With Inspection, Signaling, Indicating Or Measuring Means Patents (Class 415/118)
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Patent number: 10539143Abstract: A pump assembly (2) includes an electric drive motor (14) and with at least one impeller (18) which is driven by the motor. The impeller is movable in an axial direction (X) between at least one first and one second position. The impeller in the first axial position is situated in a first flow path through the pump assembly and delivers a fluid through this first flow path. The impeller in the second position is situated in a second flow path through the pump assembly and delivers a fluid through this second flow path. The pump assembly (2) is configured such that a movement of the impeller (18), between the first and the second position at least in one direction, is effected by a hydraulic force which acts on the impeller (18) and is produced by the delivered fluid. A heating installation is provided with such a pump assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/SInventor: Thomas Blad
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Patent number: 10524385Abstract: A fan module used on an electronic device, the electronic device includes a main board and a connector. The fan module includes a tray, a fan mounted on the tray, a supporting frame mounted on the fan, and a printed circuit board mounted on the fan by the supporting frame, the printed circuit board includes a main body and a conducting strip. The main board is perpendicular to the printed circuit board, and the connector is electrically connected to the conducting strip. The assembly of the printed circuit board and the main board is perpendicular to each other, and the supporting frame is compact to have the printed circuit board mounted on the fan, which is greatly reducing the size of the fan module in a depth direction with space saved and low cost.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Yi-Te Lu
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Patent number: 10502090Abstract: A borescope plug for a gas turbine engine includes a base attachable to a case and defining a base cavity, a shank having a base engagement element at a first end of the shank, and a plug member located at a second end of the shank, the plug member configured to plug a borescope aperture in a borescope vane cluster. The base engagement element fits within the base cavity such that the base moveably retains the base engagement element and wherein the base engagement element can move within the base cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Fabian D. Betancourt, Amarnath Ramlogan, Lisa P. O'Neill
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Patent number: 10489896Abstract: A system and method is generally provided for producing a high dynamic range video. The system includes a probe and a computer communicatively coupled to the probe. The probe includes a camera and a light source. Further, the probe produces a plurality of frames. The computer includes at least one processor and at least one memory device. The memory device contains instructions configured to combine the plurality of frames into composite frames. The instructions are further configured to filter out portions of frames captured below a first threshold of light and portions of frames captured above a second threshold of light. The light source modulates a lighting characteristic, and the camera captures a first video with the modulated light source to produce a plurality of frames defining a plurality of lighting characteristics. Further, the computer combines the plurality of frames into a second video including a plurality of composite frames.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Arthur William Sibbach
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Patent number: 10472981Abstract: A gas turbine engine component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body having a first outer face meeting a second outer face at an intersection, the body having a plurality of apertures extending from an opening in the first outer face to an opening on the second outer face; and a coating filling at least a portion of the plurality of apertures.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: John R. Farris, Christopher W. Strock, Paul M. Lutjen
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Patent number: 10428668Abstract: The invention relates to a guide vane segment for an aircraft gas turbine, comprising at least a radially outer shroud and a radially inner shroud, which extend along a respective circular arc and together form a ring segment, wherein, in the radial direction, between the outer shroud and the inner shroud, a plurality of guide vanes are arranged next to one another in the peripheral direction (UR), the vanes being materially joined with the inner shroud and the outer shroud, in particular joined in one piece. At least two securing ribs are arranged next to one another are formed on the trailing end face for at least one guide vane, wherein an intermediate space delimited by the two securing ribs in the peripheral direction (UR) is formed, this space tapering from radially outside to radially inside.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AGInventors: Markus Schlemmer, Oliver Thiele, Bernd Kislinger, Wilfried Schuette, Manuel Hein
