Control By Sensor Of Accumulator Condition Patents (Class 60/418)
  • Patent number: 11078792
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for operating a hydraulic free piston engine includes receiving, at an engine controller for a hydraulic free piston engine, an energy parameter that is representative of an amount of fluid energy to be output by the engine, and a measured fluid pressure value of a fluid load of the engine, determining a piston trajectory of a piston within a hydraulic chamber of the engine, determining a fuel volume value and a servo valve actuation parameter, based on the energy parameter and the measured fluid pressure value, providing a fuel control signal to a fuel control device of the engine based on the fuel volume value, and providing, based on the servo valve actuation parameter and the piston trajectory, a servo valve control signal to a servo valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Zongxuan Sun, Chen Zhang, Keyan Liu
  • Patent number: 11073170
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including: a pressure line; a pump; an actuator; a valve device configured to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; an electronic control unit configured to control the valve device by a control signal proportional to the desired speed of the actuator at any given time; a pressure accumulator capable of supplying, together with the pump, pressurized hydraulic fluid for moving the actuator; a sensor device configured to measure, directly or indirectly, the amount of pressurized hydraulic fluid in the pressure accumulator at any given time; setting devices configured to set a setting signal to be proportional with the desired speed of the actuator at any given time. The electronic control unit is configured to restrict the targeted speed of the actuator not to exceed a predetermined maximum speed which is proportional to the amount of pressurized hydraulic fluid in the pressure accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: NORRHYDRO OY
    Inventors: Ari Lappalainen, Mika Sahlman, Jussi Mäkitalo, Peter Stambro
  • Patent number: 10052746
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the pressure within a gas space, which is filled with a gas, preferably nitrogen, and/or is prestressed, of a pressure accumulator of a hydraulically driven percussive mechanism, in particular of a demolition hammer or of a drilling hammer, having a housing in which a piston is mounted, together with an indicator element which extends through the face surface of the housing, in slidingly movable fashion. The piston divides the housing into two chambers, and a first, pressure accumulator-side chamber and a pressure accumulator-side working surface, which is averted from the indicator element, of the piston are operatively connected at least indirectly to the gas space of the pressure accumulator. A second, hydraulics-side chamber and a hydraulics-side working surface, facing toward the indicator element, of the piston are connected to the hydraulic system of the percussive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Construction Tools GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Autschbach, Stefan Lohmann
  • Patent number: 9567001
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is provided which can obtain steering auxiliary power when a steering auxiliary power starting condition is not satisfied and there exists no abnormality in a power source and the like. The electric power steering apparatus controls output of a motor in such a way that through operation of a driver, limited steering auxiliary power that is limited to be smaller than normal steering auxiliary power is exerted on a steering system, and exerts limited steering auxiliary power on the steering system when the vehicle is to be saved, even when due to a vehicle failure or a fuel shortage, the engine stops, so that the load on a driver, which is imposed when the vehicle is moved to a safe place, can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kazushi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9217446
    Abstract: A hydraulic controller includes: an accumulator connected to a main oil passage; a pressure storage use oil passage which branches off from the main oil passage and leads to the accumulator; an inlet port; a priority port; and a bypass port. The hydraulic controller includes a priority valve configured such that, at the time of storing pressure in the accumulator, of pressure oil that flows into the inlet port, the pressure oil at a flow rate for storing of pressure in the accumulator, which is a preset flow rate, flows out of the priority port, and the pressure oil at a surplus flow rate, which is a flow rate obtained by subtracting the flow rate for storing of pressure from the flow rate of the pressure oil flowing into the input port, flows out of the bypass port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuhei Ohtsuka, Takaaki Kunishiro, Tomohisa Yoshimura, Yasushi Sotani
  • Publication number: 20150113969
    Abstract: A hybrid system, consisting of an internal combustion engine (1) with added-on and/or integrated hydraulic pumps (2) to supply consumers (5) and/or the drive unit (12), at least one engine control unit (3) for electronic engine regulation and/or fuel-injection regulation, at least one hydraulic control unit (4) to control at least one hydraulic consumer (5), at least one pressure sustaining valve (6), at least one reversing valve (7) and at least one hydraulic pressure accumulator (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ralf Kochhan, Taghi Akbarian
  • Patent number: 8984872
