Having Automatic Control Patents (Class 60/409)
  • Patent number: 11698041
    Abstract: A turbocharger system (1) of a combustion engine (4) comprises a turbocharger turbine (5) operable by exhaust gases, a valve (7) configured to control gas flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas reservoir (6) to the turbocharger turbine (5), and a sensor (8). Turbocharger system operation comprises injecting a test pulse of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas reservoir (6) to drive the turbocharger turbine (5) by means of controlling the valve (7), detecting an impact of injected pressurized gas on the turbocharger turbine (5) by means of the sensor (8), collecting data from the sensor (8), and diagnosing the turbocharger system (1) by evaluating an operational response of the turbocharger turbine (5) as a result of the injected test pulse of pressurized gas, based on the collected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Björn Lundstedt, Marcus Olsen
  • Patent number: 11241348
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a framework which includes a frame, an orientation adjustable deck section supported by the frame, and a lockable gas spring whose components include a piston assembly coupled to one of the frame and the deck section and a cylinder coupled to the other of the frame and the deck section. The piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into an isolated compartment and a non-isolated compartment. The non-isolated compartment has an inlet and an outlet. An outflow check valve resists fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment and admits ambient fluid into the non-isolated compartment. An inflow check valve resists fluid flow into the non-isolated compartment and enables fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment. A turbine receives fluid which flows out of the non-isolated compartment. An electrical generator is coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Wiggermann
  • Patent number: 9027336
    Abstract: Self-regulating pressure source. The pressure source includes a chamber enclosing a chemical monopropellant. A moveable boss is attached to a deformable membrane sealing an air chamber, the moveable boss and air chamber being disposed within the chamber. A catalyst is disposed around the membrane so as to be covered by the boss in a retracted position so that the monopropellant is broken down by the catalyst to produce a gas. The gas pressure will increase within the chamber causing air in the air chamber to compress thereby to pull the boss into the retracted position to cover the catalyst thereby to regulate the pressure within the chamber. The self-regulating pressure source is particularly suited to power fluidic elastomeric actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Cagdas Denizel Onal, Daniela Rus, Xin Chen, George M. Whitesides
  • Publication number: 20150108765
    Abstract: A mechanical energy storage system and method is provided, for storing a mechanical energy and generating electricity using the stored mechanical energy, which is small and can be used to charge portable digital devices such as smart phone, mobile phone, tablet PC, notebook, PMP, etc. An external mechanical force is used to compress high pressure gas charged in a pressure vessel, stored as a reacting force, a stored energy, due to proceeding of piston rod, which can be used as a power the devices whenever it is necessary, or so as to generate electricity by powering a gas generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Byung-Youl Choi
  • Patent number: 8996222
    Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to a “COMPEL” system. The word compel is an acronym of the words “compressed air and electricity”. The compel system is a system of mechanical devices aligned together to propel a vehicle without employing any fossil fuel and creating very little or no detectable pollution. The motion source is a single electric engine that drives the vehicle by way of a transmission. The source/s for producing the electricity originate in two different manners. One source is of the motion of the vehicle itself and responsible for the action of the second source. Conversely, the second source provides the energy to propel the vehicle, Thus, each source is generally dependent upon the other. However, the holding reserve capacity of the fuel tank allows for the compressed air engine source to mobilize the vehicle from a dead stop and thereby re-engage the other generating source/s. The other energy generating sources are elements driven by the axle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Fred F. Penrod
  • Patent number: 8966888
    Abstract: Pneumatic actuator apparatuses with expandable chambers, and methods of using same. In some embodiments, the apparatuses are self-contained and/or self-inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Jason C. Weaver, Misty Whitcomb, Clint Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150020513
    Abstract: A power unit that can periodically determine a leakage of a compressed gas to early discover a defect, such as a crack, and a vehicle in which the power unit is used are provided. A vehicle that runs with an air engine including a gas machinery includes a control device. The control device includes an adjuster that controls an output of the gas machinery such that a target output is obtained, a pressure measuring unit that measures the pressure of the compressed gas at the piping unit of the air engine, and a determination unit that determines a leakage state of the compressed gas based on a change in pressure, which is measured by the pressure measuring unit every time the target output of the gas machinery becomes substantial zero. The control device suspends the determination of the leakage state when the target output of the gas machinery changes from substantial zero during the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Katsuhiko ASAI