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Patent number: 10408129Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor-stator blade interference noise reduction system includes a plurality of rotor blades rotating around a center axis, a plurality of stator blades facing the plurality of rotor blades and being equal in number to the plurality of rotor blades, a plurality of speakers installed approximately along a rotor blade plane defined by the plurality of rotor blades rotating and generating control sound, and an evaluation microphone, in which a distance from the evaluation microphone to one of the plurality of speakers, a distance from the evaluation microphone to another of the plurality of speakers, and a distance from the evaluation microphone to the center axis, are approximately equal.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tatsuhiko Goto, Akihiko Enamito
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Patent number: 10378371Abstract: A vane for a gas turbine engine includes a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform. At least two airfoils extend between the radially inner platform and the radially outer platform. At least two anti-rotation tabs extend axially from the radially outer platform.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Russell J. Bergman, Thurman Carlo Dabbs
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Patent number: 10309297Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a detecting surge of a turbocharger in an engine system. In one example, system includes a turbocharger including a compressor coupled to a turbine and a controller and sensor system configured to detect a surge event of the turbocharger based on at least one of a rate of change of a pressure measured by sensors downstream of the compressor and a measured rate of change of turbine speed, store operational data associated with the surge event in memory of the controller, and determine a performance of the turbocharger based at least in part on one or more of a cumulative number of detected surge events, a magnitude of detected surge events, or associated operational data.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: GE Global Sourcing LLCInventors: Vincent Waikeet Lock, James Robert Mischler, Maryam Abdollahi, Joseph Audu Ishaku, Richard James Scott, Christian Roland Tollefson
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Patent number: 10294812Abstract: A measuring system for sensing vane positions that comprises a turbine, a target, and a sensor. The turbine includes a plurality of articulating vanes, with each vane being coupled to a sync ring that is configured to position the plurality of articulating vanes in accordance with a degree of rotation by the sync ring. The target is coupled to a first position of the turbine within a first region that is associated with a first vane of the plurality of articulating vanes. The sensor is coupled via a bracket to a second position of the turbine within the first region. The sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the target that corresponds to a vane position of the first vane.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Gregory Di Vincenzo, Francis P. Marocchini, Bhupindar Singh
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Patent number: 10267177Abstract: A rotor system lock for a gas turbine engine is described which blocks movement of rotating wheel assemblies relative to static vane assemblies in a gas turbine engine in order to block unintended rotation (or windmilling) of the gas turbine engine when it is exposed to high winds while at rest or to ram air during pre-launch flight and thereby avoid damage to components of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Oran A. Watts, III, Larry A. Junod
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Patent number: 10174743Abstract: A wind turbine including a rotor, a nacelle, a support structure for the nacelle and at least one wind sensing apparatus mounted on the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: GE RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES WIND B.V.Inventors: Marc Canal Vila, Jordi Armet Unzeta
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Patent number: 10156155Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine engine having a casing (7) which has an inner wall (3i) forming a wall of an air duct (3) and at least one opening (7r) passing through the casing, leading into the duct (3) and forming a passage for an endoscope. The opening (7r) is closed during operation of the turbine engine by a stopper (8) which has an end-surface portion (8s) in the extension of the inner wall (3i). An indicator of wear to the inner wall of the casing is associated with the stopper (8) or with the inner wall (3i) of the casing, in the proximity of the stopper (8).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINESInventors: Sylvain Jacques Marie Gourdant, Laurent Jacquet, Philippe Nectoute
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Patent number: 10113937Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a gap size of a gap between a seal holder and an adjacent disk in a compressor section of a gas turbine. An imaging device is used to generate at least one image of the gap, wherein a calibration image of the gap is generated when the gas turbine is in a cold state to provide a calibration gap size. An operational image of the gap is also generated when the gas turbine is in operation to provide an operational gap size. In addition, an enclosure that houses the imaging device is attached to an access port formed in the compressor section to provide a view of the gap for the imaging device. Wear is detected in a hook section of the compressor section when the operational gap size is less than the calibration gap size.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Arun Meenakshinatha Iyer, Dustin C. Boudin, Clifford Hatcher, Jr.