    Abstract: A method for estimating a fluid charge of a hydraulic accumulator includes determining a first accumulator pressure at a first time with a pressure sensor, the first time during accumulator charging; determining a second accumulator pressure at a second time with the pressure sensor, the second time during accumulator charging; determining a first fan speed at the first time; determining a second fan speed at the second time; and estimating the fluid charge of the hydraulic accumulator as a function of the first accumulator pressure, the second accumulator pressure, the first fan speed, and the second fan speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20150059327
    Abstract: A fast and flexible pressure testing apparatus includes two parallel pressure channels having independent pumps and pressure regulators. Pressure pulse cycle times are minimized by using large diameter hydraulic lines. A fluid accumulator in each channel stores pre-pressurized fluid to avoid pressure delivery delays due to limited pump output. In embodiments, the outputs of the two delivery channels can be combined to deliver pressure pulses to the part under test (PUT) from either channel in any desired sequence, or one channel can be used to return the PUT to its initial status. Embodiments gate the pressure pulses using servo valves, which can have pressure outputs that are proportional to their control signals, thereby enabling shaped output pressure profiles according to shaping of the control signals. The pressure channels can be further split into first and second branches which set the ranges over which the channel output can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Arthur M. Rabert
  • Patent number: 8959906
    Abstract: One or more examples of the gas boosters described herein aim to provide a light weight gas booster configured to produce high output pressure levels at high volumes. Generally described, one or more examples of the gas boosters reduce the dead volume in a piston assembly, thereby increasing the ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure. In that regard, several examples of the gas boosters disclosed herein have a first check valve as a disk-type check valve or the like and a second check valve as a ball-type check valve or the like. Furthermore, one or more examples include an inwardly acting cam configured to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion by an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Haines, Richard Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20150047331
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The system includes an actuator configured to move a portion of the machine, a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid to the actuator, an accumulator fluidly coupled to the actuator, a valve arrangement configured to selectively direct the fluid discharged from the actuator to the accumulator for storage and to selectively direct the stored fluid from the accumulator to the actuator, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an accumulator pressure, an actuator pressure, and an operational parameter associated with an implement system. Further, the controller is configured to determine an accumulator control mode. The controller determines an accumulator pressure leakage rate when the accumulator control mode is neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Darren A. Blum
  • Patent number: 8938956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas, wherein the actuation of the implement is effected in dependence on the directly or indirectly determined temperature of the gas in the chamber filled with gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Asam, Jochen Fehse
  • Patent number: 8931267
    Abstract: A pump for use in pumping hydraulic well control fluid expelled from a control device of a well, comprises means for accumulating such hydraulic well control fluid and means for using the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the well to pump accumulated hydraulic well control fluid into a production flowline of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: Simon David Gill
  • Patent number: 8915074
    Abstract: A method for determining whether an accumulator is filled to a predetermined level with a hydraulic fluid includes commanding a current to a solenoid, providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator, setting a timer to an initial value, incrementing the timer, determining if the timer is greater than a timer threshold value, measuring a current to the solenoid if the timer is greater than the timer threshold value, calculating a modified current as a function of the measured current, the timer value, and the commanded current, comparing the modified current to a threshold, and determining that the accumulator is filled to the predetermined level if the modified current is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Publication number: 20140345265
    Abstract: An operating state determining unit determines whether a hydraulic cylinder is in operation or not in operation. A discharge pressure reducing unit reduces the discharge pressure of a charge pump. A discharge pressure control unit controls the discharge pressure reducing unit when the hydraulic cylinder in not in operation to reduce the discharge pressure of the charge pump to a low pressure lower than a normal pressure. The normal pressure is the discharge pressure of the charge pump when the hydraulic cylinder is in operation. An accumulator is connected to a charge flowpath. A one-way valve is disposed between the accumulator and the charge pump. The one-way valve allows the flow of hydraulic fluid from the charge pump to the accumulator and prohibits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Teruo Akiyama, Noboru Iida, Kenji Oshima, Kenji Sasano
  • Patent number: 8887498
