Including Working Fluid Force Responsive Vane Or Flow Control Patents (Class 415/146)
  • Publication number: 20130142627
    Abstract: A variable oil pump capable of rapidly ejecting a required amount of working fluid using an oil pressure of the working fluid generated according to an engine RPM, and improving a lubrication effect to improve engine efficiency. Also described is a variable oil pump, in which a gap is provided between a plunger and a cylinder to easily operate the plunger using an oil pressure output from an oil pump, enabling more rapid supply of a required amount of oil using an oil pressure varied according to variation in an engine RPM. A variable oil pump is described in which the plunger is perpendicularly operated with respect to a flow direction of the working fluid, such that the plunger can be operated in a direction in which a pressure of the working fluid is applied to operate the oil pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Hyuk In KWON, Jin Yong KIM
  • Patent number: 8408864
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of air feeding a turbine ventilation cavity of a turbomachine turbine section is disclosed. The device includes at least one tubular duct opening into a take-off cavity and leading into a turbine ventilation cavity, the pressure inside the take-off cavity being higher than the pressure inside the turbine ventilation cavity; an air flow rate regulation valve disposed in the tubular duct, the valve being suitable for moving under the effect of the pressure difference between the take-off cavity and the turbine ventilation cavity; and a mechanical return device for holding the valve in a maximum closure position for the duct so long as the pressure difference between the take-off cavity and the turbine ventilation cavity remains below a predetermined threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Ion Fintescu, Laurent Gille, Jean-Pierre Andre Joseph Mourlan, Matthieu Savarit
  • Publication number: 20130028705
    Abstract: An active clearance control system utilizes a working fluid stream to control radial thermal growth and thereby a clearance between turbine blades and a corresponding shroud of a gas turbine engine. Conduits disposed about a turbine case and proximate to pads defined within the turbine case include a flow surface parallel to the pads. The pads are an area of increased thickness in the turbine case that receives impingement flow from the conduits. Grooves within the pads further increase impingement cooling flow effectiveness. The increased thickness of the pads provides the thermal mass desired to effect thermal expansion and contraction responsive to the cooling airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Ken Lagueux
  • Patent number: 8308425
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesion rotary disc pump comprising a housing embedding therein at least one adhesion-propelling disc mounted on a rotatable shaft that is drivable by a drive, wherein fluids engaging with said at least one adhesion-propelling disc are transportable from at least one inlet to at least one outlet. In embodiments, the pump employs a scraping unit operative to scrape off fluid adherent on both sides of each of the at least one rotatable adhesion-propelling disc and that the scraped-off fluid is being channeled directly or indirectly to the at least one outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventor: Noa Schmid
  • Patent number: 8257031
    Abstract: A position adjustment device of a turbo compressor that supports an annular member of which at least a portion is capable of being disposed in a diffuser flow path and that can be disposed in and adjusts the height of the annular member. The position adjustment device has a plurality of lever mechanisms that each have a rod connected to the annular member and are disposed separated from each other in the circumferential direction; and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force that at least one of the plurality of lever mechanisms has received to the other lever mechanisms. The transmission mechanism has a substantially circumferential linkage in which an open section is partially provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Tsukamoto, Kentarou Oda
  • Patent number: 8176735
    Abstract: A control device for multi-stage turbochargers is provided that is capable of improving fuel consumption in transient and stationary states of an engine equipped with multi-stage turbochargers. A control device 1 for multi-stage turbochargers which are turbochargers 6, 7 of at least two or more stages provided in series at an engine 2 and in which the high-pressure stage turbocharger 6 is configured by a variable-capacity turbocharger 6 equipped with a variable vane 64 comprising detection means 11, 12 for detecting a boost pressure or an intake air amount of a turbocharger 7 of a stage with a pressure lower than that of the variable-capacity turbocharger 6, the opening degree of the variable vane 64 being controlled on the basis of a detection value of the detection means 11, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Akira Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8142140
    Abstract: There is provided a fan unit including a shutter capable of closing the shutter despite a change in installation direction of the fan unit, an electronic apparatus including such fan unit, a method of opening/closing the fan unit, and the shutter. In the fan unit with the shutter, the shutter is opened and closed in different directions according to the installation direction of the fan unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kanji Warizaya
