Abstract: An electromechanical actuator assembly comprises a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator are coupled together end-to-end and are independently operable. A method of actuating a moveable element using an actuator assembly, comprises: coupling a first actuator between a fixed structure and a second actuator so that the first actuator is operable to move the second actuator relative to the fixed structure; coupling the second actuator to the moveable element; and moving the moveable element by moving the second actuator using the first actuator.

Abstract: An electric actuator for a final controlling device having a safety actuator function for positioning an actuating element, (e.g. a valve element of, for example, a process-technical plant). The electric actuator can include an electric motor configured to provide a torque for actuating the actuating element. The electric motor can include a motor shaft configured to deliver the torque, an output shaft configured to transmit the torque from the electric motor to the actuating element, and an electromagnetic and/or currentlessly uncoupling coupling (e.g. electromagnetic and/or currentlessly uncoupling clutch) configured to provide and/or interrupt a torque-transmitting connection between the motor shaft and the output shaft. The output shaft, the motor shaft and the coupling can be arranged coaxially to one another.

Abstract: In a clutch (14) for a construction machine (1), comprising a drive-side end (58) and a driven-side end (60), a driven shaft (22), wherein, at the drive-side end (58), a drive-side bearing (40) is arranged at the driven shaft (22), it is specified for the following features to be achieved: that a lubricant line (42) for lubrication of the drive-side bearing (40) is specified which leads from the driven-side end (60) to the drive-side bearing (40) and extends, at least sectionally, through the driven shaft (22).

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises an actuator housing defining a bore. A drive element is received in the actuator housing bore. The drive element comprises tubular portions receiving first and second ball nuts arranged at respective distal ends thereof. The ball nuts are threaded in opposite directions to one another. The drive element further comprises a drive coupling. The actuator further comprises first and second ball screws operatively engaged with the first and second ball nuts. Rotation of the drive element and thus the ball nuts relative to said ball screws causes the ball screws to move together in a linear path in opposite directions from one another.

Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods for braking a hoist system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a hoist system includes a winch drum and an air motor coupled to the winch drum. The hoist system further includes a brake coupled to the winch drum and operable to stop rotation of the winch drum and an over-speed sensing device configured to sense a speed of the winch drum. The over-speed sensing device includes a pneumatic switch operable to disconnect an air supply from the air motor and engage the brake to stop rotation of the winch drum and a centrifugal clutch coupled to the winch drum and configured to rotate at a rotational speed proportional to the speed of the winch drum. The centrifugal clutch operates the pneumatic switch when the rotational speed of the centrifugal clutch reaches or exceeds a threshold rotational speed.

Abstract: A method of imposing a variable load upon the internal combustion engine as it is typically used in the performance of degassing operations includes coupling a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine to a secondary internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems, apparatuses and methods for drying or dehydrating high moisture content feedstock to dry or low moisture products. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets, flakes or other desired form for the final product. The systems, apparatuses and methods of this invention also provide for prevention of release of HAP, including VOC, emissions from manufacturing facilities in conjunction with or independent of the above treatment of high water content feedstock.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a first power plant connected to an AC power feed line between a power network and an electrical load and a first internal combustion engine for driving the first power plant such that exhaust heat of the first engine is supplied to a thermal load, power supply from the first power plant to the power network is interrupted by turning off a switch installed in the feed line, when outage of the power network is detected and a second power plant is operated, such that outputs of the first and second power plants are supplied to the electrical load. With this, it becomes possible to respond to a commercial power network outage for preventing reverse flow of the power output by the cogeneration system into the power network and supplying as much electric power as possible to the electrical load.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.

Abstract: An actuator combining mechanical and hydraulic forces includes a cylindrical body and a piston that can slide relative to the cylindrical body. The piston and the cylindrical body are connected by a mechanical system for transmitting mechanical power that constitutes a device that permanently controls the position of the actuator, a permanent locking device, and a safety device. The device for transmitting hydraulic power constitutes a load compensator device. The two power transmitting devices operate in parallel. Position control using the drive system at reduced power can be synchronized in a simple way for a plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A control system for use with a master engine and one or more slave engines. The master engine produces a master torque and the slave engines produce slave torques. The master engine and the slave engines have computers that control fueling to the engines. The control system of the invention includes an interface between the control computer for the master engine and the control computers for the slave engines. The master control computer controls the slave control computers through the interface, such that the slave torques are a function of the master torque.

Abstract: A self-contained, hydraulically operated clutch-type coupling, allowing a minimum of two vehicular type internal combustion engines to be mounted in tandem replacing the standard single block, multi cylinder engine. Flexibility is provided to the driver by a computerized control system to select operation of one or more engines to produce minimum to maximum horsepower at the flywheel, necessary to meet specific road and traffic conditions while maintaining a constant engine (RPM) speed. In one embodiment, a single engine is started to minimize undesirable emissions due to the combination of cold start conditions and wall quenching and fuel conservation purposes. Upon attaining engine operating temperature uniformity, the succeeding engine(s) can be started and operated to provide maximum available horsepower/torque to meet road load conditions.