  • Publication number: 20150013317
    Abstract: A system to generate and control a three-dimensional (3D) surface may include a surface supported by a plurality of actuating units, a control center, and a common media tank. The control center may include a movement control assembly that has a plurality of movement control unit, and each movement control unit is configured to control the movement of a corresponding actuating unit. In one embodiment, a predetermined amount of medium, such as air or liquid, is arranged in each actuating unit. The surface can be actually considered an array of small pieces divided from the surface, and supported and actuated by the actuating units. Since the control of the surface is through the control of every single piece thereof, the control of the surface would be more precise if the surface can be divided into more pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: CALEX LLC
    Inventor: Li-Da Huang
  • Publication number: 20140345264
    Abstract: A rotary engine system powered by pressurized air where the system includes: a pressure chamber, where pressure chamber includes a furnace beneath the pressure chamber; a rotary engine, where the rotary engine receives pressurized air from the pressure chamber; a rotary compressor, where the rotary engine and rotary compressor share a drive shaft, the rotary compressor creates compressed air that is transmitted to the pressure chamber; a buffer chamber, where the buffer chamber receives the compressed air prior to transfer into the pressure chamber; and a control the control module, where module controls functions related to the rotary engine, pressure chamber and buffer chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Lauren J. Ball
  • Patent number: 8857170
    Abstract: A Gas Pressure Reduction Generator (GPRG) System and a method for implementing a GPRG System is provided, where the GPRG System includes a gas inlet configured to receive a pressurized gas flow from a gas supply, at least one expander in flow communication with the gas inlet to receive the pressurized gas flow, wherein the expander is operable to convert the pressurized gas flow into mechanical energy and a depressurized gas flow and a generator associated with the expander, wherein the generator is configured to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ElectraTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Oxner, Richard K. Langson
  • Patent number: 8850807
    Abstract: An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion. Conventional internal combustion engines may be retrofitted to operate on compressed air. Many of the parts on an internal combustion engine are not needed after retrofitting to be an air engine, including the heads. The heads are replaced by head plates that are coupled to solenoids that provide both intake and exhaust functions to the cylinders, thereby replacing the valves in the heads. A kit provides parts and instructions for retrofitting an existing internal combustion engine to run on compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: HB Spider LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Huff, Danny Lee Block
  • Patent number: 8745982
    Abstract: To regenerate a compressed air supply device of a commercial vehicle, a first compressed air circuit is supplied with compressed air until reaches a predetermined target pressure value; then a second compressed air circuit is supplied. Between these steps, the method: (1) regenerates an air dryer when the pressure in the first compressed air circuit has reached the target pressure value, and when a moisture value of the air dryer exceeds a predetermined target moisture value; (2) terminates the regeneration when the pressure has dropped to a predetermined limit pressure value or the moisture value of the air dryer has reached or dropped below the target moisture value; (3) supplies the first compressed air circuit until it has reached the predetermined target pressure value; and (4) repeats the preceding intermediate steps when the moisture value is greater than the target moisture value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Zoltán Bordacs, Huba Nemeth, Andras Szoboszlay
  • Patent number: 8739522
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for capturing heat energy in a power generation system. The system includes: a first compressor configured to exhaust a first compressed, heated air flow; a heat exchanger connected to the first compressor and configured to receive the first compressed, heated air flow and configured to transfer heat energy from the first compressed, heated air flow to an oil; at least one pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to pump the heated oil in a closed-loop system from the heat exchanger to an insulated storage tank; a second compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to exhaust a second compressed, heated air flow; and an energy storage unit connected to the second compressor and configured to store heat energy from the second compressed, heated air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sanjay Anikhindi, Bhaskara Kosamana
  • Patent number: 8667787
    Abstract: An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: HB Spider LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Huff, Danny Lee Block
  • Publication number: 20140060029
