公开(公告)号：US08769947B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-08

申请号：US12947927

申请日：2010-11-17

Applicant: Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Marten Wittorf ,  John A. Cafeo ,  Christopher P. Henry

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Marten Wittorf ,  John A. Cafeo ,  Christopher P. Henry

IPC: F01B29/10 ,  F02G1/04

CPC classification number: F03G7/06

Abstract: An exhaust system configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between an exhaust gas having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. The exhaust system also includes a conduit configured for conveying the exhaust gas, a heat engine disposed in thermal relationship with the conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, and a member disposed in contact with the conduit and configured for conducting thermal energy from the conduit to the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first element formed from a first shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite at a first transformation temperature in response to the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the heat sink.

Abstract translation: 构造成用于将热能转换为机械能的排气系统包括由具有第一温度的排气和具有低于第一温度的第二温度的散热器之间的温度差提供的热能源。 排气系统还包括被配置为输送废气的导管，与导管热关系地设置的热引擎并且被配置为将热能转换成机械能的热引擎，以及与导管接触设置的构件， 热引擎的导管。 热引擎包括由第一形状记忆合金形成的第一元件，该第一形状记忆合金具有响应于废气和散热器之间的温差而在第一相变温度下具有在奥氏体和马氏体之间可变化的结晶相。

公开(公告)号：US08444527B2

公开(公告)日：2013-05-21

申请号：US12560732

申请日：2009-09-16

Applicant: Patrick B. Usoro

Inventor： Patrick B. Usoro

IPC: B60K1/02

CPC classification number: B60W20/30 ,  B60K6/365 ,  B60K6/383 ,  B60K6/48 ,  B60K6/547 ,  B60K25/00 ,  B60K25/02 ,  B60L2240/421 ,  B60W10/08 ,  B60W10/10 ,  B60W10/115 ,  B60W20/00 ,  B60W2710/081 ,  Y02T10/6221 ,  Y02T10/642 ,  Y10T477/23

Abstract: An accessory drive system for a motor vehicle is provided including first and second gear sets having first, second, and third members configured to selectively connect vehicle accessories to an engine and motor/generator. The first member of each gear set is continuously interconnected to the other. The second member of each gear set is continuously interconnected to the other. The motor/generator is configured to drive the accessories at a selectable rate independent of engine speed. A first torque transmitting device is operatively connected to the gear sets to allow the motor/generator to re-start the engine and power the accessories while restarting the engine. A second torque transmitting device is operatively connected to the engine's output shaft to allow the motor/generator to power the accessories while the vehicle is off.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于机动车辆的辅助驱动系统，其包括第一和第二齿轮组，其具有构造成选择性地将车辆附件连接到发动机和马达/发电机的第一，第二和第三构件。 每个齿轮组的第一个构件连续地互相连接。 每个齿轮组的第二个构件连续互相连接。 电机/发电机配置为以独立于发动机转速的可选速率驱动附件。 第一扭矩传递装置可操作地连接到齿轮组，以允许马达/发电机重新启动发动机并在重新启动发动机的同时为附件供电。 第二扭矩传递装置可操作地连接到发动机的输出轴，以允许马达/发电机在车辆关闭时为附件供电。

公开(公告)号：US20110296826A1

公开(公告)日：2011-12-08

申请号：US13162470

申请日：2011-06-16

Applicant: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame

Inventor： Nicholas W. Pinto, IV ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame

IPC: F01B29/10

CPC classification number: F03G7/065

Abstract: A cooling assembly adapted for use with an exothermic system, includes a manipulable cooling member and/or source, and an active material element operable to selectively inter-engage or further engage the member or source and the system through displacement or formation of a thermal link.

Abstract translation: 适于与放热系统一起使用的冷却组件包括可操纵的冷却构件和/或源，以及活动材料元件，其可操作以通过移位或形成热连接件来选择性地相互接合或进一步接合所述构件或源和系统 。

公开(公告)号：US20110165981A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-07

申请号：US12947860

申请日：2010-11-17

Applicant: Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Patrick B. Usoro

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Patrick B. Usoro

IPC: F16G1/22

CPC classification number: F03G7/065 ,  F02G5/04 ,  F16G1/26 ,  F16H7/02 ,  Y02T10/166

Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component. The heat engine includes a belt, a first member, and a second member. The belt includes a strip of material and at least one wire at least partially embedded longitudinally in the strip of material. The wire includes a shape memory alloy material. A localized region of the at least one wire is configured to change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and either contract or expand longitudinally in response to exposure to a first temperature or a second temperature such that the strip of material corresponding to the localized region also contracts or expands. The first member is operatively connected to the belt and moves with the belt in response to the expansion or contraction of the belt. The component is operatively connected to the first member such that movement of the first member drives the component.

