Individually Pivoted Vanes Patents (Class 415/160)
  • Publication number: 20100310359
    Abstract: A process for calibrating a variable-nozzle assembly (200) prior to its installation in a turbocharger. The variable-nozzle assembly facilitating such process is installed in a calibration fixture (20) having internal flowpath contours configured to replicate corresponding internal flowpath contours of a turbocharger into which the variable-nozzle assembly (200) is to be installed. The calibration fixture (20) defines a generally annular chamber (110) in fluid communication with a flow path defined in the variable-nozzle assembly (200), and a fluid supply passage (112) extending into the annular chamber. A fluid is supplied through the fluid supply passage (112), and the fluid then flows through the flow path of the variable-nozzle assembly (200). While the fluid is flowing through the variable-nozzle assembly (200), the vanes (220) are pivoted to set a predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Philippe Valin, Francis Abel, Lorrain Sausse
  • Patent number: 7845901
    Abstract: Devices for intaking gases from the boundary layer through ducts hollowed out in blades. These devices are suitable for variable setting blades, installed on the stator using pivots. The seal is maintained despite the variation in the relative position between the moving pivots through which ducts pass, and the fixed intake header pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stephan Yves Aubin, Thomas Julien Roland Earith, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Thierry Jean-Jacques Obrecht, Stephane Rousselin
  • Patent number: 7828516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for support of an adjusting ring which encompasses at a distance a basically circular blade carrier, which adjusting ring is rotatable in the circumferential direction around a center axis which is identical with the blade carrier, in order to adjust radially extending blades of a ring of a turbo-engine, wherein a plurality of levers are provided between the blade carrier and the adjusting ring, which levers are distributed over the circumference, extend tangentially in each case, and which on their free ends have a rotatable roller in each case, which are rollable in the circumferential direction on the adjusting ring or on the blade carrier. According to the invention, the lever is tightly clamped on one side to disclose a wear-free and reliable device for support of an adjusting ring which encompasses at a distance a circular blade carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Hartmann, Alexandra Küpper, Walter Loch, Vadim Shevchenko
  • Publication number: 20100260597
    Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a shoulder radially overlapping the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Pierre Barthelet, Francis Abel, Olivier Espasa, Mohamed Tahyry, Emmanuel Bouvier
  • Publication number: 20100260596
    Abstract: The invention is a Bulb turbine with mixed-flow propeller runner instead of axial flow propeller runner. The main area of application for the invention are the large tidal power plants (Fundy Bay, Severn Lake, etc.) with barrages where the propeller runners are working together with DC generators located in the bulbs. The theoretical fluid mechanical and energy output analyses show that the application of Bulb turbine with mixed-flow propeller and (Q11)opt=2.830 m3/sec would increase the energy output of the Fundy Bay tidal power plant with 200 units up to 4.5 million megawatt-hours per year in comparison with commercially available Bulb turbines with axial flow propellers and (Q11)opt=2.200 m3/sec without additional cost for the plant construction and its equipment. Also, the runner rotation of Bulb turbines with mixed-flow propellers [(N11)opt=110.0 rpm, Nopt=50.807 rpm] is 0.667 times slower than of commercially available Bulb turbines [(N11)opt=165.0 rpm, Nopt=76.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Alexander Gokhman
  • Patent number: 7805938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling a minimum flow rate of a variable geometry turbocharger that improve the starting performance of a vehicle and prevent the generation of surge noise and smoke remarkably, comprising a stopper to restrict the lever rotation of a flow regulator and determine a minimum flow rate of the turbocharger based on the position that restricts the lever rotation, in a structure where its position can be regulated to control the lever rotation limit position and the minimum flow rate of the turbocharger, and an ECU to calculate a stopper position correction value, with which an actual boost pressure detected by a boost pressure detection unit satisfies a target boost pressure, if meeting predetermined vehicle speed and gear ratio conditions, and then to duty-control a stopper position regulator to correct the current stopper position by the calculated stopper position correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Jun Roh
  • Patent number: 7806652