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electropneumatic position controller having a controllable valve group (9, 10, 13) arranged in the position controller and having at least one valve (9, 10), by means of which in normal operation either compressed air supplied by means of a compressed air supply line (6) can be fed to an exhaust connection (8) or air fed by means of the exhaust connection (8) can be discharged to the outside, depending on the actuation of the valve group. In order for the valve group to be brought in a safe position, even in the event of a leak in one of the components thereof, said group is arranged in a gas-tight housing (14) within the position controller and means (15) are provided for monitoring the pressure in the housing (14) and for actuating the valve group (9, 10, 13) such that if the pressure in the housing (14) exceeds a predefined threshold value, said group is brought in the predefined safe position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Andre-Heinrich Meinhof
  • Patent number: 8622366
    Abstract: A valve drive system has a valve drive device and a hand-operated apparatus to trigger control actions in the valve drive device. The hand-operated apparatus includes a magnet arrangement, and the valve drive device includes a magnetic field sensor arrangement adjusted to the magnet arrangement of the hand-operated apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Rene Bachmann, Ulrike Brinkmann, Kersten Grosse
  • Patent number: 8578708
    Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems feature one or more valves, which may be disposed within end caps of cylinder assemblies in which gas is expanded and/or compressed, for admitting fluid to and/or exhausting fluid from the cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Michael Neil Scott, Troy O. McBride, Andrew Shang
  • Patent number: 8567184
    Abstract: A system for recovering energy in a gas compression plant. The system comprises at least one centrifugal compressor configured to suck the gas, at a certain inlet pressure, from a suction conduit and configured to deliver the gas, at a certain outlet pressure that is greater than an inlet pressure, through a delivery conduit The system also includes at least one gas recirculation system configured to redirect the gas from the delivery conduit to the suction conduit when the gas flow rate entering into the compressor is below a certain limit value. In the portion of the plant arranged downstream of the compressor, at least one turbo-expander and at least one valve are installed in parallel so that they cooperate with each other and are controlled by electronic devices so as to protect the compressor and to produce useful energy during recirculation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Scotti Del Greco, Renato Ferroni, Gabriele Mariotti, Alessandra Barabino
  • Patent number: 8522538
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing bi-directional piston movement within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include a first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, and a hydraulic controller. The first pneumatic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first working piston. The second pneumatic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second pneumatic cylinder. The hydraulic controller is fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator and is operable in a compression mode and an expansion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn, Matthew Blieske
  • Patent number: 8522540
    Abstract: A counterbalancing arrangement and a method for counterbalancing two mutually movable parts, which is arranged to counteract the gravitational force of at least one of the movable parts. The counterbalancing arrangement includes a gas spring and a compressor system. The compressor system is designed to sense a pressure in the gas spring and to adjust the pressure if the pressure deviates from a predetermined value. The counterbalancing arrangement can be used for counterbalancing an industrial robot arm and is capable of maintaining its working capacity regardless of any gas leakage and variations in the ambient temperature so as to result in very few unwanted stops occasioned by a need for servicing the balancing spring of the counterbalancing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Johan Runesson, Johannes Samuelsson, Björn Limber
  • Publication number: 20130069426
    Abstract: In a hybrid power and electricity system for an electric vehicle, the system provides two kinds of electricity sources for the electric vehicle to resolve conventional problems such as insufficient driving range and long charging time. The system includes a compressed gas power engine that uses compressed gas to generate power; a gas tank that supplies compressed gas to the compressed gas power engine; a generator that is driven by the compressed gas power engine to generate electricity; a battery that is charged by the generator or an external electricity source; a motor that propels the electric vehicle. The motor consumes electricity that is supplied by the battery or the generator driven by the compressed gas power engine. The electric vehicle can be driven and charged at the same time, and has an increased driving range. Furthermore, compressed gas is inexpensive and easily available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Hun Nien, Kuo-Pao Kao
  • Publication number: 20130000295
    Abstract: Operation of selected pneumatic components on an electric hybrid truck is suspended during operation of electrical power take off applications installed on the truck. By suspending operation of the air suspension periods of operation of the truck's thermal engine to support the truck's air compressor system are reduced sparing fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E. Bissontz