  • Publication number: 20120051890
    Abstract: An air blowing device including; a fan mounted on at least one of an upper part and a lower part of a shelf; a louver having a louver board that extends in a direction intersecting with a direction of plugging in of a plug-in unit; and a louver controller to control the direction of the louver board based on a change of the mounting status of plug-in units housed in the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi SHIRAKAMI, Naoya Yamazaki, Kazuhiro Iino, Yoshiaki Tada
  • Patent number: 8083473
    Abstract: A stator, including: a one-way clutch with at least one slot opening radially outward from an outer circumferential portion of an outer race; and a blade assembly including first and second separately formed, stamped blade segments rotationally connected to the one-way clutch via the at least one slot. The blade segments are fixedly connected at respective outer circumferential portions. In one embodiment, the stamped blade segments include respective portions disposed in the at least one slot and disposed radially inward from respective blades for the respective blade segments. In one embodiment, the stator includes at least one rivet disposed in the at least one slot and fixedly secured to first and second portions of the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively, the first and second portions located radially inward from blades for the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Brees
  • Patent number: 8070424
    Abstract: Provision of flow control arrangements which can be switched from high flow restriction to low flow restriction or vice versa are desirable. It is known to use switched vortex valves comprising a vortex chamber having a diverter portion which jets a through flow into either radial presentation to an outlet or tangential presentation with differential flow restrictions. Typically deflection is through cross flows presented from control ports as determined by mechanically actuated and controlled valves. Sensors are required to determine pressure differentials in order to actuate these moving part valves. By providing association between the control ports and an outlet path along with appropriate configuration and sizing of the flow regulators switching states can be provided through the cross flows presented via the flow regulators between the high and low through flow restriction. The flow regulators generally comprise orifice restrictors, diffusers/venturi arrangements or vortex throttles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Priestman, Timothy J. Scanlon, John R. Tippetts, Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 8057161
    Abstract: A fan structure, suitable for rack-mounting adjacent to heat-generating electrical equipment, features an improved noise-damping outflow baffle containing a plurality of non-return flaps, serving to prevent reverse flow of air when fan activity is interrupted. In a preferred embodiment, four generally sickle-shaped flaps are used, each connected, along a straight edge thereof, by a pair of elastomeric hinge connections to a surrounding frame. The hinge connections urge the flaps closed whenever they are not forced by airflow into an open orientation. The axes of rotation of the flaps are chosen to keep them from jamming against one another. Since the flaps act as vanes, tending to straighten out an originally helical flow of air induced by the fan, they minimize the pressure drop which has therefore been associated with outflow baffles. The use or elastomers at critical points in the structure reduce noise and clatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: EBM-PAPST St. Georgen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Siegfried Seidler
  • Patent number: 8007228
    Abstract: A wind guiding cover, mounted on a fan, includes a rotating ring and a plurality of slats. The rotating ring is pivoted to the fan, and has an opening for an air flow generated by the fan to pass through. The rotating ring has a weight portion for offsetting the center of gravity of the rotating ring and normally maintaining the rotating ring at a static equilibrium position. The slats are pivoted to the rotating ring and arranged at the opening. When the fan operates, the slats are lifted by the air flow to open the opening. When the fan stops operating, the slats cover the opening under the gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Ho Wang
  • Publication number: 20110103937
    Abstract: Discharge valve arrangement applied in a hermetic compressor used, for example, in household refrigeration systems including a valve plate closing an end of a compression cylinder and provided with suction and discharge orifices contained within the inner contour of the axial projection of the compression cylinder, said suction orifice occupying an annular sector external to the axial projection of a discharge orifice and being closed by a flexible suction vane having a bending median portion. The valve plate is provided with a plurality of discharge orifices distributed in at least one of the regions defined externally and internally to the contour of the flexible suction vane, each discharge orifice provided internally to the contour of the flexible suction vane being axially aligned with a respective through opening provided in said bending median portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Fernando Antonio Ribas Junior, Emerson Moreira, Cesar Jose Deschamps, Evandro Luiz Lange Pereira
  • Publication number: 20110076138
