WOODWARD, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160084272 | PUMP AUTHORITY SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR A FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A fluid distribution system includes a boost supply providing a fluid flow, and a fluid metering system downstream of the boost supply. The fluid metering system supplies fluid to a downstream device. A main fluid pump supplies at least a portion of the fluid flow to the fluid metering system. A shut-off valve is positioned upstream of a main fluid pump inlet. An actuation system is positioned downstream of the boost supply. The actuation system supplies fluid to one or more hydraulically-operated devices. An actuation pump supplies at least a portion of the fluid flow to the fluid metering system and to the actuation system. A first valve is positioned between the actuation pump and the fluid metering system. The first valve and the shut-off valve are operable to switch between the main fluid pump and the actuation pump as a source of fluid supply to the fluid metering system. | 03-24-2016 |
20150323085 | HIGH-FLOW ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR - Embodiments of the invention provide a high-reliability, cost-effective electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly that is not susceptible to failure caused by contaminated fluid. In particular embodiments, the electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly includes a rotary valve that may be actuated by either a direct-coupled Limited Angle Torque (LAT) motor, a geared, brushless DC motor, or some other rotary electric actuating element with an integrated driver circuit. In particular embodiments, the rotary valve element made up of an outer sleeve element and an inner spool element, with matching ports and slots, respectively. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322910 | Regulator Flow Damping - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing a fluid at a fluid inlet fluidically connected to an input fluid path, providing a fluid outlet fluidically connected to an outlet fluid path, fluidically connecting the inlet fluid path to the outlet fluid path through a valve, fluidically connecting the inlet fluid and the outlet fluid through a bypass fluid path in parallel with the valve, flowing the fluid from the inlet fluid path to the outlet fluid path through the valve and the bypass fluid path at a regulated fluid flow rate, restricting fluid flow in the bypass fluid path with a first orifice, restricting fluid flow in one of the fluid inlet path or the fluid outlet path with a second orifice, and providing the fluid at the fluid outlet at an outlet fluid flow rate. | 11-12-2015 |
20150295525 | Brushless Motors with Linear Hall Sensors - A motor system includes a motor including two linear Hall sensors configured to output analog signals, and a controller configured to control the motor. The controller is operable to monitor the analog signals output from the two linear Hall sensors, determine a plurality of auxiliary signals based on the analog signals, and determine a motor position based on the plurality of auxiliary signals. | 10-15-2015 |
20150292525 | Servo Valve - A servo valve includes a valve housing, a piston cylinder disposed in the housing, a piston disposed within the piston cylinder and fluidly connected on a first end to a first fluid pressure pathway and on a second end to a second fluid pressure pathway, a flapper assembly, and a flow control element disposed in the piston cylinder in a portion of the first fluid pressure pathway. The piston is configured to translate axially within the piston cylinder in response to a pressure differential between the first fluid pressure pathway and the second fluid pressure pathway. The fluid flow control element is configured to stop a flow of fluid through the first fluid pressure pathway when the piston engages the third fluid control element. | 10-15-2015 |
20150285389 | Cryogenic Check Valve - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a check valve that includes a valve body having a bore and a seat along the bore, a fluid inlet at a first end of the bore, and a fluid outlet a second end of the bore, a stopper selectively movable along the bore to contact the seat, the bore being occluded when the stopper is in contact with the seat, a first bias member on a first side of the stopper within the bore, the first bias member providing a first bias force upon the stopper in a first direction, and a second bias member on a second side of the stopper within the bore, the second side being opposite the first side, the second bias member providing a second bias force upon the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction. | 10-08-2015 |
20150285383 | Block-and-Bleed Fluid Regulating - A block valve includes a valve body having an interior chamber between an inlet port and an outlet port, with the valve body including a vent port positioned in the valve body. The block valve further includes a valve closure element located within the chamber, with the valve closure element having a fluid passage therethrough. The valve closure element is movable relative to the valve body between a first position, where the fluid passage is at least partially alignable with the inlet port and the outlet port, and a second position, where a sealing surface of the valve closure element seals the inlet port and the outlet port from the chamber. The valve closure element includes a vent channel positioned in fluid communication with the vent port and the fluid passage of the valve closure element. | 10-08-2015 |