  • Publication number: 20120272642
    Abstract: Self-regulating pressure source. The pressure source includes a chamber enclosing a chemical monopropellant. A moveable boss is attached to a deformable membrane sealing an air chamber, the moveable boss and air chamber being disposed within the chamber. A catalyst is disposed around the membrane so as to be covered by the boss in a retracted position so that the monopropellant is broken down by the catalyst to produce a gas. The gas pressure will increase within the chamber causing air in the air chamber to compress thereby to pull the boss into the retracted position to cover the catalyst thereby to regulate the pressure within the chamber. The self-regulating pressure source is particularly suited to power fluidic elastomeric actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Cagdas Denizel Onal, Daniela Rus, Xin Chen, George M. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 8117836
    Abstract: A pressure keeping mechanism is provided downstream of a discharge port of a compressor. The pressure keeping mechanism is set to a small flow path area having only a bypass orifice until a pressure in a downstream pipe reaches a predetermined pressure after the operation is started, the pressure keeping mechanism is set to a large flow path area of a pressure keeping valve which is opened when the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure and the bypass orifice, thereby changing the flow path area at least in two stages. The pressure in the upstream pipe which is almost closed by the pressure keeping valve can be thus increased at a dash and the pressure in a compression chamber can also be increased swiftly immediately after the compressor is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Mori, Kazutaka Suefuji
  • Publication number: 20110056193
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger
  • Publication number: 20100236230
    Abstract: Power installations versions are proposed for conversion of airflow energy by a turbine and pump into compressed air energy used by a pneumo-motor or/and by an electro-generator associated with a control system. One installation comprises turbine units arranged in box-sections serving as walls and roof of a truck. The turbine unit includes X-shaped members supporting a shaft with a turbine driven by resistance airflow appearing during the movement of truck. The rotation of turbine is conveyed to a pump, charging a tank with compressed air, used for driving the truck. Another installation additionally includes a conventional engine driving one pair of wheels, while the pneumo-motor drives the other pair. A stationary installation includes a shutter coupled with a vane configured for creation of an unevenly distributed airflow applied to the turbine, a gear, a pump charging a tank with compressed air, a brake mechanism for regulation of the turbine's speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Vasyl Khymych
  • Patent number: 7698890
    Abstract: A propulsion system. An illustrative embodiment of the propulsion system includes a drive shaft, a flywheel drivingly engaged by the drive shaft, a turbine unit having a plurality of turbine blades drivingly engaging the drive shaft and an air manifold having a plurality of air manifold nozzles directed toward the plurality of turbine blades, and an air tank reservoir pneumatically connected to the air manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Louis R. Cecchini, III
  • Publication number: 20100064676
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure generator and to the novel features thereof, which is intended to multiply pressure output through the use of sealed chambers containing rodless pistons acting on the fluid which operates as a force transmitter and concentrates the force on the frusto-conical covers at each end of the piston. Owing to the taper of the covers, the force is directed toward the directional valves which are housed in the ends of the piston and distribute the pressure in an orderly manner through fluid conductors towards the hydraulic motor. The operation and novel features of said generator render these systems more efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Luis Olvera Diaz
  • Publication number: 20090266069
    Abstract: An mechanical power system is provided for providing torque without using a heat engine in virtually any non-aviation application where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by simply replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor of appropriate size for the application and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used virtually anywhere, and requires merely a supply of compressed gas to run it, preferably compressed nitrogen. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are easily adaptable, and auxiliary fossil-fuel engines can be added for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. Tanks of compressed gas are to be conveniently user replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy J. Domes
  • Patent number: 7497668
    Abstract: A method for operating a gas-supply system, particularly for a gas turbine, having a gas-carrying pipeline, a controllable compressor arranged in the pipeline and at least one consumer connected to the pipeline and located downstream from the compressor. The compressor is regulated as a function of a comparison between the setpoint discharge pressure of the compressor and the actual discharge pressure of the compressor. The energy consumption of the compressor can be reduced in that the setpoint discharge pressure of the compressor is determined as a function of a setpoint admission pressure of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andreas Brautsch, George Mitsis, Patrick Queloz, Floris Van Straaten