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd A. Frerichs, Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 8863508
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a pump, a motor, a tank, and an accumulator. The hydraulic circuit may also have a valve movable between a first position at which an output of the pump is fluidly connected to the tank and the accumulator is fluidly connected to the motor, and a second position at which the output of the pump is fluidly connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Nelson, Jeremy T. Peterson, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 8844278
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a control system for charging an electro-hydraulic charging system. The control system including at least one sensor operatively coupled to an engine for sensing at least one engine parameter indicative of an operating status of the engine and a controller adapted to charge the charging system when the operating status of the engine is determined to be stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan M. Tevis, Maureen E. Beck, Shawn I. Cullen
  • Patent number: 8839617
    Abstract: A novel energy saving mode of charging an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed involving toggling the position of a fan isolation valve from the flow-passing position, where the flow is driving a fan motor thereby maintaining a fan in an on position, to the flow-blocking position where the flow is inhibited from driving the fan motor thereby causing the fan to turn off, when the time to charge an accumulator is less than the period of time that the fan may be off and still allow for the cooling requirements of the engine to be satisfied. By diverting fluid flow from driving the fan motor to charging the accumulator, the disclosed energy saving mode allows for a greater flow of fluid to be delivered to the accumulator for charging, making it possible to charge the accumulators quicker and more efficiently while maintaining the cooling requirements of the engine. The energy saving mode of operation may illustratively be used in a hystat fan and hybrid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Nelson, Jeremy Peterson
  • Patent number: 8776511
    Abstract: A swing energy recovery system for a machine is disclosed. The swing energy recovery system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, a motor driven by a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump, and an energy recovery arrangement configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor. The swing energy recovery system may also have a pressure relief valve associated with the motor, and a controller in communication with the energy recovery arrangement and the pressure relief valve. The controller may be configured to selectively adjust a setting of the pressure relief valve based on an operating condition of the energy recovery arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Dayao Chen, Pengfei Ma, Tonglin Shang, Lawrence J. Tognetti, Jeffrey L. Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20140144130
    Abstract: An arrangement for charging an accumulator with hydraulic fluid is provided. The accumulator is used in a hydraulic boom suspension system for a lift arm of a vehicle and the arrangement includes a first hydraulic pump arranged to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder system of the lift arm, and a second hydraulic pump arranged to supply hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic system. The second hydraulic pump is further arranged to supply hydraulic fluid for charging the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Kim Heybroek
  • Publication number: 20140137545
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a hydraulic system for providing auxiliary drive to a powertrain (11) and a hydraulic circuit (12) by storing and releasing hydraulic fluid using an accumulator (29). A hydraulic drive system (10) comprises an engine (14), a hydraulic machine (22) operably connected to the engine (14), a pump (17), an accumulator (29) and at least one valve (20, 27). The pump (17) is driven by the engine (14) and is configured to control a hydraulic circuit (12). The accumulator (29) is fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit (21) and the hydraulic machine (22). In one instance, the at least one valve (20, 27) is operable to direct pressurised fluid from at least one of the hydraulic machine (22) and the pump (17) to charge the accumulator (29). Alternatively, the at least one valve (20, 27) is operable to direct pressurised fluid from the accumulator (29) to at least one of the hydraulic machine (22) and the hydraulic circuit (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Smith, Robert Nicholas Harper
  • Patent number: 8677742
    Abstract: An accumulator includes a canister, a piston, a sleeve, and a solenoid control valve assembly. The canister has an inner surface that defines an interior volume. The piston is slidably disposed within the interior volume of the canister. The piston is located between the inner surface of the canister and an outer surface of the sleeve. The piston divides the interior space into a fluid filled chamber and an air filled chamber. A fluid pathway is created by an outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the canister. The fluid pathway allows fluid from an exterior source to either enter or exit the fluid chamber. The solenoid control valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve biasing member, and a plunger that is slidable within a recess of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Leonid Basin, Fredrick R. Poskie, Nieyuan Hai, Carlos E. Marin
  • Publication number: 20140060018
