Fluid Force Responsive Member Controls Working Fluid Patents (Class 415/49)
  • Patent number: 11241298
    Abstract: The overload protection device used on a high-speed dental handpiece includes a valve body, a piston, an elastic member, and a valve plug. The valve body is provided with an air chamber and an air intake passage in communication with each other. The piston is arranged in the air chamber. The valve plug is arranged at an end of the air chamber away from the air intake passage and is connected with the valve body. The elastic member is arranged between the piston and the valve plug. An outer surface of the valve body is provided with a plurality of air discharging holes which is in communication with the air chamber. The piston is capable of opening or closing the air discharging holes when moving vertically within the air chamber. The present invention further discloses a high-speed dental handpiece with an overload protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GUILIN WOODPECKER MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xunxian Wu, Wei Li, Hongcan Wang, Yongchao Huang, Zhaolin Li, Qingjian Deng
  • Patent number: 10884438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety workbench having a work space surrounded by a housing having a work opening located in the housing front side and adjustable with an adjustable front panel for admitting into the work space an air inlet flow, an exhaust blower and a circulating air blower for conveying an air flow in the safety workbench, which are designed such that a partial air flow drawn in by the exhaust blower is filtered through an exhaust air filter as exhaust air flow from the safety workbench and a partial air flow drawn in by the circulating air blower through a circulating air filter as downwardly directed circulating air flow into the work space, and a control device, a differential pressure sensor (16) and two pressure transducers connected thereto which are designed to measure a pressure at two different positions within the safety workbench d, wherein a first of the pressure transducers is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the fan blades on the low pressure side of the circulating
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Schuck, Patrick Fanta, Gerd Ross, Oliver Rupp, Christoph Noll
  • Patent number: 10125724
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a flow control mechanism operable to direct at least a portion of a fan airflow from a secondary flow path into a core flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary D. Roberge, Andrew P. Berryann, Scott A. Carr
  • Patent number: 9476351
    Abstract: Provided is a recirculation valve that diverts some of the compressed air in a scroll section to an upstream side of the scroll section via a bypass conduit in an open state and sends the compressed air in the scroll section to a downstream side in a closed state, the recirculation valve including a valve body that is fittable in a branch hole in which the scroll section communicates with the bypass conduit, and an actuator that moves the valve body between the closed state where the valve body is fitted in the branch hole and the open state where the valve body is away from the branch hole, in which the valve body forms an inner surface along an inner wall of the scroll section in the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomokazu Murayama
  • Patent number: 8777554
    Abstract: A fan system is disclosed having a forward fan stage configured to pressurize an airflow and an aft fan stage having a tip-fan configured to pressurize a first portion of a pressurized air flow from the forward fan stage wherein the aft fan stage is driven by a second portion of the pressurized airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Lewis Baughman
  • Patent number: 8651798
    Abstract: A kinetic hydropower generation system has a turbine and a generator coupled to the turbine. An underwater intake nozzle assembly is fluidly coupled to the turbine. For one embodiment, an underwater tower nozzle may be fluidly coupled between the turbine and the underwater intake nozzle assembly. The underwater intake nozzle assembly may include a collector and a converging nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sheer Wind, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Patent number: 8641363
    Abstract: A turbocharger having a turbine with a wastegate, and a compressor including a compressor housing, a compressor wheel, and a wastegate actuator. The turbine wheel includes blades defining an inlet. The compressor housing has an inlet wall leading to the inlet, and a shroud wall surrounding the blades. The actuator includes a base that is integral with the inlet wall, and an electric motor that is attached to the base. The shroud wall forms a first port that is in direct fluid communication with the actuator chamber, and the inlet wall forms a second port that is in direct fluid communication with the actuator chamber. Air from the first port to passes through the actuator housing and out the second port. This airflow convectively cools the working components of the actuator, while the connection of the motor to the inlet wall conductively cools the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Love, Nicolas Devulder
  • Patent number: 8608452
    Abstract: A variable coolant pump for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine that has a pump housing in which is mounted a hollow shaft that is driveable by a pulley. At one end of the hollow shaft an impeller is fastened which has vanes projecting into an inlet chamber and which is firmly connected via axial bridges to a cover disc. Through rotation of the impeller together with the cover disc, water can be sucked into the inlet chamber via an inlet connection piece of the pump housing and conveyed by the vanes into an annular passage of the pump housing. A guide disc with a contour corresponding to the impeller is further arranged between impeller and cover disc. The guide disc is guided by the axial bridges and can be displaced axially via a positioning unit by a piston located inside the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Draheim, Andreas Nendel, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt, Jens Schaefer, Sandra Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20130195616