    Abstract: A passive leakage device for an axial turbomachine, more particularly for a low-pressure compressor of an axial turbomachine, is adapted to reduce and/or eliminate the surging phenomenon within the machine. The passive leakage device includes an insert having a general cylindrical shape with a flange at one end and a bottom or membrane at the other end. The membrane comprises two cross-shaped notches, the notches being adapted to enable a deformation of the membrane under a pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold, so as to allow a leakage to go through the membrane. Several inserts are arranged through the wall of a compressor casing, distributed over one or several circumferences of the casing, facing one or several rows of rotor blades. In the case of a double-flow turbomachine, such as a jet engine, the beak for separating the primary and secondary flows is used to form a chamber for communication between the inserts and for compensation with the pressure present in the secondary flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Frédéric Vallino
  • Publication number: 20110071698
    Abstract: A power generating device for use with a plumbing fixture includes: a volute configured to receive water from a water supply pipe; a stator having a plurality of blades positioned around a circumference thereof positioned within the volute; a rotor positioned within the stator; and a generator coupled to the rotor. The volute directs substantially all of the water received from the water supply pipe in a circumferential direction through the plurality of blades of the stator to the rotor, thereby causing the rotor to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Glasser, Scott Grace, Steven R. Jones, John Kevin Schoolcraft, Robert Hill, John Bartee, Zack Blackmon, III
  • Patent number: 7905102
    Abstract: A stability control algorithm is provided for a centrifugal compressor. The stability control algorithm is used to control a variable geometry diffuser and a hot gas bypass valve (when provided) in response to the detection of compressor instabilities. The stability control algorithm can adjust the position of a diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser in response to the detection of a surge condition or a stall condition. The diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser can be adjusted to determine an optimal position of the diffuser ring. The stability control algorithm can also be used to open a hot gas bypass valve in response to the detection of continued surge conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Bodell, II, Robert E. Stabley, IV, Wanda J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7850420
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a blade for a torque converter stator including a first blade segment connected to inner and outer circumferential sections of the stator and a second blade segment, separately formed from the first blade segment, and connected to the circumferential sections. In some aspects, the blade segments are: in contact along edges, overlapped, circumferentially misaligned, at least partially folded, stamped, or cast. Configurations of the blade segments can be selected to modify performance characteristics of the stator such as torque ratio, efficiency, and capacity. In some aspects, the blade segments are in a circumferential alignment, and the stator includes an alignment element operatively arranged to control the circumferential alignment, for example, in response to pressure from fluid in the stator upon the blade. In some aspects, the stator includes axial halves, separately formed and fixedly connected and the blade segments are connected to respective halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Christopher Shamie, Aliihsan Karamavruc
  • Publication number: 20100310355
    Abstract: A new movable foil for accelerating the fluid hitting the blades of a vertical axis turbine is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Publication number: 20100260595
    Abstract: A turbocharger (10) for an internal combustion engine includes a compressor (12) having an impellor (16) disposed in a compressor chamber (18). The compressor chamber (18) receives fluid flow. A flow regulation mechanism (30) is disposed in the compressor (12) and includes a diffuser cover (32) and a recirculation gate (36). The diffuser cover (32) is moveably disposed in a diffuser passage (34) from a first position permitting fluid flow through the diffuser passage to a second position at least partially impeding the fluid flow. The recirculation gate (36) is moveably disposed in the compressor chamber (18) from a first position closing a recirculation groove (48) to a second position opening the recirculation groove to fluid communication with the compressor chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Gottemoller, Terry G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20100080693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) comprising a compressor (2) provided with a housing (3), an overrun air valve (4) provided with a valve housing (6) which is fixed to the compressor housing (3), and a boost pressure regulating valve (5). Said turbocharger is characterised in that the boost pressure regulating valve (5) is fixed to the valve housing (6) and connected in a pressurised manner to an internal pressure chamber (7) of the overrun air valve (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Alfred Grzonkowski
  • Publication number: 20100011763