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Patent number: 10101020Abstract: A uniformly luminous fan shield structure includes a light-transparent cover (10) and a light emitting diode (LED) module (30). The light-transparent cover (10) includes a central area (11) and a ring (12) around the central area (11). The ring (12) includes a groove (121). A side surface of the groove (121) includes light guide structures (125). The LED module (30) is accommodated in the groove (121). The LED module (30) includes LEDs (32), and each LED (32) illuminates toward each light guide structure (125) and the central area (11), so as to achieve uniform luminosity of the light-transparent cover (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: SILVERSTONE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Wei-Cheng Hung
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Patent number: 10082038Abstract: The invention relates to an axial turbomachine compressor outer casing. The casing comprises a sealing device collaborating with a row of rotor blades. The casing comprises a wall with an annular groove in which the sealing device is housed. The sealing device comprises a segmented outer shroud and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators moving the shroud radially in the groove so as to open or close the functional clearance. The invention also proposes a method for controlling a sealing device for a turbojet engine, the method comprising a step of measuring the altitude and a step of adjusting a clearance according to the altitude.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Safran Aero Boosters S.A.Inventors: Jean-Francois Cortequisse, Philippe Minot
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Patent number: 10082286Abstract: A cooling fan having a light-emitting effect comprises a frame body, a light-emitting assembly and a fan blade assembly, wherein the frame body has a base and an upper cover. The light-emitting assembly is mounted on the frame body and includes a circuit board, a plurality of light-emitting elements capable of emitting a light respectively and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a plurality of light guide strips which correspond to each of the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively to guide the light, and a light diffusion portion which is connected with the plurality of light guide strips. The light diffusion portion includes a first diffusion portion in a position corresponding to each of the plurality of light guide strips. The fan blade assembly is mounted in the frame body, such that the light passes through the first diffusion portions and then forms a diffused light.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: DYNAEON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Taichi Huang
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Patent number: 10073002Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring aerostructures are provided. In various embodiments, a method for monitoring an aerostructure may include: receiving a signal from a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor located downstream from the aerostructure; performing a time frequency analysis on the signal to calculate a power level over a range of frequencies; monitoring the power level over the range of frequencies; and determining a susceptibility to a flutter condition based on the monitoring the power level.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Troy Shannon Prince
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Patent number: 10041413Abstract: In one aspect the present subject matter is directed to an igniter assembly for a gas turbine engine. The igniter assembly includes an outer housing and an igniter tube that extends radially through the outer housing. The igniter tube includes an ignition tip, a nut coupled to the igniter tube and disposed at least partially within the outer housing and a biasing member that extends between an inner surface of a top portion of the outer housing and the nut. A flexible seal extends radially inwardly from a bottom side of the nut and a retention collar is coupled to the igniter tube proximate to the ignition tip. The retention collar is configured to couple to a mounting ring connected to an outer liner of a combustor for the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Fei Huang, Christophe J. Day
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Patent number: 10029045Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, and baseplate assemblies, including cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, inserters, and related components and batteries therefor, as well as component combinations and related methods.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: perQflo, LLCInventors: Roger E. Smith, Carla Mann Woods
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Patent number: 10024240Abstract: A method of determining a duration of a movement of a starter air valve of a turbine engine, the valve for regulating the passage of a flow of pressurized air from upstream to the downstream of pipework, where the downstream side is connected to a pneumatic starter of the turbine engine, the method including determining an instant of initiation and an instant of completion of a movement of the valve during a movement phase of the valve, determining the duration of the movement of the valve, by subtracting the instant of initiation from the instant of completion, calculating a difference between the determined duration of the movement and a theoretical value of the duration.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Guilhem Alcide Auguste Foiret