    Abstract: A turbine engine variable stator vane includes a platform having a circumference adjoining opposing surfaces. A trunnion extends from one of the opposing surfaces. An airfoil is supported on the other of the opposing surfaces opposite the trunnion. The airfoil includes leading and trailing edges. An overhanging portion of the airfoil, which includes the trailing edge, extends beyond the circumference. A fillet joins the airfoil and the other opposing surface and extends along the other opposing surface in a lateral direction beyond the circumference toward the trailing edge. In one example, the fillet is provided about the entire perimeter of the airfoil. The airfoil includes pressure and suction sides. The circumference includes a relief cut extending from the suction side and adjoining a notch in the circumference to form an apex overlying the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Major, Edward Torres, William J. Speers, III
  • Publication number: 20100247287
    Abstract: Method and nozzle adjustment mechanism for adjusting a flow of a fluid. The nozzle adjustment mechanism includes a fixed ring; at least a vane connected to the fixed ring by a pivot pin and configured to rotate with the pivot pin; an adjusting ring rotatably connected to the fixed ring and configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the nozzle adjustment mechanism; and a connection mechanism connecting the at least a vane to the adjusting ring and configured to move the at least a vane when the adjusting ring is rotated, the connection mechanism including a lever component and a link component connected to each other. The lever component is connected to the at least a vane and the link component is connected to the adjusting ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Gabriele Mariotti, Stefano Ghiraldo, Marcello Puggioni, Marcin Legat
  • Publication number: 20100247293
    Abstract: A ring vane nozzle for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a multiple of fixed turbine vanes between an inner vane ring and an outer vane ring and a multiple of rotational turbine vanes between the inner vane ring and the outer vane ring, each of the rotational turbine vanes rotatable about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, John R. Farris, Eric A. Hudson, George T. Suljak, JR.
  • Patent number: 7802964
    Abstract: A controllable variable length link device is disclosed. The device includes a first half-link having a first end connected to a driving system and a second end, a second half-link having a first end connected to a driven system and a second end, a rotary displacement member including a rotator shaft and a rotary head cooperating with the second ends of the half-links to bring about opposite movement of the half-links, a bearing unit in which the rotator shaft is mounted, respective guiding units which guide the two half-links in translation in at least two parallel directions, the guiding units being mechanically connected to the bearing means; and a driving unit which drives the shaft in rotation in both directions in accordance with a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Michel Andre Bouru
  • Publication number: 20100232936
    Abstract: A variable stator vane airfoil is mounted on a button centered about a rotational axis and includes circular leading and trailing edges circumscribed about the rotational axis at a button radius. Contoured pressure and suction sides extend from the circular leading edge to the circular trailing edge and are recessed inwardly from a perimeter circumscribed about the rotational axis at the button radius. One of upstream and downstream pressure side portions of the contoured pressure side is straight and another of the upstream and downstream pressure side portions is curved. One of the upstream and downstream suction side portions is straight and another of the upstream and downstream suction side portions is curved. One of the upstream pressure side portion and upstream suction side portion is straight and another of the upstream pressure side portion and upstream suction side portion is curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Mielke, Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow, David Scott Clark, James Edwin Rhoda, Gary Robert Peters
  • Publication number: 20100232937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a charging device, more preferably a turbocharger, with a spring for clamping the guide blade carrier (9) against a stop device arranged opposite the spring such as for example a plurality of spacer elements (12) or the like. Particularly advantageous is the use of a cantilever spring (3), as a result of which a region of high thermal load of the cantilever spring (3) can be separated from a region of high mechanical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Wengert, Timo Tries, Matthias Stein
  • Publication number: 20100202874
    Abstract: When changing a nozzle blade angle by rotating a drive ring, a contact load generated between an inner circumferential surface of the drive ring and an outer circumferential surface of a mount can be reduced, allowing the drive ring to rotate smoothly and reducing the amount of wear and a driving force. It is also possible to reduce an impact force, such as engine vibrations, generated at the drive ring when an external force acts, reducing the risk of damage. A plurality of notches (19) are provided at an inner rim of the drive ring (14), and, among inner circumferential surfaces (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h) located between the notches (19), when a driving force for rotating the drive ring (14) is applied, the inner diameters of the inner circumferential surfaces (14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h) where the contact load with the outer circumferential surface of a mount becomes large are made larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hayashi, Yasuaki Jinnai, Hiroshi Suzuki, Yuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7771161