Abstract: An improved multibank rotary engine. The engine includes a plurality of concentrically arranged rotary engines each having a number of cylinder assemblies, pistons and cam followers arranged to impart forces and motions to and from an eccentric cam track disposed in a housing. Each of the rotary engines can be selectively coupled or uncoupled from the other engines. A device is provided for angularly indexing the output shafts of the engines with respect to each other when the engines are to be coupled together so that corresponding respective cylinder assemblies for adjacent ones of the respective engines can be angularly offset by a number of degrees equal to 360 divided by the total number of cylinder assemblies on all the engines coupled together. In a preferred form, the device is a planetary type gearset. In another preferred form, the device is a harmonic drive gearset.

Abstract: An engaging lever lock for rotor turning gear in a steam turbine includes a selectable lock that is disposed to hold the lever at its engaged position and control circuitry for activating the selectable lock. With a first embodiment, the selectable lock includes an electromagnet. On the other hand, with a second embodiment, the selectable lock includes a plunger-pin arrangement that is activated by a solenoid to extend into a hole formed in the lever, and is biased toward a retracted position away from the hole by a spring which is disposed around the pin between the plunger and the solenoid.

Abstract: In an automotive power plant including an electric motor having a drive shaft connected to a transmission and a battery pack connected to the motor for vehicle speeds up to 30 miles per hour approximately, the improvement comprising an alternate power source including an electric generator connectable to the drive shaft having output leads connected to the battery pack and to the motor. An air compressor having a drive shaft is coupled to the motor drive shaft and has a pressurized air outlet connected to a reservoir. A boost pump is connected to the reservoir or air compressor to a combustion chamber having an electric ignition and a connection to a pressurized fuel source and includes a high velocity exhaust gas outlet. A turbine receives exhaust gases for driving an impellor secured upon the compressor shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle power plant comprising a number of engine working cylinders arranged in two groups with different numbers of cylinders and/or with different power outputs, the parts being individually connectable to a common power take-off shaft by a continuously variable belt transmission. A gearing, including a reverse step, is mounted with its axes of rotation parallel to the crank shafts of the engines and connects the belt transmission to the vehicle output shaft. This vehicle power plant produces good fuel economy, high top power output, low exhaust emissions, and good acceleration capacity.

Abstract: A modular power plant comprises an internal combustion engine coupled to an electrical machine. The electrical machine may be used to start the engine and to generate electrical energy. The power plant is provided with an electronic control and protection system comprising an electronic processing and control unit arranged to operate in a first mode when the power plant is used alone, and in a second mode when the power plant is used together in a coordinated manner in an installation comprising a further n power plants. In this second mode of operation the processing and control unit may act as a master unit for controlling and coordinating the operation of the processing and control units of the other n power plants in a predetermined manner, or as a slave unit controlled by another control and processing unit of one of the other n power plants. Means are provided for assigning the roll of master unit to one of the control and processing units of the n+1 power plants.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling the distribution of load among a plurality of generators with some of those generators responding quickly to control and some being slow in response. The area control error signal is divided into portions to provide a unit error signal assigned to each generator. A control is utilized which responds to the unit error signal to reposition the governor motor until the error signal is reduced to zero. Applying that control to slow responding units requires anticipation of the generation changes to be expected after full response. Control of the governor motor position so as to modify generation is from the unit error signal as modified in accordance with the difference between the desired generation for the units as required for economic considerations and the actual generation with that difference being modified by a signal which is a function of the anticipated generation. That function is expressable in one form by the equation ##EQU1## where: K is a constantP.sub.

Abstract: A drive arrangement which includes a number of internal combustion engines which are adapted to be connected to a flow of working force through free wheeling or one way clutches and gears to a common output shaft. In addition to a flow of working force the individual internal combustion engines may be interconnected by another flow of a tractive force which is formed by gearing up gears and one way or free wheeling clutches. This flow of tractive force acts only in a direction of force flow which opposes the flow of the working force. The internal combustion engines may be mechanically arranged in parallel next to one another or in series behind one another with working or output shafts of the internal combustion engines being located parallel or in series one behind the other. The working shafts are connected with parallel gear stages which transmit at different ratios and have opposing force flows.

Abstract: At a low part load, and at idling of a vehicle machinery it is difficult to obtain a good fuel economy and acceptable emission rates. The amount of work for driving the compressor and the auxiliary apparatuses is considerable in a gas turbine, and in view of the conditions mentioned the combustor of the gas turbine is provided with two burners, of which one is dimensioned for a fuel quantity which merely corresponds to "spare-flame" operation. An auxiliary motor is included in the machinery and keeps together with the "spare-flame" burner, the main rotor of the gas turbine running at idling and part-load. The auxiliary motor may be an electric motor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for vehicles comprising a primary and an auxiliary engine unit each comprising vertically disposed cylinders and a crankshaft operatively connected to the respective cylinders. The crankshafts are arranged in parallel. A first output shaft is positioned parallel to both crankshafts and at an intermediate position between extensions of the crankshafts. The auxiliary engine unit is spaced apart from an end of the output shaft defining a space. The cylinders of each engine unit are arranged in staggered disposition. A clutch is disposed in the space between the auxiliary engine unit and the output shaft for transmitting an output of the auxiliary engine unit to the output shaft. A gear train comprises three gears including a first end gear secured to the crankshaft of the primary engine unit, a second end gear secured to an output shaft of the clutch, and an intermediate gear secured to the first output shaft engaging with both end gears.

Abstract: A turning gear arrangement for a turbomachine such as a large steam driven turbine-generator is disclosed. The turning gear arrangement includes a prime mover system which generates high starting torque for rolling the rotor of the turbine-generator over a narrow low speed range and which provides a lower, substantially constant torque over a wider high speed range. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a drive gear mounted on the turbine motor shaft; a fixed gearing system through which drive torque is transmitted to the rotor shaft; and a prime mover having an electrical motor to provide high initial torque to start and maintain rotation of the turbine over a low speed range, and a hydraulic turbine providing lower, substantially constant torque to maintain rotation over a higher speed range.

Abstract: A clutch is arranged to drivingly connect and disconnect the crankshaft members of two internal combustion engines. One engine which is preferably the smaller of the two engines is operated to propel a vehicle by delivering torque through a transmission to a differential and then to the wheels. When to meet the demand for increased power requirements, the clutch is engaged to form a tandem arrangement of engines. Torque is supplied by both engines with the second and larger engine transmitting torque through the crankshaft of the first engine. Clutch members are moved into and out of engagement according to one embodiment and according to a second embodiment, the second and larger engine is moved to force a clutch member into a driving relationship.

Abstract: A control installation for two or more hydraulic turbines enabling switching between individual control of each turbine and common control of some or all of the turbines, without interruption of operation for adjustments.

Abstract: An automotive step-turbine engine comprising in combination a primary power turbine assembly, one or more power boost turbine assemblies and a power output demand sensor for sequentially placing in service the one or more power boost assemblies as additional power output above that capable of being economically produced by the primary power turbine assembly is required further sequentially taking the power boost turbine assemblies out of service in reverse order when the additional power is no longer required. The primary power turbine assembly and the power boost turbine assemblies are geared together synchronously and run at the same velocity. The assemblies each have an air compressor unit geared directly to the respective assembly for pumping air into burner units, one for each of the assemblies.

Abstract: A thermal engine and energy accumulating flywheel are operatively connected to propel a vehicle, and a regulating means regulates the thermal engine to generally produce a limited constant maximum quantity of energy marginally in excess of that energy necessary to propel the vehicle under a constant desired operating condition. Sufficient energy accumulates in the energy storage flywheel to provide intermittent quantities of energy in a excess of that available from the thermal engine for propelling the vehicle. In this manner, fuel consumption by the thermal engine is significantly reduced and the amount of pollutants emitted is reduced, since the thermal engine is operated in a relatively constant condition to supply energy slightly in excess of that necessary for propelling that vehicle at a constant desired operating condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular engine assembly incorporating a primary engine, an auxiliary engine and a device for storing kinetic energy. The kinetic energy storage device is drivingly coupled to the primary engine. In response to demand for additional power, the auxiliary engine is selectively engaged with the energy storage device by a clutch. The auxiliary engine is thereby turned over and brought up to speed. Once the auxiliary engine is brought up to speed, fuel is supplied whereby the auxiliary engine starts or fires only after it is turning over at a high RPM. Once started, the auxiliary engine drives the transmission through the clutch and primary engine thus increasing available power upon demand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular engine assembly incorporating a primary engine, an auxiliary engine and a device for storing kinetic energy. The kinetic energy storage device is drivingly coupled to the primary engine. In response to demand for additional power, the auxiliary engine is selectively engaged with the energy storage device by a clutch. The auxiliary engine is thereby turned over and brought up to speed. As the auxiliary engine is brought up to speed, its ignition is turned on and fuel is supplied in sequence whereby the auxiliary engine starts or fires only after it is turning over at a high RPM. Once started, the auxiliary engine drives the transmission through the clutch and primary engine thus increasing available power upon demand.

Abstract: A modular engine assembly incorporating a "floating" flywheel coupled to a primary engine. An auxiliary engine selectively engages the flywheel via an automatic clutch which is responsive to a torque sensor mounted on the transmission drive shaft, to provide additional power as needed.

Abstract: A modular engine assembly incorporating a "floating" flywheel coupled to a primary engine. An auxiliary engine selectively engages the flywheel via an automatic clutch which is responsive to a torque sensor mounted on the transmission drive shaft, to provide additional power as needed.