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an implement movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a variable displacement motor configured to swing the implement at a desired speed during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The system further includes an accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor via a charge valve, and to discharge fluid to the motor via a discharge valve. The system includes a selector valve fluidly connected to the charge valve and the discharge valve. The system also includes a controller configured to vary displacement of the motor, resulting in the desired speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Randal Neil Peterson, Jiao Zhang, Dayao Chen, Tonglin Shang
  • Patent number: 8621858
    Abstract: An assembly (10) forming part of a regenerative drive system for a motor lorry. The motor lorry has a driven train that is operatively associated with the assembly (10) so as to cause operation of the assembly (10) to store energy, or alternatively to be driven by the assembly (10) by depletion of energy stored by the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a variable angled swash plate pump/motor (11) that is drivingly associated with the drive train and the motor lorry. The assembly (10) includes a clutch (13) that is engaged when the motor lorry is de-accelerating, to cause the pump/motor (11) to be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Permo-Drive Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: John Graham Thompson, Christopher Scott Marshall
  • Patent number: 8590296
    Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin Bollinger, John McCormick, Benjamin Cameron
  • Patent number: 8561397
    Abstract: In one aspect, a hydraulic system including a reservoir, a hydraulic device, a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller is described. The reservoir is connected to the hydraulic device for supplying hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic device. The first sensor is adapted for measuring a first volume of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. The second sensor is connected to the hydraulic device such that at least one parameter being indicative for a second volume of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic device is measurable. The controller is adapted for calculating the second volume of the hydraulic fluid based on the at least one parameter. The controller is adapted for determining a leakage of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system based on the first volume and the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Per Egedal, Jesper Munch
  • Publication number: 20130227937
    Abstract: A ride control system and method where the system includes first hydraulics for equalizing pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side, and second hydraulics for providing low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. When ride control is engaged, the first hydraulics equalizes pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side to within a pressure threshold, then the second hydraulics provides the low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. Ride control system can include third hydraulics for providing fluid connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank; where after first hydraulics equalizes pressure to within pressure threshold, then third hydraulics provides connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank. The ride control system can also monitor the condition of the ride control accumulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Dobchuk, Joshua D. Graeve, Brian K. Kellogg, Derek S. Hall, Eric R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8479502
    Abstract: In various embodiments, energy is stored or recovered via super-atmospheric compression and/or expansion of gas in conjunction with substantially adiabatic compression and/or expansion from or to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 8413436
    Abstract: An accumulator system is configured to store energy and includes an accumulator having a liquid chamber coupled to a liquid port and an air chamber coupled to an air port. The liquid chamber and the air chamber are separated by a moveable isolation barrier. An air motor/compressor coupled to the air port is configured to receive a mechanical input and responsively pump air into the accumulator, and to receive pressurized air from the air port and responsively provide a mechanical output. A liquid reservoir is coupled to the liquid port to receive liquid from the liquid chamber as air is pumped into the air chamber and to provide liquid to the liquid chamber as air is removed from the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Perry Y. Li, James D. Van de Ven
  • Publication number: 20130081386
    Abstract: A novel energy saving mode of charging an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed involving toggling the position of a fan isolation valve from the flow-passing position, where the flow is driving a fan motor thereby maintaining a fan in an on position, to the flow-blocking position where the flow is inhibited from driving the fan motor thereby causing the fan to turn off, when the time to charge an accumulator is less than the period of time that the fan may be off and still allow for the cooling requirements of the engine to be satisfied. By diverting fluid flow from driving the fan motor to charging the accumulator, the disclosed energy saving mode allows for a greater flow of fluid to be delivered to the accumulator for charging, making it possible to charge the accumulators quicker and more efficiently while maintaining the cooling requirements of the engine. The energy saving mode of operation may illustratively be used in a hystat fan and hybrid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Nelson, Jeremy Peterson