    Abstract: Guide vanes are supported in a two-part or multipart housing (32, 33). Housing separation takes place radially in the region of the bearing point (25) of the vane shaft so that the separating joint (36) between the housing parts (32, 33) leads through the bearing openings (34) which are designed to hold the vane shafts. The completely round opening (34) leads to the bearing point of the vane shaft having large-area support in any position. Thus high surface pressures can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Turbo Systems AG
    Inventors: Josef Bättig, Jean-Yves Werro, Janpeter Kühnel
  • Patent number: 7753647
    Abstract: An inner diameter vane shroud for use in a gas turbine engine is comprised of lightweight cast forward and aft shroud components. The forward and aft shroud components are made with an investment casting technique that creates a hollow cavity that runs in a circumferential direction through each component. The forward and aft shroud components are matable to form sockets that receive inner diameter ends of variable stator vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Giaimo, John P. Tirone, III
  • Publication number: 20100172744
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a turbine variable position guide vane actuation system. The system includes, a plurality of variable position guide vanes, a plurality of actuators with each actuator in operable communication with one of the plurality of variable position guide vanes, and each of the plurality of actuators having a pin. The system further having at least one structure, movable parallel to an axis of the turbine, having a plurality of slots and each of the plurality of slots is in operable communication with one of the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Shubhra Bhatnagar
  • Publication number: 20100166543
    Abstract: Inlet guide vanes and gas turbine engine systems involving such vanes are provided. In this regard, a representative an inlet guide vane for a gas turbine engine includes: a fixed strut; and a variable flap located downstream of the fixed strut and being movable with respect thereto; the fixed strut having a leading edge, a trailing edge and side surfaces extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the side surfaces being asymmetric with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Christian A. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20100166542
    Abstract: A turbocharger with variable turbine geometry comprising of a turbine housing having an exhaust gas inlet and an outlet, a volute connected to the inlet, and a nozzle wall adjacent the volute, carrying a turbine wheel and is attached to a shaft with a plurality of improved aerodynamic profiled stator blades that are disposed within the turbine housing between the exhaust gas inlet and turbine wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: TURBO ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kasturirangan P.S.
  • Publication number: 20100150701
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger is provided. The turbocharger improves efficiency by controlling flow to the rotor (230) via movable vanes (260). The vanes (260) can be rotated using a pin (380, 480) and groove (385, 485) system. The vanes (260) can be multiple structures (710, 730) that are movable with respect to each other to increase the length of each of the vanes (260). The turbocharger also improves efficiency by creating a better seal in the area between the vanes (260) and the adjustment ring (240). The seal can be provided by biasing the adjustment ring (240) towards each of the vanes (260). The seal can be provided by expanding each of the vanes (260). The seal can be provided by having a movable portion (1150) of the adjustment ring (240) that is actuated by a pressure source or the like and axially moves towards the vanes (260). The plurality of vanes (260) can be low solidity vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Volker Simon, Mathias Weber, Paul Anschel
  • Patent number: 7717669
    Abstract: A load absorption arrangement 40 for absorbing loads in a variable stator vane positioning system of a gas turbine engine includes a valve 42 which has a first operating condition to enable the load absorption arrangement 40 to transmit load, and a second operating condition, which is operable above a predetermined load, in which the valve 42 can release to enable the load absorption arrangement 40 to absorb the load thereon. The arrangement 40 is particularly suitable for absorbing shock loads which may arise under engine surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Sheath, Paul S. McCabe
  • Patent number: 7717670
    Abstract: A platform for a turbomachine is fitted to a variable-setting stator blade to repair a worn area on a plate of the blade. The worn area may be caused by contact between the plate and a part of a casing during operation of the turbomachine. The plate may be machined before the platform may be properly fitted to the plate. The platform may include an anti-rotation tab to prevent the platform from rotating relative to an axis of rotation of a pivot of the blade. The platform may also include a collar to cover an outer diameter of the plate. After the platform has been fitted to the plate, the case may contact the platform instead of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Christelle Foucher
  • Patent number: 7713022