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wave-driven blower and a wave-driven generator. Embodiments can accelerate fluid flows with waves requiring with no or minimal moving parts. The waves driving the flow can be surface-thermal waves on the walls of the device. The velocity of the surface-thermal wave entrains the fluid near the surface and imparts a velocity to the fluid. Other types of waves can generate fluid flow. These other waves can be produced by variations in chemical composition, ionic concentration, chemical potential, total pressure, partial pressure and surface texture. Operating as a generator, the device extracts energy from a flowing fluid to amplify wave motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Epstein
  • Publication number: 20130170952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls a compressor, where the compressor inlet gas may contain water and/or non-aqueous liquid. The method includes the steps of measuring temperature at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring pressure at the compressor inlet and outlet side in order to determine a compressor pressure ratio, measuring fluid mixture density at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring individual volume fractions of gas, water and non-aqueous liquid at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring fluid velocity at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, and determining individual flow rates of gas, water and non-aqueous liquid on the basis of the measured individual volume fractions of gas, water and non aqueous liquid and the fluid velocity at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Lars Brenne, Jan Høydal
  • Publication number: 20130039741
    Abstract: This invention provides a compression apparatus capable of flexibly responding to a change in service condition. The compression apparatus comprises a compressor main body for housing rotatively driven rotors, an intake channel connected to an intake port of the compressor main body and equipped with a suction adjusting valve, a discharge channel connected to a discharge port of the compressor main body and equipped with a discharge pressure sensor, a revolution speed setting unit for causing a rotor to have a revolution speed that matches a set number of revolutions, a valve controlling unit for controlling the suction adjusting valve based on a discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor in such a manner that a pressure of the discharge channel is maintained at a set pressure, and a controller for defining the set number of revolutions and the set pressure based on a condition selected by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Kazuyuki YODA, Kai Nakanishi, Tsuyoshi Niimura
  • Patent number: 8092147
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a turbine (3) for generating power in a drill string (2), including a turbine rotor (10) drivable by a fluid and a bypass device having a first bypass channel bypassing the turbine rotor (10). For varying the volumetric flow through the bypass channel, provision is made for a valve (28) and a control device driven by the fluid and having a drive element (24) by means of which the valve (28) is movable anywhere between a first and a second position. The drive element (24) produces a flow resistance in the fluid flow path downstream from the turbine rotor (10) and downstream from the valve (28) and in the flow direction takes support upon a spring (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford Energy Services GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Draeger, Helmut Winnacker
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7811048
    Abstract: A turbine-intake tower for delivering wind to a turbine has a hollow support column, an intake nozzle assembly rotatably coupled to the support column, and a tower nozzle disposed within the support column. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The tower nozzle is configured to receive the wind from the intake nozzle assembly and to further accelerate the wind received from the intake nozzle assembly for delivery to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Publication number: 20100127498
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity from steam power, which includes a steam source communicated with a steam load, the steam load requiring steam at a load pressure lower than the steam source; a pressure reduction valve communicated between the steam source and the steam load, and adapted to reduce steam pressure to the load pressure; and a pressure reduction valve bypass circuit including a steam turbine for converting steam to electric power, the turbine being communicated with an electric power load to provide power to the load. The turbine is advantageously positioned vertically above a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Murphy, Ernest J. Biron
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7470103
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a limit exceedance of an operating parameter in a steam turbine system. Measurement data associated with the operating parameter is received, and a limit exceedance is determined when the rate of change in the received data over a predefined period of time exceeds a predefined limit. A control action is taken when a limit exceedance has been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Andrew Tisenchek, Darrin Glen Kirchhof
  • Patent number: 7326027