  • Publication number: 20130042605
    Abstract: An air compressor includes a compression unit, a drive unit, a tank unit, and a control circuit unit. The compression unit is configured to generate a compressed air and provided with a handle positioned above a center of gravity of the air compressor. The drive unit is configured to drive the compression unit. The tank unit is disposed below the compression unit and includes a plurality of air tanks configured to reserve the compressed air. The compressed air reserved in the tank unit has a pressure value. The control circuit unit is configured to detect the pressure value of the compressed air reserved in the tank unit and to control the drive unit to drive the compression unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Kitagawa, Tomoyoshi Yokota, Kenichi Matsunaga, Masahiro Miura, Shingo Kosugi
  • Patent number: 8286426
    Abstract: A control system for a work machine having a hydraulic energy source, a hydraulic accumulator, a digital hydraulic system having a digital hydraulic transformer, a hydraulic actuator and a movable element. The hydraulic accumulator being fluidically couplable with the hydraulic energy source. The digital hydraulic system including a digital hydraulic transformer fluidically couplable with the hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic actuator being fluidically couplable with the digital hydraulic transformer. The movable element being movable by the hydraulic actuator. The control system including means to estimate at least one of potential energy and kinetic energy in the movable element; means to measure a fill level of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic accumulator; and means to vary the amount of hydraulic energy added to the hydraulic accumulator by the hydraulic energy source responsive to the potential energy, the kinetic energy and/or the fill level of the hydraulic accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Hydraulic LLC
    Inventor: Elton D. Bishop
  • Patent number: 8256215
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 8250861
    Abstract: An energy storage system includes a reservoir defining an interior chamber, a collapsible bladder positioned within the interior chamber and having working fluid therein, a one-way valve in fluid communication with the interior chamber and operable to permit entry of replacement air into the interior chamber as working fluid exits the bladder, a reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the bladder, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with the reversible pump/motor to deliver pressurized working fluid to the reversible pump/motor when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the reversible pump/motor when operating as a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul W. Schwark, Andrew J. Nersesian, Markus E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8240143
    Abstract: A circuit having at least one hydraulic motor, two main ducts for feeding or discharging the at least one motor, a low-pressure fluid source, and a high-pressure accumulator forming a high-pressure fluid source. The circuit is suitable for operating in an energy recovery mode in which the feed main duct is connected to the low-pressure fluid source and the discharge main duct is connected to the high-pressure accumulator, and in an energy delivery mode in which the connections are inverted. The low-pressure fluid source has a high-flow-rate booster pump suitable for delivering a flow-rate of fluid that is sufficient to feed fluid to the at least one hydraulic motor while the motor is at maximum speed in energy recovery mode, and an adjustable pressure limiter suitable for being controlled so as to cause the pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the low-pressure fluid source to vary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Jean Heren, Gilles Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8224495
    Abstract: A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cool Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Weaver, Lee S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8209975
    Abstract: A fluid system includes a controllable first pump unit for supplying fluid pressure to at least one implement; a prime mover arranged to supply a driving torque to the first pump The first pump unit is arranged to supply fluid pressure to the implement. The fluid system further includes a controllable second pump unit connected to a fluid accumulator. The prime mover is arranged to supply a driving torque to the second pump unit in order to accumulate fluid pressure in the accumulator during periods of low demand. Fluid pressure from the accumulator is arranged to drive the second pump unit to assist the prime mover during periods of high demand in order to supply an additional driving torque in excess of the available driving torque from the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Bengt Goran Persson, Peter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8191362
    Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air via use of a compressed-gas reservoir for maintaining a connector between cylinder assemblies at an intermediate pressure, thereby reducing the volume of dead space in the connector and increasing efficiency of the energy storage and recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin Bollinger, John McCormick, Benjamin Cameron
  • Patent number: 8181457
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 8166753
