130 reduces the effective heat transfer surface area of the air preheater, which raises the gas temperature in the cold end of the air preheater and thereby reduces acid condensation and fouling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: James W. Birmingham, James D. Seebald
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Publication number: 20110088867Abstract: The disclosed system provides heat and/or moisture transfer between two counter-flowing air streams. The system comprises: a frame; a transfer wheel having a periphery spaced from the frame so as to form a gap therebetween, and including a transfer matrix mounted and rotationally secured relative to the frame so that the wheel can simultaneously rotate through the two separate, counter-flowing air streams; a sealing arrangement configured so as to seal the transfer wheel to the frame so that as the wheel rotates through the two separate counter-flowing air streams, the two air streams flow through the transfer matrix while remaining sealed from one another; and an electromagnetic actuator including rotational components secured relative to the wheel configured to generate flux across the gap and stationary components secured relative to the frame configured to impart a tractive force to the rotational components in response to polyphase power supplied to the stationary components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Airxchange, Inc.Inventors: Donald F. Steele, Edward C. Lovelace, Roger B. Dickinson
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Publication number: 20110061831Abstract: A rotary air preheater 10 includes a housing 12 having a rotor 14. The rotor 14 has opposing ends 20,24 and is divided into sections by diaphragms 48. Sector plates 28 include one sector plate 28 in sealing relation with one of opposing ends 20,24 of the rotor 14. The air preheater 10 includes a flange 56 and a sensing device 49 coupled to at least one of the sector plates 28. The sensing device 49 provides non-contact sensing of a distance between the sector plate 28 and the flange 56. The sensing device 49 includes a conduit 54 that directs a jet of compressed air onto the flange 56, a first pressure sensor 60 and a second pressure sensor 70. The first pressure sensor 60 senses pressure inside the sensing device 49, and the second pressure sensor 70 senses pressure outside the sensing device 49. The distance between the sector plate and the flange is a pressure difference measured by the first and the second pressure sensors 60,70.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: William C. Cox, Kevin J. O'Boyle, John D. Proctor
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Publication number: 20110036536Abstract: A seal assembly for a regenerative heat exchanger can include a primary sealing member with a mounting base and a flexible contact portion that defines a first distance between a proximal edge of the mounting base and a contact edge of the flexible contact portion, the first distance being generally constant along the length of the primary sealing member. The seal assembly can also include a second member with a mounting portion and a cantilevered portion that defines a second distance between a proximal edge of the mounting portion and a distal edge of the cantilevered portion, the second distance being generally constant along the length of the second member. The first distance is greater than the second distance by a predetermined amount so as to limit the preload flexure of the flexible contact portion against a sector plate of the heat exchanger when the seal assembly is installed in the regenerative heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Paragon Airheater TechnologiesInventors: Frank Klisura, Stephan Hastings
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Patent number: 7849913Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating heat exchanger (1) with a rotatably mounted rotor (3), comprising a first flow sector (4), for external (5) and supply air (6) and a second flow sector (7), for exhaust (8) and venting air (9), through which the above runs on rotating and a housing (2), enclosing the rotor (3) around the circumference thereof, whereby to improve the sealing of the rotor (3), the housing (2) around the circumference thereof is filled with housing or sealing air, whereby the pressure of the housing or sealing air is higher than the pressure of the airflows (5, 6; 8, 9) flowing through the rotor (3).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Klingenburg GmbHInventor: Norbert Struensee
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Publication number: 20100200068Abstract: An automatically operable dynamic purge system that is incorporated into a heat recovery wheel that comprises a number of radial seals that direct a controlled area of supply air into the exhaust air stream passing through the heat recovery wheel. Two possible configurations include a single purge and a double purge. For the single purge, one seal is fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a second seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. For the double purge, two seals are fixed in location on one face of the wheel and a third seal is dynamic and is on the opposite face. In each case the dynamic seal is secured by an automatically operable wiper blade. This wiper blade is attached near the center of the wheel such that it rotates, in turn, allowing the seal to rotate whilst remaining approximately radial to the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: THERMOTECH ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Marcus James D'ARCY, Krister Nils ERIKSSON
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Publication number: 20100163208Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger, including a rotor mounted so it is rotatable, which has at least one first gas volume flow to be heated and at least one second gas volume flow to be cooled flowing through it, as well as a method for operating the regenerative heat exchanger, is provided. The inflowing first gas volume flow enters the rotor at a first front side of the rotor and exits the rotor again at a second front side of the rotor at an outflowing first gas volume flow. To increase the heating performance, a leakage volume flow is captured at the first front side of the rotor and supplied to the inflowing first gas volume flow and/or a leakage volume flow is captured at the second front side of the rotor and supplied to the outflowing first gas volume flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: BALCKE-DÜRR GMBHInventor: Heinz-Guenter Raths