  • Publication number: 20080178586
    Abstract: An electrical power supply system comprises an air-powered alternating current electrical generator in which pressurized air from a single source is used to drive an air turbine secured on the shaft of the alternating current electrical generator. One uncontrolled nozzle continuously directs air from the single source to the air turbine. At least a second controlled nozzle directs air from the single source. A solenoid-controlled shut-off valve is placed in a conduit between the source of compressed air and the second nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Donald M. Crisafulli
  • Patent number: 7254943
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for coupling an air compressor to the driving shaft of an internal combustion engine that is used as the drive engine of a vehicle, wherein the air compressor supplies a pneumatic device. The arrangement contains a controllable turbocoupling, the pump impeller of which can be driven by the driving shaft of the internal combustion engine and that, by means of a fluid in the form of a working medium, drives the turbine wheel that in turn is operatively connected with the shaft of the air compressor that is to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Heribert Möller
  • Patent number: 7043905
    Abstract: An apparatus having a pressure control system that balances the natural gas flow rate passing through a multi-stage, axial-flow, impulse turbogenerator to produce an electrical power output is provided. The pressure control system includes a primary bypass conduit circuit; pressure regulator valves; modulating valves; and flow sensors. The pressure control system is operatively connected to the multi-stage, axial-flow, impulse turbogenerator. The turbogenerator is operatively connected to both a microprocessor based governor control and a generator for producing electrical output and is preferably contained within a section of bypass conduit that is directly connected to an existing gas distribution pipeline. As the electrical load on the generator and downstream customer demand for gas fluctuate, the pressure control system can provide the proper amount of gas flow through the primary bypass and turbine that is required to produce a predetermined, steady state electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: John M. Turchetta
  • Patent number: 6907727
    Abstract: An apparatus having a pressure control system that balances the natural gas flow rate passing through a multi-stage, axial-flow, impulse turbogenerator to produce an electrical power output is provided. The pressure control system includes a primary bypass conduit circuit; pressure regulator valves; modulating valves; and flow sensors. The pressure control system is operatively connected to the multi-stage, axial-flow, impulse turbogenerator. The turbogenerator is operatively connected to both a microprocessor based governor control and a generator for producing electrical output and is preferably contained within a section of bypass conduit that is directly connected to an existing gas distribution pipeline. As the electrical load on the generator and downstream customer demand for gas fluctuate, the pressure control system can provide the proper amount of gas flow through the primary bypass and turbine that is required to produce a predetermined, steady state electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: John M. Turchetta
  • Patent number: 6851259
    Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a plurality of inflation cells each have a respective internal gas generator connected to an external control processor for sequential inflation of the inflatable structure. Power and control lines feed through the inflation cells for powering the internal gas generator and for communicating control signals between the gas generators and the external control processor. A method of sequence inflation can use various types of exemplar gas generators, such as cellular containment evaporation gas generators and laser ablation gas generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Simburger, Henry Helvajian
  • Patent number: 6823670
    Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a plurality of inflation cells each have a respective internal gas generator connected to an external control processor for sequential inflation of the inflatable structure. Power and control lines feed through the inflation cells for powering the internal gas generator and for communicating control signals between the gas generators and the external control processor. A method of sequence inflation can use various types of exemplar gas generators, such as cellular containment evaporation gas generators and laser ablation gas generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Simburger, Siegfried W. Janson, Henry Helvajian
  • Patent number: 6817176
    Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a plurality of inflation cells each have a respective internal gas generator connected to an external control processor for sequential inflation of the inflatable structure. Power and control lines feed through the inflation cells for powering the internal gas generator and for communicating control signals between the gas generators and the external control processor. A method of sequence inflation can use various types of exemplar gas generators, such as cellular containment evaporation gas generators and laser ablation gas generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Simburger