    Abstract: A shroud for supporting a variable vane in a compressor section for a gas turbine engine includes a pair of components which are secured together by a threaded fastener extending into a blind hole in one of the two components. Additional material forms on the component which includes the blind hole extends beyond a pivot axis for the vane such that there is an increased length of engagement between the threaded fastener and the blind hole. The blind hole eliminates the need for multiple nuts and reduces the radial height of the shroud to save additional weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Operations
    Inventors: Daniel W. Major, Edward Torres, Joseph C. Burge
  • Publication number: 20100111677
    Abstract: A variable stator blade assembly of a compressor, in particular of a gas turbine, including a compressor casing with a counterbore and a receptacle, a stator blade with a spindle, a spindle bush and a seal is provided. The spindle bush is placed inside the receptacle and spindle is placed inside the spindle bush wherein the seal is placed radially between the spindle and the spindle bush. The spindle is the dynamic seal face and a face within the spindle bush is the static seal face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Darren Kilminster
  • Publication number: 20100104425
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of charging equipment having a variable turbine geometry (1), which has guide vanes (3, 4) that are rotatably mounted between a guide vane carrier (2) and a cover disc, wherein the cover disc is fixed/positioned on the guide vane carrier (2) by means of spacers (5) and wherein the variable turbine geometry (1) has at least two different types of flow channels (6, 7), namely a first flow channel (6) in which a flow behaviour is influenced by an associated spacer (5), and a second flow channel (7) in which a flow behaviour is not influenced by the spacers (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Timo Tries, Gunter Winkler, Matthias Stein
  • Publication number: 20100098529
    Abstract: A vane (234) is provided which reduces leakage of gas in a variable geometry turbocharger (210) from the high pressure side of the vane (234) to the low pressure side of the vane (234). The vane (234) can have a channel (330, 430) along a gas bearing surface (325, 425) for reducing the leakage. The channel (330, 430) can be defined at least in part by sideplates (300, 350). The sideplates (300, 350) can be integrally cast with the rest of the vane (234). At least one of the sideplates (300, 350) can have a hole therein for a vane shaft (228) which allows movement of the vane (234) for gas flow control. The 340 sideplates (300, 350) can have edges (301, 351) that conform to the shape of the gas bearing surface (325, 425).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Steve Roby, David M. Decker, Dietmar Metz
  • Publication number: 20100092278
    Abstract: A variable vane arm has a hook portion comprising a radially inner leg connected to a radially outer leg by an arcuate connection, and an actuation lever extending from the hook portion. The hook portion and actuation lever are formed from a singular piece of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel W. Major, Bernard W. Pudvah
  • Patent number: 7690889
    Abstract: A variable vane actuation mechanism is comprised of a first drive vane arm and a second drive vane arm for driving a first variable vane array and a second variable vane array, respectively, of a stator vane section of a gas turbine engine. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected to each other at a first end by a linkage. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected at a second end to a first drive vane and a second drive vane, respectively, of the first and second variable vane arrays. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm respond in unison to a single actuation source connected to one of the first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Giaimo, John P. Tirone, III
  • Publication number: 20100080694
    Abstract: A turbocharged engine includes an internal combustion engine and a variable geometry turbocharger. The turbocharger is adjustable to operate efficiently under various engine operating and environmental conditions. The turbocharger includes a turbine and compressor, with the compressor including a compressor housing, an impeller rotatably mounted in the housing, and an adjustable diffuser vane assembly. The diffuser vane assembly includes a plurality of pivotal diffuser vanes spaced about the impeller and a vane rotation drive that interconnects the vanes and permits simultaneous adjustment of the diffuser vanes to improve the efficiency and operating range of the turbocharger. The diffuser vane assembly also includes a vane locking drive operable to engage the pivotal vanes and prevent vane movement during turbocharger operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kirby Chapman, Ueli Honnegger
  • Publication number: 20100068040