    Abstract: Centrifugal compressor flow stabilizing devices and methods of operation thereof are disclosed that act upon the flow field discharging from the impeller of a centrifugal compressor and modify the flow field ahead of the diffuser vanes such that flow conditions contributing to rotating stall and surge are reduced or even eliminated. In some embodiments, shaped rods and methods of operation thereof are disclosed, whereas in other embodiments reverse-tangent air injection devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Gary J. Skoch, Mark A. Stevens, Thomas A. Jett
  • Patent number: 7210895
    Abstract: A turbo-compressor being driven by an electric motor has an inlet guide vane and a blow-off valve. The surge limit line of the compressor is amended depending upon seasonal changes of temperature and pressure of a working gas to be sucked into the compressor. Upon the basis of the surge limit line amended, the minimum opening of the inlet guide vale is altered, thereby reducing the driving power or force of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kotani, Kazuo Takeda, Haruo Miura
  • Patent number: 7111461
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for testing the operation of a rotary flow device, such as a turbine or compressor of a turbocharger with a variable-geometry mechanism, such as adjustable vanes, is provided. The system includes a flow generator configured to provide a flow of gas through the device, a power source configured to adjust a position of the variable vanes or other variable-geometry mechanism of the device, and a controller configured to selectively control the adjustment of the position of the vanes. The controller and power source can be configured to actuate the variable vanes to at least one predetermined position so that an operational condition of the device can be determined according to the flow of air through the device. For example, the system can detect the operation of a valve or other adjustment device that controls the position of the vanes. Further, the system can monitor the flow of gas through the device to detect the configuration and operability of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Martyn J. Richey
  • Patent number: 7055316
    Abstract: In an assembly including a diesel engine, a fluid coupling connected to the flywheel of the diesel engine, a comminuting machine and a conveyor for feeding the comminuting machine, a fluid coupling module is common to various output power train assemblies. Slip speed of the fluid coupling between impeller input and runner output shafts is measured, and modulates or regulates the process feed rate of the conveyer. An electrically actuated control valve acts as an oil flow diverter valve directing oil into the fluid coupling impeller when a signal to engage the coupling is given, and in response to a signal from an over-temperature sensor when the temperature of circuit oil leaving the element exceeds a preset set point value, diverts the oil to a reservoir, thereby permitting the impeller and runner cavity to evacuate, which separates the engine from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: Melbourne F. Giberson, Mark T. Simonelli, Frederick C. Wiesinger, Jr., Gerald L. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6602046
    Abstract: A diffuser for slowing down a fluid and a method for operating a diffuser is described. A channel of the diffusor has an inlet with a smaller flow cross section than a flow cross section of an outlet and at least one opening for receiving an energizing fluid to be transported selectively into the channel. Pulsations of the impact interface are suppressed effectively at all of the operating points by injecting the energization fluid. Pressures of the fluid moving in the diffusor are measured, and amplitudes and frequencies of the measured pressures are evaluated. Energizing fluid is fed into the diffusor if the amplitudes within a predetermined frequency band exceed a threshold value. The utilization ratio of the inventive diffuser is considerably improved as a result of such a measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Universität Stuttgart
    Inventor: Peter Kraus
  • Patent number: 6485255
    Abstract: A cooling air flow control device for a gas turbine engine, the cooling air flow control device comprising a component, a cooling passage defined within the component and a shaped memory metal valve, the shaped memory metal valve disposed in the cooling passage to regulate, in use, the flow rate of a cooling air flow supplied, in operation, through the cooling passage wherein the shaped memory metal valve operates by changing shape to control the flow rate of the cooling air flow in response to the temperature of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Ian C D Care, Roger Ashmead
  • Patent number: 6364602
    Abstract: A transfer function between the inlet air-flow consumed by a Gas Turbine engine, and the engine parameters of speed, pressure ratio, and Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) angle is described. An active compressor Operating Limit Line (OLL) management strategy that leverages this improved flow measurement transfer function is also described. The improved flow measurement capability afforded by the transfer function permits a deterioration in flow rate caused by compressor fouling to be detected. Using the deterioration in flow rate as a proxy for compressor fouling, a degraded surge boundary associated with fouling can be predicted, using a transfer function between degradation of air-flow along operating line and degradation of surge line. In combination, the inventive improvements in flow measurement and operating line management afford added compressor surge protection across the operating range, while permitting the attainment of elevated pressure ratios associated with high thermodynamic efficiency and output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Philip L. Andrew, Chung-hei Yeung, Joseph A. Cotroneo, John David Stampfli
  • Patent number: 6231306