  • Patent number: 6658972
    Abstract: A first given pressure is provided to a first side of an air pressure cylinder that in turn drives a cutting member under the influence of the first given pressure. A second given pressure is provided to a second side of the air pressure cylinder that is greater than the first given pressure during a non-cutting state of the air cylinder. The cutting member remains stationary as long as the second given pressure is greater than the first given pressure. To transition to a cutting state, the second given pressure is rapidly reduced to a value below the first given pressure value during a cutting state of the air pressure cylinder for moving the cutting member to cut a web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: David Charles Burke
  • Patent number: 6625980
    Abstract: The invention creates a vehicle pneumatics overpressure regulating circuit 1 of a supply device of a pneumatic consumer 5 in a vehicle with an operating pressure. The overpressure circuit 1 has a compressed air source 3, which furnishes compressed air for the consumer 5; a pressure switch 8, by means of which the compressed air source 3 is turned on and/or off to supply the consumer 5 with compressed air; and a supply line 4, by way of which compressed air can be carried from the compressed air source 3 to the consumer 5. The pressure switch 8 can be subjected to a measured pressure via a pneumatic measurement line 7, which is separate from the supply line, and this measured pressure characterizes a state of the operating pressure of the consumer. As a result, extremely precise regulation of the requisite operating pressure is successfully achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paessler, Daniel Konrad, Jens Schrader
  • Patent number: 6519938
    Abstract: The pneumatic power system of this invention is a process that measures at very high resolution the pressure and/or rate of flow profile at various points throughout the pneumatic circuitry of a piece of pneumatic equipment in a manufacturing environment. Candidates for this process must use compressed air to move, lift, convey, actuate or otherwise influence the manufacturing process. The signature profile allows for high resolution measurement and recording of pressure and/or rate of flow changes throughout the process when the equipment is fully adjusted and tuned to produce product at maximum efficiency and quality. Once optimum adjustments are obtained, the pneumatic profiling process records the pressure profiles throughout the system and uses the model profile as a benchmark to compare all subsequent profile data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Coltec Industries Inc.
    Inventor: R. Scot Foss
  • Patent number: 6360535
    Abstract: A system and method for recovering energy from compressed air. The system and method a microprocessor based control module to monitor compressor discharge pressure and determine the need to bypass gas. Excess compressed air is bypassed to an energy recovery system that converts the potential energy of the compressed air into electrical or mechanical energy. Generated electrical power may be returned to the main power grid or used to power auxiliary equipment, such as the compressor's oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Alvin Joel Fisher
  • Patent number: 6295913
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly (10) for powering a hydraulic torque wrench (24) is air-powered and has hydro-pneumatic control circuitry (39) which continues operation of an air motor (18) which drives the hydraulic pump (16) for a post-advance period after an advance actuator (55) is deactuated. Operation of the pump (16) is continued for a period sufficient to retract a double-acting torque wrench (24), to permit subsequent advances of the wrench (24) within the post-advance period without restarting the pump (16) or to permit a single acting wrench to be moved from one fastener to the next within the post-advance period without restarting the pump (16). Operation of the pump (16) is terminated when the post-advance period expires if the advance actuator (55) is not reactuated, so as to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary heating of the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Rothering
  • Patent number: 5782158
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly for powering a hydraulic torque wrench is air-powered and has hydro-pneumatic control circuitry which continues operation of an air motor which drives the hydraulic pump for a post-advance period after an advance actuator is deactuated. Operation of the pump is continued for a period sufficient to retract a double-acting torque wrench, to permit subsequent advances of the wrench within the post-advance period without restarting the pump or to permit a single acting wrench to be moved from one fastener to the next within the post-advance period without restarting the pump. Operation of the pump is terminated when the post-advance period expires if the advance actuator is not reactuated, so as to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary heating of the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Rothering
  • Patent number: 5724811