    Abstract: In a turbocharger equipped with a nozzle vane for changing the speed of exhaust gas running through a turbine in accordance with the speed of engine revolution, the member to constitute the nozzle vane and to constitute an exhaust guide for guiding exhaust gas to the turbine is characterized in that the exhaust guide member of a nozzle vane-type turbocharge is formed of an austenite stainless steel containing, in terms of % by mass, at most 0.08% of C, from 2.0 to 4.0% of Si, at most 2.0% of Mn, from 8.0 to 16.0% of Ni, from 18.0 to 20.0% of Cr and at most 0.04% of N and containing these ingredients in such a manner that they satisfy a DE value of the specified formula to be from 5.0 to 12.0, with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: NISSHIN STEEL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sadayuki NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 7677866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the centring of a turbo-engine pivoting vane control ring, comprising a control ring (26) centred on a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the turbo-engine and provided with a plurality of tapped holes (36) running in a radial direction and a plurality of pad holders (32), each comprising a threaded rod (34) screwed into one of the ring's tapped holes (36), each pad holder (32) holding, at an inner end, a pad (30) intended to come into contact with a cylindrical shell (28), coaxial with the ring. The control ring (26) comprises, in addition, a plurality of slots (38) running in a tangential direction, each slot (38) communicating with one of the ring's tapped holes (36) The device comprises means (40, 42a, 42b) of pinching, in a longitudinal direction, each of the slots (38) in such a way as to lock the pad holders (32) in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Alain Marc Lucien Bromann
  • Patent number: 7670106
    Abstract: A bushing for a variable-pitch vane pivot in a turbomachine, the bushing being for mounting in a recess in a ring of the turbomachine, the recess being of a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the bushing, the bushing comprising a body that is substantially tubular having a longitudinal axis, and at least three branches extending radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and axially over the full height of said tubular body, said branches being distributed in substantially equidistant manner around the circumference of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Michel André Bouru
  • Patent number: 7670107
    Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of radial-axial guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the radial-axial guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each radial-axial guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a groove for receiving the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the radial-axial guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Barthelet, Olivier Espasa, Eric Boucher, Francis Abel
  • Patent number: 7665959
    Abstract: An inner diameter vane shroud of a variable vane assembly accommodates a synchronization mechanism for coordinating rotation of an array of variable vanes. The inner diameter vane shroud has a gear track that runs circumferentially through the vane shroud. An array of variable vanes is rotatably mounted in the vane shroud at an inner end. Each vane has a gear pinion at its inner end, which interfaces with the gear track. As one of the individual variable vanes is rotated by an actuation source, the other variable vanes of the variable vane array are rotated a like amount by the rack and pinion gear interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Giaimo, John P. Tirone, III
  • Patent number: 7658068
    Abstract: A method for controlling a variable geometry turbine of a turbocharger to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas delivered to an after-treatment system. In one form the method includes reducing a fluid flow area to the turbine below a normal size and bypassing a portion of the exhaust gas around a plurality of guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Mulloy, John F. Parker, Sam Pringle
  • Publication number: 20100014961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) having variable turbine geometry (VTG) having a turbine housing (2) with a supply duct (9) for exhaust gases; having a turbine rotor (4) which is rotatably mounted in the turbine housing (2); and having a guide grate (18) which surrounds the turbine rotor (4) radially at the outside, which guide grate (18) has a blade mounting ring (6) which has a plurality of guide blades (7) which in each case have a blade shaft (8) mounted in the blade mounting ring (6), which guide grate (18) has an adjusting ring (5) which is operatively connected to the guide blades (7) by means of associated blade levers (20) which are fastened to the blade shafts (8) at one of their ends, wherein each blade lever (20) has, at the other end, a lever head (23) which can be placed in engagement with an associated engagement recess (24) of the adjusting ring (5), and which guide grate (18) has a stop (25) at least for setting the minimum throughflow through the nozzle cross sections which are fo
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Ralf Böning, Dietmar Metz
  • Publication number: 20100008766
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly includes a lower vane ring (20), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a spacer (50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30) for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30). The spacer has a first end (52) with a first diameter, a second end (54) with a second diameter, and a middle section (56) with a third diameter. The third diameter is larger than the first and second diameters. The first and second ends (52, 54) of the spacer (50) are inserted at least partially into a first counter bore (22) and a second counter bore (32) formed in the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30). A nut (40) and a fastener (42) running through a central through hole (58) of the spacer (50) are used to connect the vane ring assembly to a turbocharger housing. A clearance (c) of greater than e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Georg Scholz, Richard Hall