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Patent number: 10018972Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus including: a controller communicatively coupled to a power generation system and configured to shift the power generation system between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the second operating mode being different from the first operating mode; and a economic optimization engine in communication with the controller, wherein the economic optimization engine calculates: an economic benefit for shifting the power generation system from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on at least one of a power generation demand, a power generation cost, and an operating condition of the power generation system; and a billing rate per unit of time of operation in the second operating mode based on at least one of the economic benefit, an operating difference between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, and a predetermined cost differential.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rahul Jaikaran Chillar, Ernest George Cusick, Julio Enrique Mestroni, Charles Steven Renfro
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Patent number: 10006463Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a centrifugal fan mounted in an interior of a casing and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can have a primary-side pressure detection tube opened in a position adjacent to a circumferential part of the casing on an inlet side surface of the bell mouth of the fan when the bell mouth is seen from a direction along the rotary shaft to detect a primary-side pressure of the centrifugal fan. Alternatively, the pressure sensor can have a primary-side pressure detection tube opened in a position adjacent to a circumferential part of the casing on a heat exchanger compartment side surface of the partition member when the partition member is seen from a direction along the rotary shaft to detect a primary-side pressure of the centrifugal fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Kashihara, Takahiro Yamasaki, Naofumi Yokoyama, Tsuyoshi Yokomizo
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Patent number: 9989069Abstract: One or more through-holes communicating with one or more of the plurality of screw grooves are formed at the cylindrical stator, a total of circumferential dimensions of the one or more through-holes formed at the cylindrical stator is set at equal to or greater than a circumferential dimension of an outer peripheral surface region of the cylindrical stator facing the second suction port, and a gas path through which inflow gas through the second suction port is guided to a screw groove is provided, the one or more through-holes penetrating through the screw groove and the screw groove being apart from the region facing the second suction port.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Masashi Manabe
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Patent number: 9976439Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating control failures in a system for controlling an actuator (14) determining the position of a member for modifying the state of a gas-turbine engine, the system including a single- or dual-channel electric control and a mechanical control, the electric control including one computer (10, 10?) per channel, only one of which is active at any given time in order to calculate the set position of the movable member of the actuator (14) and to transmit a set signal to the single-channel mechanical control of the actuator, a failure being diagnosed when a deviation is detected between the set position of the movable member of the actuator and the position thereof measured during a predetermined deviation confirmation time.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Severine Chevalier, Jose Roland Rodrigues, Alain Tiepel
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Patent number: 9964098Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine having at least one blade and a controller, including: detect location of foreign material adhered to the blade by sensors mounted on the blade and communicatively coupled to the controller; determine the resonance mode of the blade to be excited based on the location of the foreign material by the controller; and excite the blade to the resonance mode; wherein the resonance mode is one higher than the first order resonance mode. The present invention also relates to a wind turbine using the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Yu Zhou, Wanying Chen, K. J. Karthik, Amit Kalyani, Khoon Peng Lim, Pey Yen Siew
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Patent number: 9957843Abstract: A control method for optimizing a turndown operation for a power plant having a plurality of generating units. The plurality of generating units each may include either an on-condition or an off-condition during a selected operating period.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lisa Anne Wichmann, Chrstopher Michael Raczynski
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Patent number: 9957834Abstract: A system includes, in one example, a shroud configured to circumscribe a plurality of rotor blades of a gas rotor engine, and at least one rub button including a head portion having a height configured to extend into a flow path region of the shroud along a central axis of the rub button that extends radially into the flow path region. The head portion includes a profile, orthogonal to the central axis, that varies according to a defined function of the height of the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: David J. Wasserman, Michael G. McCaffrey, Michael G. Abbott
