Abstract:
A method for harvesting algae according to embodiments of the present invention includes filling a reservoir at least partially with a liquid, submerging a bag at least partially in the liquid, the bag containing media, the media comprising algae, the bag comprising a first end, a second end, a harvesting port located closer to the first end than to the second end, and a gas port, delivering gas into the bag through the gas port, and raising the second end of the bag by accumulating the gas at the second end to flow the media toward the harvesting port.
Abstract:
An actuator control system including a servo-actuator comprising: at least one coil; a solenoid core within the at least one coil; a rod within the solenoid core having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, the first end coupled to a sensing core pin having a profile; a moveable member coupled to the second end of the rod; a moveable armature within the solenoid core surrounding a portion of the length of the rod and biased by a spring; and a noncontact sensor integral with servo-actuator and aligned with the first end of the rod coupled to the sensing core pin. A selected position of the servo-valve actuator may be set by the ECU by sensing the position of the sensing core pin using the non-contact sensor.
Abstract:
A doser valve with a seat comprising at least one axially located slot from an outer surface of the seat and at least one radial/tangential extending passage in fluid communication with the at least one axially located slot and an exit passage out of the seat.
Abstract:
An actuator control system including a servo-actuator comprising: at least one coil; a solenoid core within the at least one coil; a rod within the solenoid core having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, the first end coupled to a sensing core pin having a profile; a moveable member coupled to the second end of the rod; a moveable armature within the solenoid core surrounding a portion of the length of the rod and biased by a spring; and a noncontact sensor integral with servo-actuator and aligned with the first end of the rod coupled to the sensing core pin. A selected position of the servo-valve actuator may be set by the ECU by sensing the position of the sensing core pin using the non-contact sensor.
Abstract:
A servo control system comprising a hydraulic actuator, a position sensor and a hydraulic control valve. The hydraulic actuator is coupled to a gas controlled valve. The position sensor measures the position of the hydraulic actuator and sends the position of the actuator as an input to an engine control unit (ECU). The hydraulic control valve is coupled to a proportional solenoid coupled to the ECU. When the ECU senses the position of the hydraulic actuator and in response to a control input, the ECU commands the position of the hydraulic control valve by controlling the force of the proportional solenoid and the hydraulic fluid sent to the hydraulic actuator, actuating the hydraulic actuator to move to a desired position and actuate the gas controlled valve.
Abstract:
A selector valve for independently controlling fluid between a first passage, a second passage, and a common passage, comprising: a valve housing comprising an inner chamber in communication with the outlet, having a first valve seat in communication with the first inlet and a second valve seat in communication with the second inlet, a shaft slidably extending through the housing between the first and second valve seats; first and second valve poppets slidably mounted upon the shaft within the inner chamber, each having valve faces for seating against the first and second valve seats; and a spring coaxially located around the shaft between the first and second valve poppets, pushing against the inner surfaces of the first and second valve poppets, biasing the first valve poppet and the second valve poppet away from each other and toward the first valve seat and the second valve seat.
Abstract:
A system for purging a device for injecting fuel into an exhaust system of an engine comprising a device having an input and an output coupled to an exhaust system, at least one air valve and at least one fuel valve. The air valve has an input an input coupled to an air supply and an output coupled to the device through a check valve. The fuel valve has an input coupled to a fuel supply and an output coupled to the device through a check valve. When the air valve is open and the fuel valve is closed, air flows from the air supply to the device and is injected into the exhaust system of the engine. When the air valve is closed and the fuel valve is open, fuel flows from the fuel supply to the device and is injected into the exhaust system of the engine.
Abstract:
A system for operating a valve comprising a motor shaft driven by a motor; a first cam with a profile mounted to the motor shaft, a second cam with a profile mounted to the motor shaft; a non-contact sensor proximate to the first cam; and a valve actuator. The valve actuator follows the profile of the second cam. A selected position of the valve actuator may be set by activating the motor to a position determined by sensing the first cam profile by the non-contact sensor.