    Abstract: A gas-based transmission which has a self-regulating mechanical advantage that is continuously--and, essentially, infinitely variable. A high-pressure reservoir receives either exhaust gas from an engine or air from a compressor that is run by the drive shaft from an engine. A pressure regulator on the output of the high-pressure reservoir controls the engine resistance and decouples the engine from the the drive forces. The pressure can be set at a given level which will approximate the power curve for the engine or can be controlled by a computer so that the engine will produce the power desired by the operator at the lowest engine speed capable of producing such power, i.e., the engine will operate precisely on its power curve. The gas or air passes from the pressure regulator to a variable-pressure reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Dale Gibby
  • Patent number: 5706657
    Abstract: In machines having a bucket that is capable of carrying a load of material, it is well known that when the machine encounters a bump or other obstacle that the effects thereof may result in machine bounce or the operator is subjected to a jolt due to the sudden change in forces acting on the lift actuator of the lift mechanism. Accumulators have been connected to the loaded end of the actuator to provide a cushion or damping of the sudden changes in the forces. When the machine is being used without the accumulator connected to the loaded end of the actuator, the accumulator is normally connected to the loaded end of the actuator through an orifice in order to maintain a pre-charge in the accumulator equal to the pressure in the loaded end of the actuator. In order to ensure that the pressure in the accumulator is always equal to the pressure in the actuator, the accumulator is selectively connected to an auxiliary source of pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Amborski, Marc D. Gibson, Michael E. Green
  • Patent number: 5553454
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating electrical energy by operatively connecting a generator to a drive shaft which is rotated axially when fan turbines connected to the drive shaft are rotated. The turbines are rotated by directing the release of air under pressure toward a plurality of blade surfaces of the turbines. The air under pressure is supplied from a plurality of storage tanks which are connected to one of a pair of pressure guide rings, which guide rings receive air under pressure from one or more connected tanks and direct the air through an output duct and toward the blade surfaces. The flow of air under pressure is controlled by a power regulator and controller which monitors the power output from the generator and transmits electrical signals to adjust the open and closed positioning of a tank output valve on each of the plurality of tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Sol E. Mortner
  • Patent number: 5517821
    Abstract: An air lifting and balancing unit including a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, a ball screw affixed to the piston, a ball nut mounted for rotation on the ball screw, a drum mounted on the ball nut, a chain driven by the drum, and centrifugally actuated brakes mounted on the drum for stopping rotation of the drum when the drum exceeds a predetermined acceleration either due to a loss of load or to a loss of air pressure applied to the piston, and a pneumatic circuit in communication with the cylinder for providing air pressure thereto which applies a force on the piston which is at a substantially constant incremental value in opposition to the force exerted by the load applied to the piston through the chain and the drum and the ball screw regardless of variations in said air pressure to thereby cause the speed of the chain to remain substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Braesch, Peter L. Hong, Thomas A. Mefferd, Michael D. Olson
  • Patent number: 5479777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to facilitate alteration of the torque and speed characteristics of a pneumatic motor to reduce start-up reaction torque and minimize run-on time after disconnection of the motor from a source of pressurized gas. A series connected accumulator and proportional gas flow/control/dump valve are inserted between a pressurized gas supply and a pneumatic motor, after which the accumulator volume is optimized by an iterative method to satisfactorily reduce transient motor start-up reaction torque while maintaining motor run-on time within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Mednext Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Mickel, Stewart W. Willason
  • Patent number: 5463865
    Abstract: A pressure transducer adapted to measure the position of a pneumatic valve by measuring pressure immediately downstream of a valve restrictor (e.g. a valve plate or butterfly plate) and comparing that pressure with a pressure measured at a second measurement port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Alan W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5377578
    Abstract: An air tool torque control system includes a controller operative to independently control two air tools with continuous programmed adjustment of the torque shut off point for each tool after each fastener joint is made. The torque specification is measured for each fastener joint made, is verified as being within an acceptable torque range, is compared to the set point of that torque specification range to determine the variation therebetween, and is then adjusted toward the mid point by the applicable correction factor for the variation determined to continuously compensate for variations in joint rate, line pressure and/or tool output. To enhance the effectiveness of the system, fast acting solenoid valves utilizing line pressure to assist in valve closure may be included to improve shut off control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: The Rotor Tool Company
    Inventor: John A. Borries