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Patent number: 9926802Abstract: There is disclosed an access port for a casing of a gas turbine engine and a plug for plugging the access port. The access port and plug each include first and second baulking formations which are configured to engage with one another. The first and second baulking formations are spaced from one another by a unique angular separation which allows only the correct plug to be inserted into the correct access port.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: David Coles
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Patent number: 9885276Abstract: A fan having a temperature detecting function includes a fan frame, an extension member, a temperature sensor and a restricting portion. The fan frame has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an impeller rotatably arranged between the air inlet and the air outlet. The extension member has one end adjacent to the fan frame. The temperature sensor is arranged at one of the air inlet and the air outlet via the extension member in a position where the surface of the temperature sensor is fully exposed to the ambient air. The restricting portion is arranged at the one of the air inlet or the air outlet. The restricting portion is located between the extension member and the impeller and is adapted to prevent the extension member from making contact with the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: SUNONWEALTH ELECTRIC MACHINE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hao-An Shieh, Yi-Ling Tu
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Patent number: 9880070Abstract: Inspection systems for a gas turbine engine (20) are provided. The inspection systems may comprise an inspection port (106), a bore-scope plug (100), a seal seat (108) and a seal (110A/110B). The bore-scope plug (100) may comprise a shaft (102A/102B) having a uniform or stepped profile. The seal (110A/110B) may be a multi-part seal (110A) or a piston seal (110B). Moreover, the bore-scope plug (100) may be configured to support, carry, and/or stabilize one or more internal structures such as, for example, a mid-turbine frame vane 82. In various embodiments, the inspection systems described herein may provide for increased inspection efficiency during development, qualification, maintenance, and event inspections.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: David T. Feindel, Steven D. Porter
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Patent number: 9874107Abstract: A wind turbine diagnostic device for diagnosing mechanical damage to generator components of at least one wind turbine, comprising at least one speed sensor for determining a variation over time of the rotational speed of a generator of a wind turbine, the speed sensor having at least one speed signal output for outputting the determined variation over time of the rotational speed, a frequency analysis module and a frequency spectrum signal output for outputting a frequency spectrum, the frequency analysis module determining a frequency spectrum from the determined variation over time of the rotational speed, and a comparator element for comparing a frequency spectrum with a prescribed standard frequency spectrum and for diagnosing mechanical damage to generator components on the basis of the comparison. This increases the possibility of predicting mechanical damage to generator components caused by vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: SENVION SEInventors: Martin Falb, Lars Nietmann
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Patent number: 9863436Abstract: A pump housing has a spiral housing and includes a suction channel (14) which runs out in a space (15). The space (15) is for arranging an impeller (6), rotatable about a rotation axis (5), and includes a spirally peripheral channel (16) open to the space (15) and running out into a pressure channel. A receiver (20) for a differential pressure sensor is provided within the pump housing. A first sensor channel (22) is provided, which connects the receiver (20) to a pressure-side interior of the pump housing. A second sensor channel (23) connects the receiver (20) to the pressure-side interior of the pump housing. The receiver (20) for the differential pressure sensor is arranged between the spirally peripheral channel (16) and the suction channel (14), so that the channels can be formed by way of simple bores.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/SInventors: Casper Pedersen, Nicholas Pedersen
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Patent number: 9863272Abstract: A turbomachine of this disclosure includes a rotation shaft, a first impeller, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The first impeller is fixed to the rotation shaft and includes a low-pressure-side surface. The first bearing is adjacent to the low-pressure-side surface of the first impeller and supports the rotation shaft. The second bearing is disposed on an opposite side of the first impeller from the first bearing and supports the rotation shaft. The rotation shaft includes a first tapered portion gradually increasing in diameter toward the first impeller. The first bearing includes a first support surface supporting the first tapered portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Tadayoshi Shoyama
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Patent number: 9856748Abstract: A probe cooling system for a gas turbine engine includes a probe housing and a bushing disposed between an end of the probe housing and a gas path, the bushing extending from the end of the probe housing to form a cavity. The system also includes a first plenum defined within the probe housing and configured to direct air from an internal cooling air supply towards the cavity. The system also includes a second plenum defined between the bushing and the probe housing and configured to direct air from the internal cooling air supply towards the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Blaine M. Johnston, Mark A. Torrance, Steven G. Lemieux, Dmitriy A. Romanov