20150285143 | Combined Ball Valve for Compressor Bleed Air and Methods - A combined ball valve for compressor bleed air modulation is provided. The combined ball valve includes a housing defining an inlet, and first and second outlets. A metering element is positioned within the housing and within a flow path extending from the inlet to the first and second outlets. The metering element includes first and second flow ports and is rotatable within the housing to modulate compressor bleed air from the inlet to neither, one, or both of the first and second outlets. The combined ball valve utilizes high temperature materials in a relatively lightweight package. | 10-08-2015 |
20150260183 | High Pressure Gear Pump With Dual Wall Housing - A gear pump and gear pump housing are provided. The gear pump housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines an inner pumping cavity having a pumping cavity inlet and a pumping cavity outlet. The outer wall surrounds at least part of the inner wall. The outer wall being spaced apart from the outer wall defining a pressure cavity between the inner and outer walls. The pumping cavity outlet is in fluid communication with the pressure cavity. As such, the pressure cavity may be supplied with high pressure fluid that is pumped. The gear pump includes a pair of pumping gears between the pumping cavity inlet and pumping cavity outlet. | 09-17-2015 |
20150260131 | Supplying Oxygen to an Engine - Air is cooled to conditions where the oxygen component of the air is liquid and the nitrogen component of the air is gaseous using fuel for an engine as a heat sink. The oxygen is separated from the nitrogen, and the oxygen is supplied to the engine for combustion. | 09-17-2015 |
20150240827 | Rotary Actuator with Integrated Actuation - A rotary actuator is provided. The rotary actuator includes a stator assembly centered along a longitudinal axis of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator also includes a rotor assembly surrounding the stator assembly. The rotor assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the stator assembly. The rotary actuator also includes first and second bearing assemblies mounted at adjacent opposed axial ends of the stator assembly and connected between the stator assembly and rotor assembly to allow for the rotation of the rotor assembly about the longitudinal axis relative to the stator assembly. A hydraulic actuation arrangement is formed between the rotor assembly and the stator assembly. The hydraulic actuation arrangement includes at least one first pressure chamber and at least one second pressure chamber. At least one of the at least one first pressure chamber and the at least one second pressure chamber has a variable volume. | 08-27-2015 |
20150226237 | Variable Cooling Flow - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator that includes a stator having at least one vane stop and a rotor having vanes projecting from a central shaft. The vane is adapted to contact said stop of the stator, and a high pressure chamber is defined by the stator and a first side of the vane and a low pressure chamber on a second side of the vane. The actuator further includes at least a first aperture connected to the high pressure chamber a second aperture connected to the low pressure chamber. A fluid flow passage connects the first aperture in the high pressure chamber to the second aperture in the low pressure chamber. | 08-13-2015 |
20150226170 | Pressure Regulator Damping - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fuel pressure regulator system for regulating pressure through a fuel delivery path that includes a fuel pressure regulator valve in the fuel delivery path operable to selectively provide a restriction in the fuel delivery path in response to a reference fluid pressure, a reference fluid path comprising a first orifice, a second orifice and an outlet downstream of the first orifice, the reference fluid path coupled to the fuel pressure regulator valve intermediate the first and second orifices to supply the reference fluid pressure to the fuel pressure regulator valve, and a reference fluid valve upstream of the first orifice operable to selectively provide a restriction into the reference fluid path. | 08-13-2015 |
20150211742 | Combustor with Staged, Axially Offset Combustion - In some aspects, a gas turbine combustor assembly is arranged around a longitudinal axis. The gas turbine combustor comprises a first fuel/air mixer assembly, the mixer assembly comprising a first fuel injector and a plurality of first mixer elements, each mixer element defining an air flow passage therethrough having an outlet in a first plane. A second fuel/air mixer assembly comprises a second fuel injector and a plurality of second mixer elements, and each second mixer element defines an air flow passage therethrough having an outlet in a second plane, longitudinally offset from the first plane. | 07-30-2015 |
20150207858 | Redundant CAN Interface for Dual Actuation Systems - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an actuator controller that includes a first communication node associated with a first communication address, a first communication port, a second communication port associated with a second communication address, and a router. The router is responsive to messages received at the first communication port and the second communication port to route a first message received at the first communication port and including the first communication address to the first communication node, route a second message received at the first communication port and including the second communication address to the second communication port, and route a third message received at the second communication port and including the first communication address to the first communication node. | 07-23-2015 |