    Abstract: A control device for multi-stage turbochargers is provided that is capable of improving fuel consumption in transient and stationary states of an engine equipped with multi-stage turbochargers. A control device 1 for multi-stage turbochargers which are turbochargers 6, 7 of at least two or more stages provided in series at an engine 2 and in which the high-pressure stage turbocharger 6 is configured by a variable-capacity turbocharger 6 equipped with a variable vane 64 comprises detection means 11, 12 for detecting a boost pressure or an intake air amount of a turbocharger 7 of a stage with a pressure lower than that of the variable-capacity turbocharger 6, the opening degree of the variable vane 64 being controlled on the basis of a detection value of the detection means 11, 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Akira Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20100003126
    Abstract: A wind guiding cover, mounted on a fan, includes a rotating ring and a plurality of slats. The rotating ring is pivoted to the fan, and has an opening for an air flow generated by the fan to pass through. The rotating ring has a weight portion for offsetting the center of gravity of the rotating ring and normally maintaining the rotating ring at a static equilibrium position. The slats are pivoted to the rotating ring and arranged at the opening. When the fan operates, the slats are lifted by the air flow to open the opening. When the fan stops operating, the slats cover the opening under the gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chen-Ho WANG
  • Publication number: 20090290977
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust-driven turbocharger (1) for a motor vehicle, with a variable turbine and/or compressor geometry, a vane-mounting ring (8) with guide vanes (9) mounted rotatably thereon, a guide vane cage (10) which forms at least part of a flow duct (5) and at the same time a mount for the vane-mounting ring (8). Essential to the invention is that the guide vane cage (10) is supported by means of spacer elements (11) while creating an axial gap (12) on a housing (13) of the exhaust-driven turbocharger (1) in such a manner that hot gas can flow behind the guide vane cage (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Nikolay Dilovski, Patric Hoecker, Aurelia Kraemer, Michael Wein
  • Patent number: 7529088
    Abstract: A heat dissipation module includes a first heat dissipation apparatus, a second heat dissipation apparatus, and a flow direction controlling structure. The first heat dissipation apparatus and the second heat dissipation apparatus are symmetrically disposed. The flow direction controlling structure has several rotatable elements disposed between the first heat dissipation apparatus and the second heat dissipation apparatus. Each of the rotatable elements has a fixed end and a correspondingly movable end for guiding airflow. The rotatable elements can be sheet-shaped, wing-shaped, arc-shaped or nonlinear in cross section. The thickness of the rotatable elements varies or decreases from the fixed end to the movable end. The rotatable elements overlap an adjacent rotatable element so as to selectively seal the heat dissipation apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Yu Chiu, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Publication number: 20090026767
    Abstract: A modular system for producing electricity from the channel, river, ocean or tidal water currents and wind is disclosed. The embodiments of the system comprise a set of interconnected modules. Each module contains a fluid flow energy converter positioned in a protecting housing. A converter consists of a vertical axis underwater hydro-turbine or wind turbine, connected to the electrical generator. The turbine is essentially a paddlewheel having an arrangement of attached paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented asymmetric blades that are fixed to the poles at both ends. Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction while maximizing a drag force and maximizing the turbine's efficiency. The electrical generator transforms the rotational energy of the turbine into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Edouard Petrounevitch
  • Publication number: 20080286093
    Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller wheel (1) as part of a fan for cooling a motor vehicle drive, in particular an internal combustion engine. The impeller wheel (1) can be set in rotation by a fan drive (10) having a drive shaft (8). The impeller wheel (1) has a cup-shaped basic form, including a base (3) for fastening the impeller wheel (1) on the drive shaft (8), a tubular section (4) which adjoins the base (3), and at least two impeller wheel blades (2) which are connected to the tubular section (4) and extend outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Bauer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080145204
    Abstract: Actuators utilising shape memory alloy materials are known with regard to gas turbine engines. Such shape memory alloys have been used with respect to deformation provided in vanes and blades as well as nozzle elements in order that variations can be made in engine configuration dependent upon thermal cycling. Unfortunately, pedestals in order to provide spacing between the shape memory alloy and an antagonistic bias has resulted in uneven stress distribution as well as a higher thermal mass for the shape memory alloy. An uneven stress distribution will limit operational life whilst a higher thermal mass will result in slower reaction times. By separation of the shape memory alloy or material from its antagonistic bias through use of a slide element, a reduction in thermal mass is achieved and, more importantly, stress differentiation across the actuator is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Clark, John R. Webster
  • Patent number: 7356999