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Patent number: 9809303Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for determining a position of a rotor blade includes receiving a plurality of measurements from a plurality of magneto-resistive sensors and determining a position of the at least one magnet based on the received plurality of measurements. In this example, one of the plurality of magneto-resistive sensors and the at least one magnet moves with a rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventor: Troy C. Schank
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Patent number: 9765649Abstract: A borescope inspection (BSI) port fitting is provided for a gas turbine engine. The borescope inspection (BSI) port fitting includes a housing with a borescope inspection port.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Michael Dreher
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Patent number: 9766159Abstract: A fixture 4 for endoscopic inspection is provided with insertion direction regulating portions for regulating an access direction of an insertion portion of an endoscope fixed to an access port for an endoscope of an engine and connecting an external access port disposed on an exterior cover of the engine to an internal access port disposed on an exterior shroud of the engine and an installation direction regulating portion for uniquely regulating an installation direction so that the insertion direction regulating portions match the access direction at a time of attachment to the external access port.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Yutaka Konomura, Eiichi Kobayashi, Fumio Hori
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Patent number: 9732628Abstract: A mid-turbine frame for a gas turbine engine includes an inner frame case. A bearing support member is located adjacent the inner frame case. At least one spoke is attached to the inner frame case. A passage extends through at least one spoke, the inner frame case, and the bearing support member.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Anthony P. Cherolis, Joshua Daniel Winn, Jonathan Lemoine
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Patent number: 9708933Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plug assemblies within a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a plug assembly includes a boss which includes a shaft and a collar, a retaining element including at least two prongs, and a plug including a shank and at least one retaining feature. The at least two prongs of the retaining element are configured to retain the plug to the boss.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Dale William Petty
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Patent number: 9683553Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring wind turbine loading are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a main shaft, a bedplate, and a gearbox coupled to the main shaft and mounted to the bedplate. The gearbox includes an outer casing and a torque arm extending from the outer casing. The system further includes an isolation mount coupled to the torque arm, and a sensor configured to measure displacement of the torque arm. In another embodiment, a method includes operating the wind turbine, and detecting displacement of a torque arm of a gearbox of the wind turbine. The method further includes calculating a moment for a main shaft of the wind turbine based on the displacement of the torque arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dale Robert Mashtare, James Henry Madge, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, George Albert Goller, Conner B. Shane
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Patent number: 9631955Abstract: Sensor assemblies and methods of assembling and using the sensor assemblies are provided for monitoring operational characteristics of subsea rotating devices such as subsea motors and pumps. Pressure-compensated proximity sensor tip assemblies configured to withstand subsea pressures are mounted adjacent a subsea rotating shaft for directly monitoring a position of the rotating shaft during dynamic operation thereof. An end of a sensor housing opposite a sensor tip assembly is mounted to a wall of the device housing. The sensor housing defines a fluid reservoir containing a substantially incompressible fluid therein that is in fluid communication with the interior portions of the proximity sensor tip assembly. A length of the sensor housing is adjusted to accommodate a distance between the wall of the device housing and the rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lam Arthur Campbell, Dan Tho Lu, Svein Arild Haugen, Jens Abrahamsen
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Patent number: 9617977Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine comprising a pitch of one or more blades and collecting first data indicative of a dynamic condition of the first wind turbine blade and a rotor, the first data comprising rotor data and first deflection data, the rotor data indicative of the azimuth position and rotational velocity of the rotor in a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, and the first deflection data indicative of the position, speed and acceleration of one or more parts of the first wind turbine blade. The method comprises calculating an expected tower clearance distance at a later time of tower passage for the first blade based on the first data including acceleration of one or more parts of the first blade, and performing measures to prevent tower collision, if the expected tower clearance distance fulfills a collision risk criterion.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: LM WIND POWER A/SInventor: Mark Olaf Slot