  • Patent number: 7644583
    Abstract: Turbocharger apparatus (1) comprising a housing (4), a compressor, a turbine (40), a first inlet (39) for enabling air to be conducted to the compressor, an outlet (36) for enabling air from the compressor to be conducted to an engine, a second inlet (53) for enabling exhaust gases from the engine to be conducted to the turbine (40), a chamber (96), a bearing assembly (82) for permitting the rotation of the turbine (40), and a control system (5, 10) for controlling the speed of the turbine (40), the control system (5, 10) having an exhaust gas sealing system (8, 21, 26) which prevents exhaust gas leakage from the turbocharger apparatus (1), and which allows expansion of parts within the exhaust gas sealing system (8, 21, 26) at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Malcolm George Leavesley
  • Publication number: 20090313991
    Abstract: A turbocharger having a cleaning port communicating between an external surface of the turbocharger housing and an internal cavity which communicates with a component of a gas flow control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Carl Kuznicki, Rickey Albert MacKey, Timothy James William Proctor, Gregory Scott Franks
  • Patent number: 7635251
    Abstract: A stator assembly having a windage cover for structure adjacent to a cavity bounded by rotating elements in a rotary machine is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for damping vibrations in the windage cover as the windage cover bounds a cavity having swirling high velocity gases that are capable of transmitting acoustic energy and kinetic energy to adjacent structure. In one detailed embodiment, the windage cover in the uninstalled condition has diverging arms that are resiliently compressed during installation to exert a frictional force on the adjacent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Duesler, C. Vincent Loffredo, Matthew D. Nicolson, Richard J. Pawlaczyk
  • Publication number: 20090301085
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine comprising: a turbine driven by exhaust gas from the engine; a compressor for supplying compressed air to the engine, the compressor including an impeller driven by the turbine; an arrangement upstream of the impeller suitable for directing air such that it is swirling in a rotational sense on reaching the impeller; and control means arranged to control said arrangement such that as the speed of the impeller approaches a predetermined maximum speed limit the arrangement directs air such that it is swirling in the opposite rotational sense to that in which the impeller is being driven by the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Francis Heyes
  • Patent number: 7628579
    Abstract: An inner diameter vane shroud accommodates a mechanism for synchronously rotating an away of variable vanes. Particularly, the inner diameter vane shroud has a gear channel that runs circumferentially through the vane shroud. An array of variable vanes is rotatably mounted in the vane shroud at an inner end. The variable vanes comprise vane gears at their inner end, which are rotatable in the gear channel. Disposed between the vane gears of the variable vanes are idler gears. As one of the individual variable vanes is rotated by an actuation source, the other variable vanes of the variable vane away are rotated a like amount by the vane gears and idler gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Giaimo, John P. Tirone, III
  • Publication number: 20090297334
    Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly includes an active control feedback system and a plurality of inlet guide vanes. The inlet guide vanes are variable between a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of inlet guide vanes is positioned in response to an output of the activate control feedback system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Anton G. Banks
  • Publication number: 20090297340
    Abstract: The invention relates to increasing the fluid capacity and the fluid discharge pressure of a rotary sliding vane fluid compressor without significantly increasing the fluid discharge temperature. According to the invention supplemental air under pressure is added to a compressor's rotating pocket to increase the fluid capacity and fluid pressure in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Louis S. Schwartz, David Waage
  • Patent number: 7625176
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plain bearing between two parts movable with respect to each other, the first part having a first bearing element made from a first metal and the second part having a second bearing element made from a second metal of higher hardness. The first bearing element has a surface layer hardened by strain hardening. As a result of the invention, the wear between the parts can be reduced and their life can be substantially lengthened. The invention can be advantageously applied to cases in which the first part is a variable-setting diffuser blade and the second part is a gas turbine casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Christelle Foucher, Veronique Christiane Giffard, Claude Marcel Mons