    Abstract: A control system for preventing a compressor stall in a gas turbine engine includes means for sensing an aerodynamic signal indicative of an impending stall condition. The weak stages of the compressor amplify an upstream disturbance originating in the low pressure compressor or fan, resulting in a discrete frequency disturbance, which is an effective stall precursor. The control system also includes means, responsive to the sensed signal, for processing the signal by isolating the relevant frequencies of the sensed signal, calculating the magnitude of the relevant portions of the sensed signal, comparing the sensed signal to a predetermined threshold indicative of a healthy compressor, and for providing a processed signal indicative of an impending stall condition. The control system further includes means, responsive to the processed signal, for providing an output to initiate corrective action to prevent the impending stall condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Syed J. Khalid
  • Patent number: 6210103
    Abstract: For an impeller pump, the seal/bearing unit has two rotor-stator pairs of tapered sleeves arranged back-to-back. The sleeves have a spiral groove, and convey barrier-liquid from an entry-mouth in an entry-chamber to an exit-mouth in an exit-chamber. Having two sleeves gives the units mechanical stability, thrust support capability, and resistence to vibrations and other abuses. The tapered sleeves may be arranged wide-narrow-wide, or narrow-wide-narrow. The sleeves may be mounted for sliding in the housing and on the shaft, or may be fixed to the housing or shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: A. W. Chesterton Co.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 6036432
    Abstract: A fluid passage extends through the compressor casing from a point near the tip of the impeller to a transducer located externally of the compressor casing. Responsive to fluctuations of pressure sensed by the transducer indicative of rotating stall, the compressor is controlled by varying the diffuser or shutting down the compressor, as is appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Joost J. Brasz
  • Patent number: 6010303
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating a real-time signal indicative of an energy-type instability precursor in a turbofan engine. A sensor is positioned in a compressor portion of a turbofan engine for generating a real-time signal indicative of energy of aerodynamic or aeromechanical resonance waves generated in the compression system. The signal is bandpassed to generate a filtered signal within a predetermined range of frequencies indicative of a precursor to instability such as rotating stall, surge or flutter. The bandpassed signal is squared in magnitude and then lowpassed to generate an instability precursor signal used to prevent imminent aerodynamic or aeromechanical instability from occurring in the aerocompression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew R. Feulner
  • Patent number: 5984626
    Abstract: The present invention is for an evacuation system which preferrably in its entirety is connected to and operates at the outlet side of a pump. The evacuation system is connected to the socket 5 by the connector 9 and one of the valves 15 or 16. In the evacuation system there is a compressor 19 and a pressurized air ejector 18. Air from the ejector exits through a pipe 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: ABS Pump Production AB
    Inventor: Leo Kotkaniemi
  • Patent number: 5967742
    Abstract: The operation of quickly taking a turbocompressor off-line from a parallel configuration, of a gas pipeline compressor station, may encounter increased mechanical action (in particular, vibration) upon recycle piping and the additional risk of compressor surge. For these reasons, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for decreasing vibratory loads and for increasing surge prevention effectiveness, while initiating an off-line operation, by (1) altering the surge control line's location, at a preset rate, from its initial location to a predetermined new location; and (2) decreasing the turbocompressor's deceleration rate when the operating point intercepts the surge control line before the control line reaches its new location. Upon completion of the off-line activity, the control line returns to its initial location; and the reduction of compressor speed will cease on reaching a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Compressor Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Saul Mirsky, Michael L. Tolmatsky
  • Patent number: 5951240
    Abstract: The stroking speed of an antisurge control valve is impeded by the combined damping effects of signal dead time and the inherent lag of ancillary pneumatic components within a primary control loop. Furthermore, as control valve actuator size increases, the negative influence of these two impediments (dead time and lag) is amplified. As a result, control valve response times are adversely affected; and the possibilities of surge-induced compressor damage and process upsets are heightened. For these reasons, this disclosure relates to a method for protecting turbocompressors from impending surge, and for preventing subsequent process upsets, by improving antisurge control. But more specifically, it describes a technique for decreasing damping effects by evacuating control valve actuators (diaphragm or piston) through restrictions having a lower resistance to compressible-fluid flow rather than through volume boosters--consequently, increasing a control valve's opening speed to that of an emergency shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Compressor Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Saul Mirsky, Paul F. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5938401
    Abstract: A method of testing an actuation system for positioning an inlet guide vane, the actuation system including a primary electronic system, a secondary hydro-mechanical system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas P. Modeen, Christopher E. Paul, Kristin M. Devlin