20150192336 | Controlling Refrigeration Compression Systems - A refrigerant compression system and method for controlling a refrigerant compression system are described. In some aspects, the refrigerant compression system includes a compressor system having a plurality of compression stages, a plurality of quench valves, a first suction temperature control circuit associated with a first quench valve, a second suction temperature control circuit associated a second quench valve, and a discharge temperature control circuit associated with a plurality of the quench valves. Quench valve settings are determined based on evaluation of one or more outputs from the suction temperature control circuits and the discharge temperature control circuit. | 07-09-2015 |
20150147211 | Gear Pump Bearing Dam - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes a gear pump includes gears having a gear root diameter and teeth having an addendum and pressure angle. A housing includes a fluid inlet and discharge, bearings configured to position the gear teeth in intermeshing contact across a fluid dam. The fluid dam includes a first face arranged at an angle to a split line, spaced apart from a center line at the split line a first distance towards the inlet, and extending from the first gear root diameter away from the center line to the first gear root diameter, and a second face arranged approximately perpendicular to the split line, spaced apart from the center line at the split line a second distance towards the outlet, and extending between the first gear root diameter and the second gear root diameter. | 05-28-2015 |
20150147193 | Load Sharing Control for Compressors in Series - In some aspects, a compressor system includes a compressor train including two or more compressors connected in series and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is controlled by a performance controller. The performance controller is operable to identify a process variable of the performance controller; receive, on a recurrent basis from a load sharing controller, a setpoint for the process variable of the performance controller; and control the control mechanism based on the setpoint and the process variable of the performance controller. The setpoint is determined dynamically during operation of the two or more compressors by the load sharing controller based on a load sharing parameter associated with the two or more compressors. | 05-28-2015 |
20150137718 | Controlling a Motor with Two or More Hall Sensors - A motor system includes a motor including two Hall sensors configured to output binary values, and a controller configured to control the motor. The two Hall sensors are placed 120 or 60 electrical degrees apart. The controller is operable to monitor output signals of the two Hall sensors and to determine a third Hall sensor output binary value. The controller is operable to fulfill the commanded requirements to operate in a servo system, by controlling commutation of a drive current into the motor, and by keeping track of the motor rotor position based on the third generated signal and the outputs of the two Hall sensors. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135724 | PARALLEL METERING PRESSURE REGULATION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED FLOW METER PLACEMENT - A fuel pressure regulation system is provided. The fuel pressure regulation system includes a supply arrangement for supplying an outlet flow. The supply arrangement includes a primary pressure regulator and a bypass pressure regulator. The primary pressure regulator is operably connected to downstream pressures of each of a plurality of parallel metering circuits. The bypass pressure regulator is upstream from an output of a pump or pumps, which in combination with the primary pressure regulator, is operable to increase the output of the pump or pumps to accommodate for downstream pressure spikes in any one of the parallel metering circuits. | 05-21-2015 |
20150128607 | Multi-Swirler Fuel/Air Mixer with Centralized Fuel Injection - A gas turbine combustor assembly has a fuel/air mixer assembly with a plurality of fuel/air mixer elements. Each fuel/air mixer element defines an air flow passage therethrough. A fuel injector is coupled to the fuel/air mixer assembly. The fuel injector has a tip portion with a plurality of fuel outlets arranged to direct fuel into the air flow passages of the air/fuel mixer elements. Each of the fuel/air mixer elements has at least one outlet arranged to supply fuel to the element. | 05-14-2015 |
20150053275 | DIGITAL CLOSED LOOP PROPORTIONAL HYDRAULIC PRESSURE CONTROLLER - A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) and method of controlling same is provided. The method of controlling includes the step of periodically imparting symmetrically-opposed movement of a control valve of the CPC to loosen and flush accumulated silt therefrom. More particularly, the method may include the step of periodically introducing a small-amplitude symmetrically-opposed impulse to a controller that actuates a hydraulic control shaft of a three-way rotary valve. Also provided is a method of preventing malfunction due to faulty input or feedback signals received by the CPC, and a method of detecting the health status of multiple CPCs when used in a redundant configuration. | 02-26-2015 |
20150044016 | Fuel System With Liquid Ring Pump With Centrifugal Air/Fuel Separator - A fuel system incorporating a boost pump unit, a boost pump unit and method of pumping fuel are provided. The fuel system and boost pump unit are preferably self-priming and do not utilize an airframe mounted pump for supplying fuel for an aircraft combustor. The boost pump unit includes a liquid ring pump and an air/fuel separator. The air/fuel separator has an inlet and first and second outlet ports. The inlet is operably fluidly coupled to an outlet of the liquid ring pump. The air/fuel separator has an arcuate flow path. The first outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the arcuate flow path and the second outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially inner portion of the arcuate flow path. A return line connected to the first outlet port is configured to return fuel to the liquid ring pump. | 02-12-2015 |