  • Patent number: 7603969
    Abstract: An automotive coolant pump has movable vanes, which are adjustable as to their orientation in accordance with the temperature of the coolant, whereby the rate of coolant flow through the pump impeller accords with coolant temperature. A thermal-actuator is operated by a thermal-sensor, and serves to rotate a vanes-drive-ring to cause the vanes to change orientation in unison. The cooling system includes a bypass-port, which is open during warmup and closed once coolant has acquired working temperatures; the same thermal-actuator serves also to operate the bypass-port-blocker. Additionally, the same thermal-actuator may serve also to operate a radiator-port-blocker, which serves to block flow through the radiator during engine warmup. The vanes may be arranged to close completely together, and to be sealed at closure. Sealing is effected e.g by elastomeric sealing elements arranged on the appropriate surfaces of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Flowork Systems II LLC
    Inventors: Walter Otto Repple, John Robert Lewis Fulton
  • Patent number: 7600379
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbine in the exhaust line and a compressor in the intake tract of the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust gas turbine includes a gas inlet passage with a variable guide vane structure supported on one side of a support ring arranged in the inlet flow passage to the turbine wheel, the support ring is mounted in a floating manner such that the side thereof, which faces away form the guide vanes is exposed to the gas pressure in the inlet flow passage in order to bias the support ring toward the opposite inlet flow passage wall and spacer sleeves with expansion properties similar to those of the guide vanes are provided between the support ring and the opposite flow passage wall for delimiting the clearance between the guide vanes and the opposite flow passage wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Peter Fledersbacher, Paul Löffler, Michael Scherrieble, Siegfried Sumser, Siegfried Weber
  • Patent number: 7588416
    Abstract: A pivot bushing for a variable-pitch vane of a turbomachine, the bushing being for mounting in a recess in a ring of the turbomachine, the recess being of a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the bushing. The bushing comprises a substantially tubular body of longitudinal axis provided at one end with a first conical collar and at an opposite end with a second conical collar, the conical surfaces defined by the first and second collars being disposed facing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Michel Andre Bouru
  • Patent number: 7588415
    Abstract: A variable vane assembly includes a sync ring mechanism for synchronously rotating an array of variable vanes. The variable vane assembly comprises a drive vane, a synch ring, a vane arm and a plurality of follower vanes and follower arms. An inner diameter end of the drive vane rotates in an inner diameter vane shroud. The synch ring rotates in an inner channel of the inner diameter vane shroud. The vane arm connects the inner diameter end of the drive vane with the synch ring. The plurality of follower vanes are connected to the synch ring by the follower arms. When the drive vane is rotated by an actuation source, the plurality of follower vanes rotate a like amount by the synch ring and follower arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Giaimo, John P. Tirone, III
  • Publication number: 20090226305
    Abstract: A variable vane actuation system is disclosed herein. The variable vane actuation system includes a ring member disposed for pivoting movement about a centerline axis. The ring member is engaged with a plurality of vanes in a turbine engine such that the plurality of vanes pivot in response to the pivoting movement of the ring member. The variable vane actuation system also includes a ring moving device engaged with the ring member at first and second positions spaced from one another about the centerline axis. The ring moving device is operable to apply first and second forces, respectively, at the first and second positions to pivot the ring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: ALBERT WONG, Lucas Perez, Anthony F. Tommasone
  • Publication number: 20090180858
    Abstract: A method to prevent brinelling wear of a slot and pin assembly of an adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism includes: providing a compressor having the adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism including a control ring with a plurality of tapered slots positioned around a circumference of the control ring; providing a plurality of tapered pin/lever arm assemblies each comprising a tapered pin having a tapered body with a first threaded end and a second end, a lever arm extending perpendicularly from the second end of the tapered body of the tapered pin and a vane coupled to an end of the lever arm; positioning the tapered pin of the tapered pin/lever arm assembly within each of the plurality of tapered slots such that the first threaded end of the tapered body of the tapered pin extends through the tapered slot; positioning a washer and spring over the first threaded end of the tapered pin of each of the tapered pin/lever arm assemblies; and securing the tapered pin of each of the tapered pin/lever arm assemblies
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ELLIOTT COMPANY
    Inventor: Kevin L. Tapper