    Abstract: A stability control algorithm is provided for a centrifugal compressor. The stability control algorithm is used to control a variable geometry diffuser and a hot gas bypass valve (when provided) in response to the detection of compressor instabilities. The stability control algorithm can adjust the position of a diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser in response to the detection of a surge condition or a stall condition. In addition, the diffuser ring in the variable geometry diffuser can be adjusted to determine an optimal position of the diffuser ring. The stability control algorithm can also be used to open a hot gas bypass valve in response to the detection of continued surge conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Robinson Bodell, II, Robert Edward Stabley, Wanda Jean Miller
  • Patent number: 7329089
    Abstract: A centrifugal fan includes a scroll casing consisting of first and second flat base walls, a circumferential side wall. An air inlet is formed on the first base wall, an exhaust port is formed on the side wall. A backflow prevention mechanism is arranged in the airflow path to prevent backflow from the exhaust port during fan halting. The mechanism has a flap that is rotatably supported by the first base wall and its rotation axis is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the flap shuts the airflow path under its own weight in a horizontal-use position where the rotating shaft of the motor is horizontal. The flap is inserted into a slit from the outside and is held by a stopper plate. A protrusion, which contacts with the rim of the flap when the flap shuts the airflow path, is formed inside the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morio Senba
  • Patent number: 7220096
    Abstract: A habitat friendly, wind energy system is disclosed for safely extracting usable energy from wind. Included are one or more concentrator wings that convert the dynamic pressure of wind into relatively lower static pressure and thereby induces a vacuum that draws wind into an area defined by the concentrator wings. The airflow regulation minimizes or prevents the stalling of, or the generation of a turbulent flow of wind over or between concentrator wings. Further included are multiple impellors, at least one power converter, a riser supporting these component pieces, all positioned within the area defined by the concentrator wings. Accordingly, one or more flow regulators are positioned to assist in promoting laminar flow across or between the concentrator wings and to reduce the dynamic pressure of wind on the riser to thereby increase efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Angus J. Tocher
  • Patent number: 7128526
    Abstract: A set of cooling air blowers for machines which require cooling air during operation. The blowers each include an outlet having an anti-reverse flow feature for preventing the flow of air into the blower from externally of the machine should the blower fail, thereby ensuring that the remaining operating blowers are able to maintain a normal and adequate flow of cooling air through the air inlet of the machine and outwardly through the outlets of the remaining operating blowers. Each blower generally includes a blower housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal cavity in which an impeller is rotatably disposed, the impeller driven by an electrical motor mounted within the blower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick D Paulsen
  • Patent number: 7100623
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a number of spray arms, a circulation pump with a pump housing, an impeller, a suction port, and a number of discharge ports on the pump housing. The discharge ports are associated with the spray arms. A water diverter is located on a delivery side of the pump and generates a flow leading from the suction port selectably to one or more of the discharge ports. The water diverter includes a blocking element having a number of diaphragm openings positionable to one or more outlet positions by a drive via a rotation of the blocking element in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Walter Assmann, Ulrich Hettenhausen, Volker Marks
  • Patent number: 7018169
    Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow is disclosed. The device includes at least two fluid flow drivers, a plenum disposed to receive a fluid flow from the at least two drivers, and a baffle disposed within the plenum. The plenum has a first cross-sectional area proximate the at least two drivers and a second cross-section area at a distance from the at least two drivers, the second cross-sectional area being an exit for the fluid flow. The baffle has a first edge restrained proximate the first cross-sectional area and a second opposing edge freely disposed proximate the second cross-sectional area. The baffle has a surface area responsive to the fluid flow within the plenum to reduce a backflow if one of the at least two drivers is operational and another is non-operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew G. Phillip, Brian Aiken, H. Ross Edmunds, Brian E. Lindholm, Christopher McMenamin, Pedro Monclova, Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 6964553
    Abstract: A port is employed for a fan chamber which defines a volume formed by at least one generally continuous vertical wall connecting a horizontal base wall with an opposing horizontal exit wall. Within the volume is a fan rotatable in a plane generally parallel to a plane of at least one of the horizontal walls. The port is formed of an inner side located between a center of the exit wall and an outer edge of said the wall, an outer side located between the inner side and the outer edge of the exit wall, and two opposing secant sides connecting respective ends of the outer side to the inner side. A shape of the inner side forms a straight line or a convex line with respect to the center of the exit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Paul Andre Ricordi