20150044015 | Side Channel Liquid Ring Pump and Impeller for Side Channel Liquid Ring Pump - A liquid ring pump is provided. The liquid ring pump is designed to reduce the overall envelop of the ring pump. The liquid ring pump includes a housing and an impeller. The housing defines an impeller cavity. The impeller cavity has an inlet port and a discharge port. The impeller is positioned within the impeller cavity for rotation about a central rotational axis. The impeller includes a central hub defining a conical outer surface and a plurality of angularly spaced apart main vanes extending radially outward from the conical outer surface relative to the central rotational axis. The inlet and discharge ports may be located on a same side of the impeller housing. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042255 | CONTROLLING AN ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN ACTUATOR - In some aspects, an actuation system includes an electrical positioning driver and an electrically-driven actuator. A voltage boost converter in the electrical positioning driver receives an input voltage. The voltage boost converter passes the input voltage to a voltage bus in the electrical positioning driver. The voltage on the voltage bus is converted to an actuator power signal that controls the electrically-driven actuator. The voltage boost converter boosts the voltage on the voltage bus to control a mechanical output performance of the electrically-driven actuator. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041689 | Fluid-Actuated Butterfly Valve - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a valve assembly that includes a valve body having a fluid inlet, fluid outlet, and a movable closure member adapted to block fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet through a housing. The housing has an opening adapted to receive an actuator assembly that includes a central stationary shaft having at least one stator vane. A rotating collar is disposed around the stator vane and a portion of the central stationary shaft. The rotating collar has a housing and at least one stop member disposed inwardly in a cavity of the rotating collar. The rotating collar has at least two actuation chambers defined by the inner wall of the cavity in the rotating collar, the stationary vane, and the stop member. The rotating collar is coupled to the movable valve closure member. | 02-12-2015 |
20150020889 | Series Plus Parallel Metering Pressure Regulation System for a Thermal Efficient Fuel Metering System - An engine fuel system and methods are provided. The engine fuel system includes a supply arrangement for providing an outlet flow of fuel to a bypass metering arrangement. The bypass metering arrangement in turn provides a metered flow of fuel to a parallel metering system including a primary regulated circuit and one or more secondary metering circuits. The bypass metering arrangement is operable to maintain a substantially constant pressure differential across a fuel metering valve thereof, as well as provide the metered flow of fuel in response to downstream pressure demands of the parallel metering system. | 01-22-2015 |
20150020888 | Parallel Metering Pressure Regulation System for a Thermal Efficient Metering System - A fuel pressure regulation system is provided. The fuel pressure regulation system includes a supply arrangement for supplying an outlet flow. A primary metering circuit is provided, an inlet of which receives a first portion of the outlet flow of the supply arrangement, the primary metering circuit comprising a fuel metering valve and a primary pressure regulator. The primary pressure regulator is connected to an outlet of the fuel metering valve. The system also includes at least one secondary metering circuit. The primary pressure regulator is operably connected to the at least one secondary metering circuit to sense a pressure of the at least one secondary metering circuit. The system also includes a bypass regulator connected in parallel with the primary metering circuit and the least one secondary metering circuit such that an inlet of the bypass regulator receives a second portion of the outlet flow of the supply arrangement. | 01-22-2015 |
20150020884 | Servo Flow Recirculation for an Advanced Thermal Efficient Aircraft Engine Fuel System - A fuel circulation system and methods are provided. The system includes a supply pump for providing an outlet flow of fuel. The system also includes at least a first and a second servo. The first servo is connected to an outlet of the supply pump. A flow regulation device is interposed between the first and second servos. At least a portion of the outlet flow from the supply pump is directed through the first servo, flow regulation device, and second servo and is returned to an inlet of the supply pump. | 01-22-2015 |
20140271310 | Clubhead Vane Pump With Balanced Vanes - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid pump that includes a housing with a cam block. The pump also includes a collection of vanes, each having a shank having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a head having a curved outer side. The pump also includes a rotor having a collection of slots, each slot having substantially parallel leading and trailing edges spaced to accommodate the shank of one of the vanes, wherein each vane contacts the cam block at a contact point on the head controlled by the rotor slot position and the head outer curved surface, the contact point being located relative to the shank edge when the vane is radially aligned with the major and minor radii, and located rotationally to create a radial force between the head curved surface and the cam block. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271296 | No Corner Seal Rotary Vane Actuator - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator. A rotor assembly includes longitudinal vanes disposed radially on a central shaft, with each vane connected at their ends to a circular plates secured to the shaft. Each vane has an outer edge, wherein the shaft, a surface of each plate, and the vanes define interior pockets in the rotor assembly. A stator assembly includes two stator elements each having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271295 | Rotary Vane Actuator With Fluid Actuated Mechanical Lock - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a seal assembly that includes a compressible seal slidably mounted on a central longitudinal shaft of a rotor assembly, the seal having a first lateral surface adapted for contacting a first end surface of a first stator and a first end surface of the second stator and a first end surface of a first longitudinal vane and a first end surface of a second longitudinal vane, a compression member slidably mounted on the shaft, and a locking piston slidably mounted on the shaft, the locking piston including an opening sized to receive the shaft, an end surface adapted to contact the compression member, a circumferential surface sized to be received in the bore of the housing, and a lateral surface adapted to receive actuation fluid. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266156 | Aircraft Wheel Speed Sensor - In some aspects of what is described herein, an aircraft wheel speed sensor system includes a pair of conductors coupled between an electro-mechanical system and a control system. The control system is configured to apply a carrier voltage signal to the pair of conductors and to detect a modulated current signal on the pair of conductors. The electro-mechanical system includes a stator and a rotor that moves upon rotation of an aircraft wheel. The stator includes a winding disposed about the rotor. The winding is configured to produce the modulated current signal on the pair of conductors in response to movement of the rotor. The modulated current signal has a frequency that is dependent on a rotational speed of the aircraft wheel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260956 | CIRCUMFERENTIAL SEALING OF PISTON ASSEMBLY IN A PISTON ACTUATOR - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for circumferential sealing of piston assembly in a piston actuator. A piston assembly for a piston actuator includes a piston including an extending surface, a retracting surface, and a circumferential surface that connects the extending surface and the retracting surface. The piston is adapted to engage and seal against an interior surface of a cylinder bore of an actuator. The piston assembly includes a first unidirectional passage connecting the extending surface and the circumferential surface. The first unidirectional passage allows hydraulic fluid to flow unidirectionally from the extending surface to the circumferential surface through the piston to energize a circumferential seal disposed on a seal groove in the circumferential surface during an extension stroke of the piston | 09-18-2014 |
20140251066 | MULTIPLE DEGREES OF TRANSLATIONAL ADJUSTMENT PEDALS - A pedal system for an aircraft comprising a pedal and a pedal mounting mechanism is provided. The pedal is configured for manipulation through at least one operational degree of freedom by a pilot to provide control inputs to the aircraft. The pedal mounting mechanism is configured for supporting the pedal within a cockpit of the aircraft for manipulation by the pilot. The pedal mounting mechanism provides at least two adjustment degrees of freedom for adjusting the position of the pedal within the cockpit. | 09-11-2014 |
20140238230 | Rotary Piston Type Actuator - A rotary actuator includes a first housing defining a first arcuate chamber having a first cavity, a first fluid port in fluid communication with the first cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly is rotatably journaled in the first housing and having a rotary output shaft and a first rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft. An arcuate-shaped first piston is disposed in the first housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber through the open end, wherein a first seal, the first cavity, and the first piston define a first pressure chamber, and a first portion of the first piston contacts the first rotor arm. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238229 | Rotary Piston Type Actuator with Modular Housing - A rotary actuator includes a piston housing assembly including a cavity, a fluid port in cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly is rotatably journaled in the piston housing assembly and includes a rotary output shaft, a rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft, an arcuate-shaped piston disposed in said piston housing assembly for reciprocal movement in the piston housing assembly through the open end along a radius of curvature. A seal, the cavity, and the piston define a pressure chamber, and a portion of the piston connects to the rotor arm at an end portion. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238228 | Rotary Piston Type Actuator with Pin Retention Features - A rotary actuator includes a housing, a first piston housing assembly comprising a first cavity and an open end, a rotor assembly rotatably journaled in said housing and comprising a rotary output shaft and a first rotor arm extending radially outward from the rotary output shaft to a first distal end comprising one or more first retainers, and an arcuate-shaped first piston disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the first piston housing assembly through the open end along a radius of curvature. A first portion of the first piston connects to the first rotor arm at a first end portion comprising one or more second retainers. The first retainers and the second retainers are intermeshed along the radius of curvature such that movement of the rotor assembly urges movement of the first piston and movement of the first piston urges movement of the rotor assembly. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238226 | Rotary Piston Type Actuator With A Central Actuation Assembly - A rotary actuator includes a housing defining an arcuate chamber including a cavity, a fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly includes an output shaft and a rotor arm extending outward. An arcuate-shaped piston is disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the arcuate chamber through the open end, wherein a seal, the cavity, and the piston define a pressure chamber, and a portion of the piston contacts the first rotor arm. A central actuation assembly includes a central mounting point formed in an external surface of the output shaft, said central mounting point proximal to the longitudinal midpoint of the shaft, and an actuation arm removably attached at a proximal end to the central mounting point, said actuation arm adapted at a distal end for attachment to an external mounting feature of a member to be actuated. | 08-28-2014 |
20140219771 | Hydraulic Blocking Rotary Actuator - In one embodiment, a hydraulic blocking rotary actuator including a stator housing having a through bore to position a rotor assembly. A rotor assembly includes an output shaft and at least one rotary piston disposed radially about the output shaft. The rotary piston includes an integral first vane element and an integral second vane element each with peripheral longitudinal faces substantially concentric to the other. A continuous seal groove is disposed in peripheral longitudinal faces and lateral end faces of the rotary pistons. A continuous seal is disposed in the continuous seal groove. The bore through the stator housing includes an interior cavity with surfaces adapted to receive the rotor assembly. With rotation fluid ports blocked the housing cavity is sealed with the continuous piston seal for hydraulic blocking, preventing actuator displacement by external forces. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 08-07-2014 |
20140209070 | Heat Exchange in a Vehicle Engine System - In some aspects of what is described here, a heat exchanger has a first fuel port and a first heat transfer fluid port at a first end of an elongate heat exchanger body. The heat exchanger has a second fuel port and a second heat transfer fluid port at a second, opposite end of the elongate heat exchanger body. The heat exchanger has a fuel flow path that is straight between the first and second fuel ports, and a heat transfer fluid flow path that is straight between the first and second heat transfer fluid ports. The heat transfer fluid flow path is parallel to, and beside, the fuel flow path. The heat exchanger includes a heat transfer wall between the fuel flow path and the heat transfer fluid flow path. Fins extend from the heat transfer wall into the flow paths. | 07-31-2014 |
20140202553 | DIGITAL CLOSED LOOP PROPORTIONAL HYDRAULIC PRESSURE CONTROLLER - A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) and method of controlling same is provided. The method of controlling includes the step of periodically imparting symmetrically-opposed movement of a control valve of the CPC to loosen and flush accumulated silt therefrom. More particularly, the method may include the step of periodically introducing a small-amplitude symmetrically-opposed impulse to a controller that actuates a hydraulic control shaft of a three-way rotary valve. Also provided is a method of preventing malfunction due to faulty input or feedback signals received by the CPC, and a method of detecting the health status of multiple CPCs when used in a redundant configuration. | 07-24-2014 |
20140174287 | Rotary Vane Actuator With Continuous Vane Seal - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator that includes a rotor assembly including a rotor hub. The rotor hub has a first and second vane assembly disposed radially on the rotor hub. Continuous seals are disposed in continuous seal grooves along pathways provided along the vanes. A stator housing having a central chamber includes an interior surface adapted to receive the rotor assembly, the interior surface is adapted to continuously contact the first continuous seal and the second continuous seal when the rotor assembly is rotated inside of the central chamber. The vane assemblies and the stator housing define pressure chambers inside of the central chamber. | 06-26-2014 |
20140165980 | Controlled Spark Ignited Flame Kernel Flow - In some aspects, a spark plug includes a spark gap in an enclosure of the spark plug. The spark plug includes a passage in the interior of the enclosure. During operation of the engine, the passage directs flow through the spark gap, primarily away from a combustion chamber end of the enclosure. The passage can direct flow at a velocity of 5 meters/second or greater. | 06-19-2014 |
20130323050 | Electrohydraulic Propeller Governor - A propeller governor for controlling blade pitch of a variable pitch propeller has a hydraulic control circuit coupled to the propeller to change blade pitch in response to hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic control circuit has a first pressure path configured to adjust blade pitch within a first range of blade pitch, and a second, different pressure path configured to adjust blade pitch within a second range of blade pitch. An electrohydraulic servo valve of the governor is configured to adjust hydraulic pressure in the first pressure path to adjust blade pitch within the first range and to adjust hydraulic pressure in the second pressure path to adjust blade pitch within the second range. | 12-05-2013 |