  • Patent number: 5505587
    Abstract: A ram air turbine generator comprises a cylindrical external fairing having bypass exhaust orifices adjacent the leading end and external exhaust ports adjacent the aft end. A central flow guide is coaxially mounted and has a contoured outer surface spaced from the external fairing. A valve tube is coaxial with, and intermediate, the external fairing and the central flow guide and extends between a nose end with openings nearest the leading end of the external fairing and an aft plate. The valve tube also has a plurality of aft internal exhaust ports generally coextensive with the aft external exhaust ports in the external fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Ghetzler
  • Patent number: 5220793
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a rising characteristic at low flows, leading to pressure pulsations in the fuel system at low flow. A pressure difference regulating valve at the pump discharge has a frequency response such that the valve does not significantly move in response to the pulsations. The valve responds to less rapid changes, thereby avoiding high pressure loss at high flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McGlone, Louis J. Larkin, Rodney O. Johnson, Kurt A. Moeller
  • Patent number: 5169286
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement on a centrifugal pump including: a casing defining an inlet path extending at the axial portion thereof, a turbine chamber communicating with the inlet path, and an outlet path disposed at the outer periphery portion of the turbine chamber; a drive shaft rotatably held in the casing; and a turbine fixed on the drive shaft and disposed rotatably in the turbine chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignees: Yutaka Yamada, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Yamada
  • Patent number: 5165844
    Abstract: The deflection angle of a gas turbine stator is adjusted in proportion to the difference between two parameters computed from N.sub.2 and TT2 using the same function generator. One parameter is a reference adjustment under standard conditions for measured N.sub.2 adjusted to sea level and standard temperature. The second parameter is an adjustment for actual altitude conditions. The parameters manifest the clearance between the engine case and the turbine blade tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Syed J. Khalid
  • Patent number: 5165845
    Abstract: Stall margin in a gas turbine compressor is controlled during acceleration by synthesizing the thermal enlargement of critical compressor stages to synthesize the temporary increase in blade-case clearance during acceleration. The change in clearance is used to produce an augmenting stator vane deflection signal which is summed with a steady state vane deflection signal to increase deflection during acceleration until the clearance returns to a nominal level when the expansion of the compressor parts stabilize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Syed J. Khalid
  • Patent number: 4874288
    Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a pump or a compressor having rotary blades. The guide vanes pivot in a controlled manner so that a portion of the vanes can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inlet passageway of the pump or the compressor by pivoting the guide vanes about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: D. Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 4869642
    Abstract: A high speed liquid vortex pump is fitted with a flexible tube in the discharge throat. The flow area of the flexible tube, and thus the pump output flow rate, is varied by surrounding the tube with a pressure modulated stream of the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Williamson, Christopher D. Eick
  • Patent number: 4818177
    Abstract: An improved centrifugal pump is provided wherein a suction valve is integrally mounted within the impeller housing. The valve is shifted to the open position by hydraulic action and is preloaded by a spring to the closed position. Mechanical linkage is also provided to manually shift the valve between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Grohmann
  • Patent number: 4802817
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a self-regulating impeller discharge shutter which controls the size of flow passages from the pump impeller to the volute according to the flow demand on the pump. When the pump is operating at the design flow rate, the flow passages can be nearly fully open and, when there is a lesser demand, the area of the flow passages can be correspondingly reduced to improve stability and minimize the temperature rise within the pump. The position of the impeller discharge shutter is automatically controlled by exposure to the static pressure at the tip of the impeller and the pressure in the volute which exert oppositely-acting forces on the impeller discharge shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas R. Tyler
  • Patent number: 4764088
    Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a pump or a compressor having rotary blades. The guide vanes are pivotably disposed so that a portion of the vanes can be inserted into or withdrawn from the inlet passageway of the pump or the compressor by pivoting the guide vanes about a pivot axes. A control is provided for controlling the degree of pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Davorin D. Kapich
  • Patent number: 4725194