    Abstract: An accumulator system includes an accumulator containing working fluid and gas, an isolation valve through which working fluid selectively flows to and from the accumulator, an actuator operably coupled to the isolation valve, and a passageway fluidly communicating the actuator with gas in the accumulator. The actuator maintains the isolation valve in an open configuration at a first gas pressure to allow working fluid to flow to and from the accumulator. The actuator also allows the isolation valve to close at a second gas pressure less than the first gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Kenric B. Rose
  • Patent number: 8151564
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 8104274
    Abstract: In various embodiments, energy is stored or recovered via super-atmospheric compression and/or expansion of gas in conjunction with substantially adiabatic compression and/or expansion from or to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 8020379
    Abstract: A double redundancy electro hydrostatic actuator system includes two hydraulic pumps; two fail safe valves connected with the two hydraulic pumps, respectively; one dual tandem hydraulic cylinder connected with the two fail safe valves and having a piston rod, wherein the piston rod is moved by switching supply and discharge of the fluid; two switching valves connected with the two fail safe valves; two accumulators connected with the two switching valves and the two hydraulic pumps, respectively; and two chambers connected with the two switching valves, respectively. Each of the two accumulators accumulates the fluid from a corresponding one of the two hydraulic pumps, and sends the fluid to a corresponding one of the two fail safe valves. The two chambers receive the fluid from the two fail safe valves, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kakino, Hiroshi Saito, Kenta Kawasaki, Takashi Oka
  • Patent number: 7905088
    Abstract: A hydraulic system has a valve assembly with two workports coupled to chambers of first and second cylinders which are connected mechanically in parallel to a machine component. A separation control valve is connected between first chambers of both cylinders, and a shunt control valve is connected between the workports. A recovery control valve couples an accumulator to the first chamber of the second cylinder. Opening and closing the valves in different combinations routes fluid from one or both cylinders into the accumulator where the fluid is stored under pressure, and thereafter enables stored fluid to be used to power one or both cylinders. The shunt control valve is used to route fluid exhausting from one chamber of each cylinder to the other chambers of those cylinders. Thus the hydraulic system recovers and reuses energy in various manners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: INCOVA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight B. Stephenson, Eric P. Hamkins, Joseph L. Pfaff, Keith A. Tabor
  • Publication number: 20110018306
    Abstract: A pneumatic system has a compressor (8), a pneumatic reservoir (20) for a gaseous pressure transmission medium, at least one valve device (12) and at least one pneumatically actuable actuator (4). To provide satisfactory functioning even under extreme temperatures, and to provide a simple cost effective construction, the pneumatic reservoir (20) to which the compressor (8) is connected has a variable volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Dieter Jungert
  • Publication number: 20100326069
    Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100319336
    Abstract: In one aspect, a hydraulic system including a reservoir, a hydraulic device, a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller is described. The reservoir is connected to the hydraulic device for supplying hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic device. The first sensor is adapted for measuring a first volume of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. The second sensor is connected to the hydraulic device such that at least one parameter being indicative for a second volume of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic device is measurable. The controller is adapted for calculating the second volume of the hydraulic fluid based on the at least one parameter. The controller is adapted for determining a leakage of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system based on the first volume and the second volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Per Egedal, Jesper Munch
  • Publication number: 20100281858
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: PHYSICS LAB OF LAKE HAVASU, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Stansbury, III
  • Patent number: 7823379
    Abstract: A method provides several modes for recovering hydraulic energy produced by an overrunning load acting on cylinders connected in parallel to a machine component. In one mode, fluid from first chambers in both cylinders is routed into the accumulator, while other fluid is directed into second chambers of those cylinders. In a different mode, fluid is routed from the first chamber of only one cylinder into the accumulator, and fluid from the first chamber of the other cylinder goes into the second chambers of both cylinders. Yet another mode comprises routing fluid from the first chambers of both cylinders into the second chambers of both cylinders. In still another mode, fluid from the first chambers of both cylinders goes into the return conduit while the second chambers of both cylinders receive fluid from a supply conduit. Several modes of reusing the recovered energy are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Hamkins, Dwight B. Stephenson, Joseph L. Pfaff, Keith A. Tabor
  • Publication number: 20100257854
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Robert Miller