  • Patent number: 6899516
    Abstract: A blower includes a base having a transverse passage for receiving a motor therein and a fan device driven by the motor extends from a hole in an end of the base. A casing including an outlet is connected to the base and mounted to the fan device. An anti-back device is engaged in the outlet and includes a frame to which a plate is pivotably connected. The plate is opened by the air sent via the fan device in one direction and seals the outlet when air goes in opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Hua-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6887031
    Abstract: A habitat friendly, pressure conversion, wind energy extraction system is disclosed for safely extracting usable energy from wind. The system includes one or more shrouds or concentrator wings that convert the dynamic pressure of wind into relatively lower static pressure and thereby induces a vacuum that draws wind into a turbine centralized within the shrouds or concentrator wings. As such, the turbine impellor blades may be significantly smaller than the large diameter rotor blades of current popular designs and may be enclosed within the shrouds or concentrator wings that present themselves as highly visible objects and as such are easily avoided by birds in flight. The novel system in particular includes a device and method of airflow regulation than minimizes or prevents the stalling, or the generation of a turbulent flow of wind over or between the shrouds or concentrator wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Angus J. Tocher
  • Publication number: 20040071547
    Abstract: Bidirectional hydraulic pump that comprises a hydraulic body (1) comprising an inlet port (2) from which receives a water flow, a first outlet port (3) and a second outlet port (4); an impeller housed in said hydraulic body (1), which causes the water flow to move in either one direction or the other; and a valve body (5) that surrounds the impeller. The valve body (5) comprises at least one orifice (6) and said valve body (5) is slidable on the internal surface of the hydraulic body (1) in one direction or the other, due to the action of the water flow, between a first position wherein the orifice (6) is aligned with the first outlet port (3) and a second position wherein the orifice (6) is aligned with the second outlet port (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Anton Elexpuru
  • Patent number: 6705833
    Abstract: A blower apparatus includes a blower housing having at least one airflow channel. A flexible sheet having at least one flap is coupled to the blower housing such that the flap overlaps the channel to form a one-way valve. A plurality of flaps may be positioned over a plurality of channels to form a blower apparatus with a plurality of one-way valves. The flexible sheet may include mounting features such as holes to facilitate assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on the blower housing such that the holes receive the pegs. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on an exhaust cover that is subsequently attached to the blower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Victoria Tsang Tam, Chadi Theodossy, Kenneth K. Tang, Richard B. Nelson, Paul W. Barrows
  • Publication number: 20040020203
    Abstract: A high-pressure ratio turbocharger of this invention has a two-stage compressor section comprising a first-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a first compressor housing, and a second-stage compressor impeller rotatably disposed in a second compressor housing. The first and second stage compressor impellers are attached to a common shaft, and are positioned within respective compressor housing in a direction facing away from one another. A portion of the second compressor housing is formed from a compressor backplate attached to a turbocharger center housing. A scroll seal is disposed between the first and second compressor housings, and is interposed between the impellers to separate outlet air flow between each respective first and second compressor chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Don Arnold, Gary Vrbas
  • Patent number: 6659711
    Abstract: A check valve includes a valve housing and at least one control member. The valve housing includes a sidewall and an opening extending therethrough. The sidewall defines the opening and includes at least one recess formed therein. Each control member is rotatably coupled to the valve housing within the sidewall recess, and each control member is configured to allow flow of fluid through the valve opening in a first direction. Each control member is further configured to substantially prevent flow of fluid through the valve opening in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Schofield, Robert David Perry, Eileen Mary Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20030091428
    Abstract: A check valve includes a valve housing and at least one control member. The valve housing includes a sidewall and an opening extending therethrough. The sidewall defines the opening and includes at least one recess formed therein. Each control member is rotatably coupled to the valve housing within the sidewall recess, and each control member is configured to allow flow of fluid through the valve opening in a first direction. Each control member is further configured to substantially prevent flow of fluid through the valve opening in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Schofield, Robert David Perry, Eileen Mary Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20030091433