20130312388 | DUAL AIR CIRCUIT FOR EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT - An exhaust treatment system for an engine includes a regeneration device being in receipt of exhaust from the engine and positioned upstream of a diesel particulate filter. A compressor provides a source of compressed air. An air/fuel nozzle is coupled to the regeneration device, in receipt of a fuel supply as well as the compressed air. The fuel and compressed air are forced through an orifice of the nozzle to atomize the fuel. A bypass line provides compressed air from the compressor to the regeneration device without passing through the orifice of the nozzle. A valve is operable to allow compressed air to flow through the bypass line when a predetermined condition exists. | 11-28-2013 |
20130174816 | ENGINE USING SPLIT FLOW EXHAUST SYSTEM AND METHODS - An engine system utilizing a split flow exhaust system for distributing different portions of exhaust gases to a turbocharger and to an EGR system and methods of controlling the flow of the exhaust gases are provided. The split flow exhaust system includes a high-pressure exhaust valve in fluid communication with a turbine of a turbocharger and a high-pressure exhaust manifold interposed therebetween. Also, a low-pressure exhaust valve is in fluid communication with an intake system and a low-pressure exhaust manifold is interposed therebetween. Initial exhaust gases expelled from the engine are delivered to the turbine while secondary exhaust gases expelled from the engine are delivered as EGR to the intake system. The flow to the turbine and the intake system is controlled using the high-pressure exhaust valves and low-pressure exhaust valves of the engine rather than an EGR valve. | 07-11-2013 |
20130151194 | FLEXIBLE CRANK ANGLE POSITION SENSING - A flexible crank angle position sensing device and data structure is provided. The device allows a user to enter specific data into a data structure relating to an encoder wheel used to determine the position of the crank shaft. The specific data is stored in the device and can be recalled for use in specific engine implementations. Furthermore, a user can enter data to describe other encoder wheels associated with a cam shaft of an engine. A data structure relating to a cam shaft encoder wheel relates to the data structure relating to the crank shaft encoder wheel such that various positional information, regarding both the cam shaft and crank shaft, can be detected by the device. | 06-13-2013 |
20130084198 | PUMP WITH CENTRALIZED SPRING FORCES - A pump including a tappet biased into contact with a camshaft by a return spring is provided. The pump includes a torque transfer reduction interface mechanically interposed between the return spring and the tappet. The torque transfer reduction interface is configured to prevent spring wind-up generated by compressing and expanding the return spring from being transferred to the tappet to prevent the torque from causing the tappet to rotate relative to the camshaft about an axis extending perpendicular to the rotational axis of the camshaft. | 04-04-2013 |
20130062542 | High-Flow Electro-Hydraulic Actuator - Embodiments of the invention provide a high-reliability, cost-effective electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly that is not susceptible to failure caused by contaminated fluid. In particular embodiments, the electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly includes a rotary valve that may be actuated by either a direct-coupled Limited Angle Torque (LAT) motor, a geared, brushless DC motor, or some other rotary electric actuating element with an integrated driver circuit. In particular embodiments, the rotary valve element made up of an outer sleeve element and an inner spool element, with matching ports and slots, respectively. | 03-14-2013 |
20130043331 | Staged Cooling Flow Nozzle Valve - A fuel split control arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a staged cooling flow control valve and cooling check valve. The staged cooling flow control valve and cooling check valve is connected between the primary and secondary tips of a nozzle in a turbine engine. The staged cooling flow control valve and cooling check valve includes a valve member arrangement operable to prevent fuel flow from the secondary fuel supply manifold to the secondary tip and simultaneously allow fuel flow from the secondary fuel supply manifold to the primary tip such that the primary tip receives fuel flow from both the secondary fuel supply manifold and the primary fuel supply manifold. | 02-21-2013 |
20130042920 | Split Control Unit - A split control unit in a distributed flow unit includes a flow inlet configured to receive a fuel flow, a first manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more primary nozzles, and a second manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more secondary nozzles. In an embodiment, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the flow inlet. A metering valve has a first port in fluid communication with the flow inlet and with the second manifold. The metering valve is configured to supply a metered fuel flow to the first manifold. A flow passage is in fluid communication with, and runs between, a flow line of the first manifold and a flow line of the second manifold to allow for a continuous cooling flow in the second manifold when all of the one or more secondary nozzles are closed. | 02-21-2013 |
20130042834 | Controlled Spark Ignited Flame Kernel Flow in Fuel-Fed Prechambers - A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode. | 02-21-2013 |
20120315152 | Accessory Flow Recovery System and Method for Thermal Efficient Pump and Control System - An accessory flow recovery system includes an inlet that receives a first fluid flow, and a pump with a pump inlet and outlet. The pump inlet receives the first fluid flow from the inlet and discharges a second fluid flow from the outlet. The accessory flow recovery system has an actuation unit for supplying a third fluid flow to accessory components, a metering system to regulate the flow rate of the second fluid flow based on a flow demand, and an inlet pressurizing valve coupled between the outlet and the metering system. The inlet pressurizing valve regulates the second fluid flow between the pump and the metering unit. The accessory flow recovery system further includes a return switch valve to direct the third fluid flow to the metering system when the recovery system is operating in one mode, and to the inlet when the system is operating in another mode. | 12-13-2012 |