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Publication number: 20090145574Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sealing element for a regenerative heat exchanging apparatus, such as a Ljungstrom™-type or other suitable regenerative heat exchangers. The sealing element can be mounted to a wall of the rotor of the heat exchanger to provide a secure seal between the wall and a housing of the heat exchanger, thereby inhibiting the leakage of gas between the hot gas conduit and cool air conduit of the regenerative heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the sealing element includes a base plate that is used to mount the sealing element to the wall. The sealing element also includes a contact shoe that maintains a sealing contact between the wall and housing. A flexible portion is coupled between the base plate and contact shoe to provide the sealing element with flexibility and resiliency so that the sealing element maintains contact with the sealing surface even when the heat exchanging apparatus experiences warping and/or distortion from thermal stress.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Frank Klisura
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Publication number: 20090101302Abstract: A rotary heat exchanger includes a housing defining an interior space and heat transfer structure in the interior space. The heat transfer structure includes a plurality of concentric discs disposed in spaced relation to define passageways between the discs. The discs are mounted for rotation within the housing. Partition structure divides the interior space into first and second chambers. When heat transfer structure is rotated and first and second fluids are introduced into the associated chambers and between the passageways, with the first fluid having a temperature greater than a temperature of the second fluid, the discs are rapidly heated thereby removing heat from the first fluid and heating the second fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Myron D. Tupper
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Publication number: 20090056908Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerative heat exchanger for the heat exchange of gaseous media with a substantially cylindrical heat storage body. The invention further relates to a radial seal for use in a regenerative heat exchanger and a method for separating gaseous media in a regenerative heat exchanger. The heat storage body of the regenerative heat exchanger comprises a plurality of radially extending sector walls which subdivide the heat storage body into sectors. At least two heat storage chambers which are arranged behind one another in the radial direction are provided within a sector, which heat storage chambers are arranged for the through-flow of gaseous media.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Balcke-Durr GmbHInventors: Volker Halbe, Heinz-Guenter Raths
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Publication number: 20090000762Abstract: Disclosed is a regenerative heat exchanger including a brush-seal configuration to prevent mixing of fluid flows. The regenerative heat exchanger includes a regenerator, and at least two conduits, each conduit having a matrix end abutting a face of the regenerator matrix. The at least two conduits carrying at least two fluid flows, the fluid flows which pass through the regenerator matrix. The regenerative heat exchanger includes a plurality of brush-seals, each brush-seal located at a matrix end of each conduit without contacting the matrix, thereby sealing around a periphery of each conduit to prevent mixing of fluid flows. Also disclosed is a method for establishing a minimal gap between a regenerator matrix of a regenerative heat exchanger and a plurality of brush-seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: WILSON TURBOPOWER, INC.Inventors: David Gordon Wilson, Jon M. Ballou, Kelly Ward
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Patent number: 7445038Abstract: A rotary total heat exchange apparatus (30) includes at least an air-providing member (3301), a first air passage and a second air passage, and a total heat exchange wheel (3311). The air-providing member provides a first airflow from outdoors and a second airflow from indoors into the rotary total heat exchange apparatus. The first and second air passages isolate from each other for guiding the first and second airflows respectively passing through the heat exchange wheel. The total heat exchange wheel faces to the first and second airflows provided by the air-providing member, and is capable of rotating through the first and second air passages for conducting a total heat exchange between the first and second airflows.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Ming-Chun Lee, Lien-Jin Chiang, Shu-Cheng Yang
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Publication number: 20080223545Abstract: A regenerative energy and/or mass exchange assembly having an exchange media, a central housing, a first end housing with fluid stream diverting chambers to provide a fluid flow passage from a first inlet of the first end housing to the exchange media, and provide a fluid flow passage from the exchange media to a first outlet of the first end housing, a second end housing having fluid stream diverting chambers to provide a fluid flow passage from a second inlet of the second end housing to the exchange media, and provide a fluid flow passage from the exchange media to a second outlet of the second end housing. The first and second end housings have a skirt portion extending generally parallel to a central axis of the end housings. The exchange media is rotated by a motor via a shaft, and the shaft is fastened to a recess in a side surface of the exchange media by a drive transfer means.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Vincente Nunes, Stephen Joseph Burany