    Abstract: A blower apparatus includes a blower housing having at least one airflow channel. A flexible sheet having at least one flap is coupled to the blower housing such that the flap overlaps the channel to form a one-way valve. A plurality of flaps may be positioned over a plurality of channels to form a blower apparatus with a plurality of one-way valves. The flexible sheet may include mounting features such as holes to facilitate assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on the blower housing such that the holes receive the pegs. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on an exhaust cover that is subsequently attached to the blower housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Victoria Tsang Tam, Chadi Theodossy, Kenneth K. Tang, Richard B. Nelson, Paul W. Barrows
  • Patent number: 6511285
    Abstract: Two stages of relatively rotatable guide vanes (22,24) are arranged in tandem. Shroud portions (42,46) on the vanes overlap in loose engagement, until an associated gas turbine engine starts operating. Gas loads then act on the downstream vane stage (24) and move it in a downstream direction until the opposing flanks of radially opposing lands (44,48) on respective shrouds (42,46) engage, whereupon, gas leakage via the overlap onto the turbine casing (40) is at least substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alec G Dodd
  • Patent number: 6474936
    Abstract: Blower designs for vented enclosures include an impeller having a plurality of blades. A plurality of one way valves are interleaved between the blades to permit substantial airflow only in one direction. One valve design incorporates flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body with spring loaded hinges. Another valve design incorporates a flexible flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body. In one embodiment, the one-way valves reside on an insertable hub disposed within an inner periphery of the impeller such that the valves and blades are interleaved. The valves close to restrict air flow when the impeller rotational speed is below a threshold range. The valves open to permit air flow when the rotational speed exceeds the threshold range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James J. deBlanc, David M. Dickey, Victoria Tsang Tam
  • Publication number: 20020150464
    Abstract: Blower designs for vented enclosures include an impeller having a plurality of blades. A plurality of one way valves are interleaved between the blades to permit substantial airflow only in one direction. One valve design incorporates flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body with spring loaded hinges. Another valve design incorporates a flexible flaps coupled to either the blades or the impeller body. In one embodiment, the one-way valves reside on an insertable hub disposed within an inner periphery of the impeller such that the valves and blades are interleaved. The valves close to restrict air flow when the impeller rotational speed is below a threshold range. The valves open to permit air flow when the rotational speed exceeds the threshold range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: James J. deBlanc, David M. Dickey, Victoria Tsang Tam
  • Patent number: 6454528
    Abstract: An intake and exhaust damper assembly has a motor and fan assembly pivotally mounted for movement toward and away from a louvered rotatable blade damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6442936
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a compressor operable as a single stage or multi-stage compressor. A first compressor stage includes a first compressor wheel carried by a shaft, an axially extending first inlet and a radially extending first outlet. A second compressor stage includes a second compressor wheel carried by the shaft and axially extending second inlet and a radially extending second outlet. An interstage duct fluidly connects in series the first outlet of the first compressor with the second inlet of the second compressor. The interstage duct includes a bypass opening includes in communication with an ambient environment. A valve is positioned within the interstage duct. The valve is moveable to and between a first position to close the interstage duct and a second position to close the bypass opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip J. Houtz
  • Publication number: 20020081193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ejection rotation power mechanism which includes (a) an externally covered ring mechanism, (b) an eccentric supporting rod mechanism, and (c) a power rotation wheel mechanism, whereby the ejection rotation power mechanism can convert into rotating force and provides stable and high efficient output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Tien Lung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010014284
    Abstract: An intake and exhaust damper assembly has a motor and fan assembly pivotally mounted for movement toward and away from a louvered rotatable blade damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6190122
    Abstract: An intake and exhaust fan assembly is provided having a motor and fan assembly mounted for movement on rails toward and away from a rotatable blade damper mounted on an angle to the motor/fan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe