Processes Patents (Class 417/53)
-
Patent number: 10823082Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a geared turbofan arrangement with a gearbox in a drive train driven by a turbine, a driving side of the gearbox being driveably connected with a propulsive fan, with at least one torque transmission device positioned in the drive train, the torque transmission device having an asymmetric torque transmission characteristic, so that torque is transmittable by the torque transmission device under a nominal rotational direction and no torque is transmittable by the torque transmission device in a non-nominal rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventor: Dominic Boniface
-
Patent number: 10806664Abstract: A spa sprayer contains: a body and a water spray unit. The spray unit including a spraying seat, a lid, and a cavity defined between the spraying seat and the lid. The spraying seat is mounted on an end of the body away from the motor and has an impeller received in the cavity. The lid has at least one inlet and two opposite outlets which are in communication with the cavity. The lid further has a spacing rib, an inflow space formed inside the spacing rib, an outflow space formed outside the spacing rib, and multiple tilted guide ribs. A tilted direction of the multiple tilted guide ribs corresponds to a rotation direction of the impeller, each of the multiple tilted guide ribs has an oblique angle, and the lid further has two stop shoulders extending from the two opposite outlets.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Foresee Scientech Ltd.Inventors: Danny Jan, Cheng-Hsiung Chang
-
Patent number: 10809717Abstract: Sensor management systems for computer assisted or autonomous driving vehicles are disclosed herein. A computer assisted or autonomous driving vehicle may be provided with a plurality of sensors and a sensor management system configured to predictively maintain effectiveness of the plurality of sensors, based at least in part on predicted cleaning needs of the sensors, predicted obstruction or destruction events of the sensors, or predicted environmental or operating conditions. In embodiments, the sensor management system may be coupled to a navigation system of the vehicle, and may, in response to a predicted sensor obstruction or destruction event, change a navigation parameter of the vehicle to avoid the event. Alternatively, if the predicted event is determined to be within an acceptable risk tolerance threshold, the sensor management system may follow an original navigational route but implement event avoidance actions. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Glen J. Anderson
-
Patent number: 10774622Abstract: The present invention comprises a pumping system operable at the surface (e.g., on a surface platform) to increase or restore hydrocarbon flow from a deep water or ultra deep water subsea environment to a surface production facility. The system comprises a primary conduit coupled to a Y-block splitting into two secondary conduits, one being open and free of obstruction, the other containing a progressive cavity pump coupled to a motor which acts as the prime mover for the pump system. The system may also comprise one or more valves between the primary conduit and the Y-block, one or more valves and between the secondary conduits and the Y-block. An emergency quick disconnect may also be used as part of the system between the Y-block and the secondary conduits.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Inventor: David C. Wright
-
Patent number: 10753153Abstract: An electric driven hydraulic fracking system is disclosed. A pump configuration that includes the single VFD, the single shaft electric motor, and the single hydraulic pump that is mounted on the single pump trailer. A pump configuration includes a single VFD configuration, the single shaft electric motor, and the single shaft hydraulic pump mounted on the single pump trailer. The single VFD configuration converts the electric power at the power generation voltage level distributed from the power distribution trailer to a VFD voltage level and drives the single shaft electric motor to control the operation of the single shaft electric motor and the single hydraulic pump. The VFD voltage level is a voltage level that is required to drive the single shaft electric motor. The VFD configuration also controls operation of the auxiliary systems based on the electric power at the auxiliary voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: National Service Alliance—Houston LLCInventors: John Fischer, John J. Crosetto, David Kubricht, Richard Cheatham, Jeffrey Pollack, Chad Lawman, David Todd, Tyler Nolen
-
Patent number: 10738784Abstract: A method of operating an electric induction motor with a variable-speed drive includes determining a voltage level on a DC bus for the drive, and measuring a first magnitude of magnetic flux from a stator of the normally-operating electric motor, determining a normal flux level. The method includes disabling a first output to the drive when the DC bus voltage is less than a first threshold level. The method includes measuring a magnetic flux feedback signal having a phase and second magnitude, estimating a speed of the electric motor, and configuring a second output signal for the drive when the DC bus voltage is greater than a second threshold level. The second output signal matches a signal from the second magnitude and a phase of magnetic flux. The method includes enabling the drive output to restart the electric motor when the magnetic flux is greater than a third threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Unico, LLCInventor: James J. Sewell
-
Patent number: 10729111Abstract: A lighting unit for illuminating a habitat is provided. The lighting unit includes a housing and a light emitter. The operating parameters of the lighting unit may be adjusted to mimic different natural conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: EcoTech Marine, LLCInventors: Justin Lawyer, Patrick Clasen, Timothy Marks, Mark Lindenmoyer
-
Patent number: 10724528Abstract: A cooling system for cooling an integrated, high pressure, motorcompressor unit, the cooling system including a second motorcompressor unit and at least a first duct fluidly connecting a process fluid connection point located at the second motorcompressor unit to at least one process fluid injection point located at the first motor area of the first motorcompressor unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE SRLInventors: Manuele Bigi, Luciano Mei
-
Patent number: 10702650Abstract: A method of assembling a liquid medicament dispenser, includes the step of providing a housing, a reservoir, a tubing set, an administration line, an aseptic connector assembly having upstream and downstream portions, and a pump. The upstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly is coupled to the reservoir, and the reservoir is filled with a liquid medicament. The downstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly is coupled to the tubing set. The reservoir and the upstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly are sterilized together. The downstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly, the tubing set, and the administration line are sterilized together. The upstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly is connected to the downstream portion of the aseptic connector assembly, and the reservoir, pump, and other elements are mounted in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventors: Ralph I. McNall, III, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas T. Donze
-
Patent number: 10683855Abstract: A method for operating an axial piston machine of swashplate design, in which a swashplate is settable by means of an adjustment device, and in which a controlled variable of the axial piston machine is regulated by predetermining a manipulated variable. Under the assumption of a constant intended value of the controlled variable, a future profile of the controlled variable is ascertained using a model of the axial piston machine in which respective current values of at least one operating variable of the axial piston machine, which comprises the controlled variable, and a current value of the manipulated variable are taken into account. A value to be set for the manipulated variable is ascertained and set taking into account the future profile of the controlled variable.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Paul Zeman, Adrian Trachte, Daniel Seiler-Thull, Martin Wegscheider, Peter Altermann, Andreas Kugi, Wolfgang Kemmetmueller
-
Patent number: 10672205Abstract: A vehicle including a fluidic subsystem composed of an electric motor, a motor driver and a fluidic pump that is disposed in a fluidic circuit of the vehicle is described. A controller includes an instruction set that is executable to determine operating parameters associated with the fluidic subsystem, and determine a plurality of power efficiency parameters for the fluidic subsystem based upon the operating parameters. The power efficiency parameters include a hydraulic power efficiency, an electro-mechanical power efficiency and an electric power efficiency. The controller can determine a state of health for the fluidic subsystem based upon the power efficiency parameters, and detect a fault in the fluidic subsystem when the state of health is less than a threshold state of health. The fault can be communicated to a vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Shiming Duan, Yao Hu, Christopher H. Knieper
-
Patent number: 10670010Abstract: A pump controller features a signal processor configured to respond to signaling containing information about three corresponding discrete arrays with respect to a discrete motor speed for each system position at a motor speed derived from 3D discrete distribution surfaces of motor power, pump differential pressure and flow rate by respective numerical interpolations; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump, or pumps in a system of pumps, or a system of pumps based upon a corresponding pump differential pressure and flow rate at the motor speed for a corresponding power reading value determined using a numerical interpolation of the three corresponding discrete arrays, the signaling received. The signal processor is configured to provide the corresponding signaling as control signaling to control the pump, or the pumps in the system of pumps, or the system of pumps.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Fluid Handling LLCInventors: Andrew A. Cheng, Kyle D. Schoenheit
-
Patent number: 10670003Abstract: A variable stroke high pressure pump is disclosed. The pump uses a wobble plate design with dynamically variable tilt to provide continuous adjustment of pump stroke length and output. Dynamically variable tilt is accomplished using a linearly actuated tilt thruster rotationally coupled to the drive shaft to maintain a selected tilt of the wobble plate through the rotation of the wobble plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: CW HOLDINGS LTD.Inventors: Jianke Wang, Zhe Huangpu, Milton Anderson, Xiaonan Zhai, Leslie Wise
-
Patent number: 10648311Abstract: Embodiments include a hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation. The system includes an electric pump, arranged on a first support structure, the electric pump coupled to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation. The system also includes support equipment, arranged on a second support structure, electrically coupled to the electric pump, wherein the support equipment includes at least a transformer for distributing power to the electric pump, the power being received from at least one generator at a voltage higher than an operating voltage of the electric pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLCInventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
-
Patent number: 10626856Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes an outlet tube extending along the pump centerline, the outlet tube having an outlet passage that is fluidly in communication with the combined outlet and with a pump outlet opening, and a shroud that extends concentrically along the outlet tube and has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the outlet tube such that a gap is formed in a radial direction between an inner surface of the shroud and an outer surface of the outlet tube, the gap extending along at least a portion of the outlet tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Dennis H. Gibson, Ankababu Kandlagunta, Sridhar Thangaswamy, Alan R. Stockner
-
Patent number: 10546159Abstract: A system and method handles one or more pumping units in an out-of-balance condition. Sensing equipment monitors operating parameters related to balance of each of the one or more pumping units. Processing equipment determines the out-of-balance condition in at least one of the one or more pumping units based on the monitored operating parameters. A first correction to a counterbalance parameter of the at least one pumping unit can be calculated, such as a new position or weight of the counterbalance, so the out-of-balance condition can be corrected by implementing the new position or weight at the at least one pumping unit. A second correction to a stroke parameter of the at least one pumping unit can be calculated, such as a new stroke rate or pattern, so operation of the pumping unit can be maintained despite the out-of-balance condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Victoria M. Pons, Lewis Lu, Jordan F. Teichman, Chen Lin, Bryan Paulet, Behrouz Ebrahimi
-
Patent number: 10532321Abstract: An energy recovery device is provided in a seawater desalination system for desalinating seawater by removing salinity from the seawater. A pressure exchange chamber for pressurizing seawater by a pressure of concentrated seawater discharged from a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus includes a first supply and discharge port connected to a switching valve for performing supply and discharge of liquid, a second supply and discharge port connected to a directional control valve for performing supply and discharge of liquid, a flow resistor provided at the first supply and discharge port side in the chamber and configured to regulate the flow, and a flow resistor provided at the second supply and discharge port side in the chamber and configured to regulate the flow, and a flowmeter provided between the two flow resistors and configured to measure a flow rate of the liquid in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: EBARA CORPORATIONInventor: Tamami Takahashi
-
Patent number: 10485922Abstract: A system for delivery of a volume of infusible fluid. The system includes a controller configured to calculate a trajectory for delivering infusible fluid, the trajectory comprising at least one volume of fluid, and determine a schedule for delivering the at least one volume of fluid according to the trajectory, wherein the schedule comprising an interval and a volume of infusible fluid for delivery. The system also includes a volume sensor assembly for determining the at least one volume of fluid delivered, wherein the controller recalculates the trajectory based on the volume of fluid delivered.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Colin H. Murphy, Thomas F. Soldau, David Blumberg, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10406281Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a pressure sensor of an implantable medical device. The pressure sensor may utilize detect fluid pressure based on a changing capacitance between two capacitive elements. The pressure sensor may define at least a portion of a fluid enclosure of the IMD. In one example, the pressure sensor has a self-aligning housing shape that occludes an opening in the pump bulkhead of the IMD. An operative surface of the pressure and the portion of the fluid enclosure may be formed of a corrosion resistant and/or biocompatible material. A first capacitive element of the pressure sensor may be a metal alloy diaphragm that deflects in response to external fluid pressure. A second capacitive element of the pressure sensor may be a metal coating on a rigid insulator sealed from the fluid by the diaphragm and a housing of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, James M. Haase, Chris J. Paidosh, Darren A. Janzig, Timothy J. Denison
-
Patent number: 10408220Abstract: A method is provided for operating a fluid conveying device of a motor vehicle having at least one aerodynamic bearing. The method reduces the rotational speed of the aerodynamic bearing to a rest speed, wherein the rest speed is below a lifting speed, in which case the bearing builds up an air film for bearing free of mixed friction, and wherein the rest speed is above a lowering speed, in which case the bearing has reduced the air film such that mixed friction occurs. The fluid conveying device is operated at the rest speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johannes Schmid, Simon Grilc, Fabian Brandl
-
Patent number: 10407042Abstract: A device is provided for predicting the remaining lifetime of a component in a compressed air supply system for a vehicle. This device includes a memory unit for a value related to the degradation of the component, at least one first input for a usage quantity which is a measure for the operating time and/or number of operating cycles of the component and/or for the amount of compressed air delivered by the compressed air supply system, at least one second input for at least one state variable which is a measure for at least one vehicle and/or air supply operation condition or environmental condition. It also includes an evaluation unit that is configured to combine the usage quantity and the state variable into a lifetime decrement value that is a measure for the degradation of the component caused by the usage according to the usage quantity, and update the value in the memory unit according to this lifetime decrement value.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Richard Bozsik, Csongor Doeme, Levente Balogh
-
Patent number: 10385844Abstract: A pump included in an oil supply unit includes a piezoelectric body that is repeatedly deformed when a pulsed drive voltage is applied from a drive unit. The pump discharges lubricant as the volume of a storage unit that stores fluid to be supplied decreases with deformation of the piezoelectric body. An abnormal discharge detection device that detects an abnormal fluid discharge operation of the pump includes: a measurement unit that measures a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric body; and a control unit functioning as a determination unit that determines if the discharge operation is being performed normally or not based on whether or not the measured terminal voltage has changed with time during application of a pulse of the drive voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masami Naka, Yoshimichi Higashiyama, Tsukasa Sakazaki
-
Patent number: 10358148Abstract: A method of reducing vapor generation in an LNG fueled vehicle is provided. The LNG fueled vehicle includes an LNG fuel system including an external LNG pump. The method includes a step of predicting if the LNG fueled vehicle will be operated during a first forthcoming time period using a controller. If the LNG fueled vehicle will be operated during the first forthcoming time period, as determined by the first predicting step, the method includes cooling the external LNG pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.Inventors: Aaron Gamache Foege, Walter Henry Klaric
-
Patent number: 10316836Abstract: The invention concerns a pumping device that includes a pump having a pumping chamber with a variable volume, an inlet that communicates with the pumping chamber and a valve, an outlet that communicates with the pumping chamber and a valve, and an actuator adapted to change the volume of the pumping chamber. A fluidic pathway in the pumping device includes the inlet, the pumping chamber, the outlet, and a downstream line situated downstream of the outlet valve. The pumping device also includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure between the valves of the pathway, and a processing means for processing the received pressure data from the pressure sensor. The invention also concerns a method for detecting a dysfunction in the pumping device.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: DEBIOTECH S.A.Inventors: Eric Chappel, Niklaus Schneeberger, Frédéric Neftel
-
Patent number: 10279109Abstract: A system for injecting and controlling a flow of liquid to be injected, including: a peristaltic pump; a catheter delivering the liquid to be injected; a pressure sensor measuring liquid pressure in the catheter; a controller receiving data from the pressure sensor and controlling the pump on the basis of the data measured at different times.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventors: Raymond Campagnolo, Pierre Jallon
-
Patent number: 10227974Abstract: A pressure monitoring apparatus for a membrane compressor, with at least one pressure transducer for recording the pressure within a certain volume, with at least one nonreturn valve and with at least one shutoff valve, for blocking of the nonreturn valve, the shutoff valve and the nonreturn valve each being located in a flow path through which a medium can flow between the volume and the pressure transducer. A pressure monitoring unit delivers exact measured values and which can be economically implemented is achieved by there being at least two nonreturn valves which are located anti-parallel in respective flow paths, the first nonreturn valve blocking in the flow direction from the volume to the pressure transducer and the second nonreturn valve blocking in the flow direction from the pressure transducer to the volume, and by there being at least two shutoff valves for blocking a respective flow path.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: ANDREAS HOFER HOCHDRUCKTECHNIK GMBHInventor: Manfred Dehnen
-
Patent number: 10190582Abstract: A system for monitoring a pump, while the pump operates at a worksite, is disclosed. The system includes one or more sensors, wherein each of the one or more sensors is associated with the pump and is configured to collect high frequency data associated with the pump. The system further includes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) controller configured to receive the high frequency data from the one or more sensors and is also configured to generate low frequency data based on the high frequency data. The system further includes a low frequency controller configured to receive the low frequency data from the FPGA controller and configured to transmit the low frequency data to a monitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Vijay Janardhan, Maurice Dust
-
Patent number: 10099175Abstract: A control device for a scrubber includes a converter which calculates a minimum amount of seawater: a minimum amount of seawater necessary for an absorption reaction of the sulfur oxide by the seawater, from an engine output and a sulfur content of fuel oil; another converter which calculates a corrected amount of seawater: an amount of seawater at which the sulfur oxide in the exhaust gas discharged from the scrubber is equal to or less than a set value; a summing element which calculates a set amount of seawater by summing the minimum amount and corrected amount of seawater; a pump control device which implements control such that seawater corresponding to the set amount is supplied to the scrubber; and an alkalinity setting device which sets the alkalinity of the seawater in accordance with traveled waters. The amount of seawater supplied to the scrubber is adjusted based on the alkalinity.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Kuniyuki Takahashi, Takashi Inui
-
Patent number: 10061312Abstract: Sensor management systems for computer assisted or autonomous driving vehicles are disclosed herein. A computer assisted or autonomous driving vehicle may be provided with a plurality of sensors and a sensor management system configured to predictively maintain effectiveness of the plurality of sensors, based at least in part on predicted cleaning needs of the sensors, predicted obstruction or destruction events of the sensors, or predicted environmental or operating conditions. In embodiments, the sensor management system may be coupled to a navigation system of the vehicle, and may, in response to a predicted sensor obstruction or destruction event, change a navigation parameter of the vehicle to avoid the event. Alternatively, if the predicted event is determined to be within an acceptable risk tolerance threshold, the sensor management system may follow an original navigational route but implement event avoidance actions. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Inventor: Glen J. Anderson
-
Patent number: 10047741Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid pump having a fluid end and a power end is provided. The monitoring system includes an inlet pressure sensor attached to an inlet manifold of the fluid end. The inlet pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of an inlet pressure of a fluid being supplied to the fluid end. The monitoring system includes a discharge pressure sensor attached to the fluid end. The discharge pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a discharge pressure of the fluid exiting the fluid end. The monitoring system includes at least one accelerometer attached to the fluid end. The accelerometer generates a signal indicative of vibrational data of the fluid pump. The monitoring system includes a controller which receives signals from the inlet pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the accelerometer and determines a possible failure mode of the fluid pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Daryl Belshan, Vijay Janardhan, Zhaoxu Dong
-
Patent number: 10040002Abstract: This invention relates to a multiphase pumping device comprising a pump suitable for pumping a pumping fluid, a recycle circuit and at splitter tank. The splitter tank is connected to an area downstream of the pump and is suitable for separating a liquid phase and a gaseous phase using pumping fluid. In addition, the recycle circuit is connected to the splitter tank and is suitable for enabling the flow of the liquid phase from the splitter tank to an area upstream of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: TOTAL SAInventors: Pierre-Jean Bibet, Jean-Luc Le Rodallec, Olivier Saincry
-
Patent number: 9951768Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt
-
Patent number: 9923220Abstract: An electricity generation apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a plasma container for containing a plasma sustained by radioactive decay. The plasma container has an inlet through which, in use of the apparatus, water can be introduced to the plasma container, and an outlet through which, in use of the apparatus, material can be expelled from the container. The exhausted material can include hydrogen and oxygen resulting from the dissociation of water molecules caused by interactions within the plasma. A separator can separate hydrogen from the material exhausted from the plasma container, which separator is coupled to the outlet, and a generator can generate electricity using the hydrogen as a fuel.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plcInventor: Russell Alan Morgan
-
Patent number: 9909477Abstract: A method for operating a device for providing a liquid additive having at least one suction point for removing liquid additive from a tank, a valve-free conveying line extending from the suction point to a supply unit, and a valve-free displacement pump, the displacement pump being configured to convey the liquid additive from the tank via the suction point along the conveying line to the supply unit, the displacement unit having at least one seal of the conveying line, displaceable along the conveying line for conveying the liquid additive, includes: a) detecting a stoppage of operation of the device; b) establishing a position of the seal within the positive-displacement pump; and c) changing the position of the seal if the position of the seal does not correspond to a provided park position of the seal.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rolf Brück, Jan Hodgson
-
Patent number: 9904061Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of display technologies, and discloses a raster, a display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the raster. The raster comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged to be opposed to each other, a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate is provided with a plate electrode thereon, a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate is provided thereon with a plurality strip electrodes arranged to space apart from each other. A spacer wall is arranged to correspond to each strip electrode and located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the spacer wall comprises a conductive protrusion electrically connected with the strip electrode, and a hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion material layer covering the conductive protrusion. Filled between every two adjacent spacer walls are liquid layers including a polar liquid layer and a non-polar liquid layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Junwei Wang