20120298900 | Low Torque, High Flow and Tight Sealing Tube Butterfly Valve - A butterfly valve including a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a valve plate, and a tube that is friction fit inside the passage is provided. The valve shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions are in opposing spaced relation with the valve plate disposed therebetween. The valve plate has a flange such that when the butterfly valve is in the closed position a seal is formed with the tube, which is disposed within the fluid flow passage. The valve plate has lip extending from a portion of the valve plate that is radially outward from the circumference of the tube. The lip acts to reduce flow induced torque experienced while the valve plate is actuated from the closed to the open position. | 11-29-2012 |
20120241010 | Digital Closed Loop Proportional Hydraulic Pressure Controller - A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) is provided. A digital CPC utilizes a digital controller and an onboard pressure transducer to accurately control the output pressure based upon an input analog control signal. The digital controller includes an anti-silting algorithm that provides an impulse movement of the three-way rotary valve of the CPC to loosen and flush away silt contamination from the valve. A redundant seal stack including an intermediate passage to the hydraulic drain ensures a low pressure drop across the outboard seal minimizing the potential for leakage and improving reliability of the CPC. The digital controller also includes redundancy and fault management algorithms that enable the use of multiple inputs and feedback signals for control of the CPC. Master/slave operation and transitioning is also provided by the digital controller. | 09-27-2012 |
20120192547 | DUAL AIR CIRCUIT FOR EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT - An exhaust treatment system for an engine includes a regeneration device being in receipt of exhaust from the engine and positioned upstream of a diesel particulate filter. A compressor provides a source of compressed air. An air/fuel nozzle is coupled to the regeneration device, in receipt of a fuel supply as well as the compressed air. The fuel and compressed air are forced through an orifice of the nozzle to atomize the fuel. A bypass line provides compressed air from the compressor to the regeneration device without passing through the orifice of the nozzle. A valve is operable to allow compressed air to flow through the bypass line when a predetermined condition exists. | 08-02-2012 |
20120125287 | Controlled Spark Ignited Flame Kernel Flow in Fuel-Fed Prechambers - A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode. | 05-24-2012 |
20120061494 | Fuel Injector Sans Support/Stem - A fuel nozzle is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a heat shield, a fuel tube and a plurality of support members. The support members are radially interposed between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The support members are preferably cylindrical tubes, thus creating voids or pockets between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The cylindrical tubes are connected to one another at a first end are free at an opposed end. As such, the tubes can move or slide relative to one another. Further, the tubes preferably only contact one another with at most line contacts. The fuel nozzle may also include a tip portion that includes a tip heat shield that extends radially outward from the primary heat shield. The tip heat shield defines a cavity that connects with the central cavity of the heat shield. The fuel tube extends through the tip heat shield. | 03-15-2012 |
20110255208 | MULTIPLEXING DRIVE CIRCUIT FOR AN AC IGNITION SYSTEM WITH CURRENT MODE CONTROL AND FAULT TOLERANCE DETECTION - A multiplexing drive circuit for an AC ignition system having a common leg that includes two switches coupled in series, and one or more dedicated legs, wherein each leg includes two switches coupled in series. The multiplexing drive circuit also includes a transformer for each of the one or more dedicated legs, each transformer having a primary winding coupled between one of the one or more dedicated legs and the common leg, and wherein each transformer has a secondary winding coupled in parallel to a spark plug, and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switch controller configured to operate the common leg and dedicated leg switches to control characteristics of the spark discharge for the spark plug. Wherein the switch controller is capable of real time diagnostic checks by monitoring the time at which a spark discharge event takes place. | 10-20-2011 |
20110214644 | Cold-Start Fuel Control System - A fuel control system for controlling the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to injectors of a fuel supply system during a cold start is provided. The fuel control system includes a LPG pressure regulator and a cold-start fuel control valve for throttling fuel to the injectors when the pressure of the LPG is below a nominal set point pressure of the pressure regulator. The cold-start fuel control valve may be in parallel or series with a fuel lock-off valve. The system is configured to supply limited discrete amounts of LPG to the injectors when the pressure of the LPG is below the nominal set point pressure to allow the LPG to vaporize prior to being injected, by the injector, into an engine. Operation of the cold-start fuel control valve during non-cold starts and normal operation are also provided. | 09-08-2011 |