    Abstract: A self-regulating vertical axis windmill includes a wind actuable rotor and a plurality of baffle panels arranged around the outside of the rotor and pivotably mounted on vertical axes which are parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The panels are biased to tend to pivot in a first angular direction to be nominally situated against stop means in position to direct wind blowing toward the rotor axis to be diverted to impinge on a face of the rotor panels which will tend to cause the rotor to rotate in a second opposite angular direction. The baffle panels are arranged so that as the wind increases and impinges on one of the baffle panels in a direction to tend to move that panel in the second opposite angular direction, the panel moves away from the stop means, finally allowing a substantial portion of the wind to impinge on opposite second faces of the rotor panel blades to tend to retard or stop the rotation of the rotor in the second angular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventor: Ronald V. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 4629394
    Abstract: A centrifugal main fuel pump (10') for a gas turbine engine has a housing (18') in which a centrifugal impeller (12') is mounted for rotation. The impeller discharges flow to a collector (20') and diffuser (22'). A low flow diffuser (26) has its inlet opening positioned closely adjacent the outer periphery of the impeller. Proper design and placement of the low flow diffuser ensures that a high percentage of the fluid energy available in the high velocity flow adjacent the impeller outer periphery is recovered as pressure rise. The low flow diffuser produces adequate fuel flow at the pressure necessary for engine light-off while the first mentioned diffuser recovers a lower pressure rise but is adapted to supply higher engine fuel flow demand in the normal range of operation. A check valve (34) prevents flow from the low flow diffuser from returning to the impeller. The check valve opens to allow the first mentioned diffuser to supply fuel when its discharge pressure exceeds that of the low flow diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Chandler Evans Inc
    Inventor: Frank A. Leachman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4502834
    Abstract: A first control assembly is provided operative to supply gas from a supply of gas under pressure to the inlet of a centrifugal liquid pump at increasing and decreasing rates responsive to decreases and increases in the pressure of liquid discharge from the pump. The first control assembly includes spring structure for closing an associated air flow controlling valve member which is yieldingly biased toward the open position by the pressure of liquid discharged from the pump and a second control assembly is provided operative to increase and decrease the loading of the aforementioned spring structure responsive to increases and decreases in demand for liquid being discharged from the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Samuel G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4470256
    Abstract: A fluid compressor including a rotating impeller and apparatus inhibiting fluid surging. The surge inhibiting apparatus includes a multitude of guide vanes circumscribing an inlet of the compressor. Movement of the guide vanes with respect to fluid flowing to the compressor is effective to inhibit fluid surging. A combustion turbine including such a fluid compressor, and a vehicle powered by such an engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventor: Donald L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4412780
    Abstract: A control system for a steam turbine is disclosed which is operative to protect the turbine from the effects of sudden changes in steam supply pressure, and in particular to protect the turbine from the effects of water induction such as occurs with a sudden drop in steam pressure supplied by a boiler. In a preferred embodiment, a signal is created which represents the time rate of change of steam supply pressure. This derivative signal is compared with a preselected threshold value to produce a pulse signal whose duty cycle is proportional to the amount by which the rate of change of pressure exceeds the preselected threshold value. The pulse signal causes a proportional pulsing of a motor adapted to reduce a turbine load limit and effect a closing of steam admission control valves to counteract the change in steam pressure and reduce the potential for passing wet steam to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David J. Collins, James E. Van Doren
  • Patent number: 4378194
    Abstract: The efficiency of a centrifugal compressor is optomized over a wide range of flow rates by providing a diffuser which is a combination of fixed vanes and a movable wall member and which throttles the diffuser passage in accordance with compressor load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Phiroze Bandukwalla
  • Patent number: 4222751
    Abstract: A gasoline pump includes a cyclone air separator by which air is removed from the gasoline being pumped. The air is vented to the atmosphere through a vent chamber. The cyclone separator includes a scavenging tube for capturing the air bubbles and is coupled to an orifice between the separator and the vent chamber. The scavenging tube and orifice have diameters selected to capture substantially all of the air bubbles and a float valve couples the vent chamber to the pump inlet to return entrained gasoline to the pump. A damped output control valve regulates the internal pump pressure so the cone of air bubbles formed in the cyclone separator remains relatively constant and is efficiently captured by the scavenger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Anthes Imperial Limited
    Inventor: Richard F. Shunta
  • Patent number: 4214850
    Abstract: A variable-capacity radial turbine is provided with a gas flow rate control plate which may throttle a restriction of a scroll-shaped channel of a turbine casing, through which flows the exhaust gases into a turbine impeller, so that the impeller may rotate substantially at a constant speed and consequently the intake pressure may be maintained constant over a predetermined engine speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shojiro Sato