-
Patent number: 9903534Abstract: A cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a tank adapted to contain a supply of cryogenic liquid, with the tank including a head space adapted to contain a vapor above the cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A liquid withdrawal line is adapted to communicate with cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A vaporizer has an inlet that is in communication with the liquid withdrawal line and an outlet that is in communication with a vapor delivery line. A pressure building circuit is in communication with the vapor delivery line and the head space of the tank. The pressure building circuit includes a flow inducing device and a control system for activating the flow inducing device when a pressure within the head space of the tank drops below a predetermined minimum pressure and/or when other conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson
-
Patent number: 9758433Abstract: A grout used in horizontal directional drilling including a silica material present in an amount of from about 50% to about 70%, bentonite present in an amount of from about 20% to about 30%, a carbon source present in an amount of from about 5% to about 15%, an inorganic alkaline material present in an amount of from about 0% to about 3%, a fluid loss additive present in an amount of from about 0% to about 1%, a polymeric dispersant present in an amount of from about 0% to about 1%, and a polymeric flow enhancer present in an amount of from about 0% to about 0.5%, all by weight of the grout composition. Methods utilizing the grout include placing conduit in a hole, forming the grout slurry, and placing the grout slurry adjacent to the conduct.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Joshuah S. Hathcox, Ryan P. Collins
-
Patent number: 9752430Abstract: An apparatus for measuring phase behavior of a reservoir fluid comprises a first sample container and a second sample container in fluid communication with a microfluidic device defining a microchannel. A first pump and a second pump are operably associated with the sample containers and the microfluidic device to fill the microchannel with a reservoir fluid and to maintain a predetermined pressure of reservoir fluid within the microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Farshid Mostowfi, Shahnawaz Hossain Molla
-
Patent number: 9702335Abstract: A hydraulic wave energy converter, for converting wave energy into high-pressure water energy, includes a rectangular upper floating body (1) floating on water surface, a cylindrical housing-shaped lower floating body (2) under water, a first cable (3), a second cable (4), a hanging rod (5), a ball hinged hook (6), a sea floor anchor pile (7), and other mooring facilities. A plurality of water hydraulic cylinders (8) are vertically fixed at two wider sides of the upper floating body (1) and are reliably connected with the lower floating body (2) through piston heads (27), piston rods (28) and piston rod seats (29). The hydraulic wave energy converter can convert the vertical component and the horizontal component of the wave motion into high-pressure water energy for impacting a hydraulic generator set to generate power, and is lower in cost, simple in maintenance and high in wave energy conversion efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventor: Jiashan Chen
-
Patent number: 9688262Abstract: A controller for monitoring an air system in a vehicle comprises an input for receiving at least one pressure signal indicative of air pressure in an air system; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of determining a volume of the air system at a first time based on the at least one air pressure signal and a vehicle factor; determining the volume of the air system at a second time based on the at least one air pressure signal and the vehicle factor; determining the difference between the volume at the first time and the volume at the second time; and transmitting an alert in response to a difference between the volume at the first time and volume at the second time. The control logic is also capable of changing the compressor operation in response to the alert.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: David J Pfefferl
-
Patent number: 9659508Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device which includes at least 3 chambers, a chamber inlet, at least 2 dichotomously branching generations of channels, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the channels and the chambers are separated by deformable walls, wherein each wall is lined with at least one cavity, and wherein the cavity is fluidly connected to the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation LimitedInventors: Rami Fishler, Josue Sznitman
-
Patent number: 9650882Abstract: A system for detecting leakage in a pump includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, multiple third pressure sensors, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is configured to output a pressure value associated with a suction manifold of the pump. The second pressure sensor is configured to output a pressure value associated with a discharge manifold of the pump. The third pressure sensors are configured to output a pressure value associated with the cylinders of the pump. The controller is disposed in communication with the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensors. The controller is configured to determine amplitude of a leak, and a location of the leak in the pump on the basis of pressure values received from the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the third pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Evan Earl Jacobson, Koti Ratnam Padarthy, Venkata Bhagavathi Dandibhotla