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Patent number: 9605654Abstract: A method of operating at least one wind turbine is described, comprising: determining a plurality of stress events of at least one component of the at least one wind turbine; determining at least one accumulated stress from at least two of the plurality of stress events; determining at least one residual lifetime based at least partially on the at least one accumulated stress.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Anders Wickström
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Patent number: 9590537Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a variable frequency drive system and a method of detecting a ground in a system having a pump driven by a motor. The drive system and method can provide one or more of the following: a sleep mode, pipe break detection, a line fill mode, an automatic start mode, dry run protection, an electromagnetic interference filter compatible with a ground fault circuit interrupter, two-wire and three-wire and three-phase motor compatibility, a simple start-up process, automatic password protection, a pump out mode, digital input/output terminals, and removable input and output power terminal blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLCInventors: Micheal Robert Pasche, Gary Thomas Baase, II, William James Genaw
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Patent number: 9512737Abstract: A standardized inspection port system with common inspection port bodies and port plugs are incorporated in plural inspection locations within a gas turbine engine casing to facilitate internal engine inspection. The inspection ports preferably have identical internal diameter, stub flange dimensions and axial length from the gas turbine casing inspection seat to the stub flange for standardized mounting of inspection instruments at different locations about the turbine. The inspection port system components are preferably axially and radially aligned along the turbine casing for establishing a common reference position along all turbine blade/vane rows. The port plug incorporates a magnetically attractive pole piece for concentration or redirection of an attractive magnetic field circuit generated by an inspection port plug service tool during plug insertion or retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Jr., James P. Williams
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Patent number: 9500088Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade rim segment for a turbomachine with at least one shroud band which extends along a segment of a circle and is connected in single-piece fashion with at least three blades, which extend radially from the shroud band and are configured to be hollow with at least one channel, wherein the blade rim segment is manufactured in a single piece by casting and directional solidification, and wherein at the outlet openings of the channels of the blades, the shroud band exhibits first reinforcement ribs that surround the opening and run axially, as well as at least one second reinforcement rib between at least the first reinforcement ribs, as well as a corresponding method for manufacturing a blade rim segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: MTU AERO ENGINES AGInventors: Markus Schlemmer, Marcin Rozak, Alexander Buck
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Patent number: 9494052Abstract: A borescope plug configuration is disclosed. The borescope plug configuration comprises an inspection path defined through a bore in a first engine structure, a second engine structure, and an opening into the gas path of an engine. The borescope plug configuration further comprises a removable plug for sealing the inspection path. The removable plug is adapted to couple the first engine structure to the second engine structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: David T. Feindel, Jorge I. Farah
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Patent number: 9459123Abstract: The invention comprises a vibration probe protection apparatus and method of use thereof. The sensor protection system dynamically moves the probe away from the shaft in response to radial movement of the shaft and subsequently repositions the sensor probe at a set distance from the rotating shaft. The sensor protection system optionally: (1) positions a protective element closer to the shaft than a tip of the probe, where radial movement of the shaft strikes the protective element and the protective element uses a portion of the resulting striking force to move the probe away from the shaft; (2) resists bounce of the probe upon delivery of force from movement of the shaft to the protective element; and/or (3) provides a return spring force to the probe tip toward the shaft to reposition the probe against a hard stop.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Roger Morris
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Patent number: 9297308Abstract: A gas turbine according to the invention includes a seal housing in which a leaf-shaped seal is provided and a detection end space, a gas introduction path, and a gas discharge path are also formed. The detection end space is formed at a position on the outside in a radial direction from a leaf-shaped seal, and the gas introduction path has an introduction port formed at a position further on the downstream side than the leaf-shaped seal and also has a radially extending portion extending toward the outside in the radial direction from the introduction port and an axially extending portion extending in the direction of an axis from an end portion of the radially extending portion and reaching the detection end space.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Eiichi Tsutsumi, Kenichi Arase