-
Patent number: 9604889Abstract: A system includes an amine gas processing system that includes a contactor configured to remove an acid gas from an untreated natural gas using an amine in a lean amine stream, output a treated natural gas, and output a rich amine stream. The system also includes a regenerator configured to regenerate the amine in the rich amine stream, output the lean amine stream, and output the acid gas. The system also includes an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX) configured to transfer the rich amine stream from the contactor to the regenerator and to transfer the lean amine stream from the regenerator to the contactor.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: James Lee Arluck, Jeremy Grant Martin, Prem Krish
-
Patent number: 9587470Abstract: An acoustic artificial lift system and method for deliquification of gas production wells is provided. The artificial lift system comprises a down-hole acoustic tool suspended by a power conductive cable that converts electrical power to acoustic energy, thereby generating an acoustic wave. The acoustic tool is moved within the wellbore such that liquid molecules within the wellbore are vaporized by the acoustic wave. Natural gas produced by a producing zone of the subterranean reservoir transports the vaporized liquid molecules to the well surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: Dennis John Harris
-
Patent number: 9574442Abstract: A method for real-time data acquisition and presentation of force, position, load, pressures, and movement within a subterranean well pumping system, such as an oil well. Data is gathered using sensors attached to a surface level pump drive and wellhead system. Well structural data and well production data are combined therewith to generate a real-time display of down-hole well operation, including animated graphics of the pump operation, including pump movement, rod and tubing stretch, fluid movement, gas compression, system forces, and fluid pressures. Liquid levels are tested using an acoustic liquid level instrument, and incorporated to improve well performance analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Inventor: James N. McCoy
-
Patent number: 9566796Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a pump tube that supplies a liquid to a handpiece intermittently ejecting the liquid and a tube pump that passes the pump tube to supply the liquid. An internal diameter of the pump tube is equal to or less than ? 1.0 mm.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru Miyamoto, Sosuke Yamasaki
-
Patent number: 9546426Abstract: According to aspects described herein, methods and systems provided by the present invention for hydrogen gas production include a RED stack including one or more RED subunits, and use of a saline material including a heat regenerable salt. The salinity driven energy, provided by the one or more RED subunits, completely eliminates the need for an external power source to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Bruce E. Logan, Younggy Kim, Roland D. Cusick
-
Patent number: 9546645Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pumping a cryogenic fluid, consisting of a tank for storing a cryogenic fluid containing cryogenic liquid, a cryogenic pump having an inlet pressure loss, and a suction line connecting the tank to the pump, said pumping device including a system for controlling the pressure in the tank for selectively maintaining said pressure at least equal to the saturation pressure of the stored cryogenic fluid plus the inlet pressure loss of the cryogenic pump and optionally plus the value of the pressure losses owing to the pipes forming the suction line connecting the tank to the pump. The invention is characterized in that the pressure-control system includes a duct connecting a high-pressure outlet of the pump to the tank for selectively returning the pumped cold fluid to the tank, said duct including an expansion valve for returning cold gas to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Laurent Allidieres
-
Patent number: 9528524Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing water from freezing within a pump system. A pump motor is positioned inside a pump housing. A temperature sensor and a motor controller are positioned inside a motor controller housing. A user interface (UI) controller is positioned in a UI housing. A UI is integrated into the UI housing. The UI controller receives a freeze protection temperature setting through the UI reflecting a difference between an ambient temperature at the location of the motor controller housing and an outdoor temperature and determines a freeze protection temperature threshold based on the setting. The UI controller also receives an adjusted temperature value from the motor controller based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The UI controller activates the pump motor when the adjusted temperature is below the freeze protection temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventor: Yilcan Guzelgunler
-
Patent number: 9444260Abstract: An energy management controller for controlling and limiting the time during which high current draws may be made by one or more of a plurality of single serve coffee brewers that are commonly connected to the same circuit and which include heater constructions that require and draw high power at certain times during operation, and require and draw lower power at other times. It includes one controller board, connected to the primary brewer to complete a circuit, and which board includes heat and wait timer functions to monitor the power status usage with respect to all of the brewers.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Robert Cobb, Joseph Webster