Abstract translation: 能量收集系统包括热机和部件。 热机包括皮带，第一部件和第二部件。 带包括一条材料条和至少部分地沿纵向地嵌入材料条中的线。 导线包括形状记忆合金材料。 所述至少一根导线的局部区域被配置为改变马氏体和奥氏体之间的结晶相，并且响应于暴露于第一温度或第二温度而纵向收缩或膨胀，使得对应于局部区域的材料条也收缩 或扩展。 第一构件可操作地连接到带并响应于带的膨胀或收缩而与带一起移动。 组件可操作地连接到第一构件，使得第一构件的移动驱动构件。

公开(公告)号：US07972235B2

公开(公告)日：2011-07-05

申请号：US11870440

申请日：2007-10-11

Applicant: Patrick B Usoro ,  Shawn H Swales

Inventor： Patrick B Usoro ,  Shawn H Swales

IPC: F16H3/72

CPC classification number: B60W20/10 ,  B60K6/24 ,  B60K6/365 ,  B60K6/387 ,  B60K6/48 ,  B60K6/485 ,  B60K6/52 ,  B60K6/543 ,  B60K6/547 ,  B60L2240/421 ,  B60W10/02 ,  B60W10/04 ,  B60W10/06 ,  B60W10/08 ,  B60W20/00 ,  B60W30/18018 ,  B60W2050/0004 ,  B60W2710/081 ,  B60Y2400/428 ,  B60Y2410/134 ,  F16H61/0028 ,  F16H2063/3036 ,  Y02T10/6221 ,  Y02T10/6226 ,  Y02T10/6265 ,  Y02T10/6286 ,  Y02T10/6295 ,  Y02T10/642 ,  Y10S903/912 ,  Y10T477/26

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain having an engine, multi-speed transmission connected to a final drive and not continuously connected to the engine, a single motor/generator connected to an energy storage device and a controller and not continuously connected to the engine or transmission, and three clutches. The first clutch is connected to the engine, the second clutch is connected to the transmission and first clutch, and the third clutch is connected to the motor/generator and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine and transmission; the first and third clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine and motor/generator; the second and third clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the transmission and motor/generator; and the three clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine, transmission and motor/generator to transmit power therebetween. An engine starter system may be connected to the engine to transmit power to and receive power from the engine.

Abstract translation: 具有连接到最终驱动并且不连续地连接到发动机的发动机，多速变速器的混合动力传动系，连接到能量存储装置和控制器并且不连续地连接到发动机或变速器的单个电动机/发电机，以及三个 离合器 第一离合器连接到发动机，第二离合器连接到变速器和第一离合器，并且第三离合器连接到电动机/发电机以及第一和第二离合器。 第一和第二离合器可操作以选择性地互连发动机和变速器; 第一和第三离合器可操作以选择性地互连发动机和电动机/发电机; 第二和第三离合器可操作用于选择性地互连变速器和马达/发电机; 并且三个离合器可操作用于选择性地将发动机，变速器和马达/发电机互连以在它们之间传递动力。 发动机起动器系统可以连接到发动机以将发动机的动力传递给发动机并从发动机接收动力。

公开(公告)号：US20110120113A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12947870

申请日：2010-11-17

Applicant: Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: F02G1/04

CPC classification number: F02G5/04 ,  Y02T10/166

Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region having a second temperature. A heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engine includes a plurality of discrete elements of a shape memory alloy each having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite in response to a temperature difference between the first region and the second region. At least one member of the heat engine is driven to rotate about a first axis by the phase change of the plurality of discrete elements.

Abstract translation: 能量收集系统包括具有第一温度的第一区域和具有第二温度的第二区域。 热机被配置为将热能转换成机械能。 热引擎包括形状记忆合金的多个离散元件，每个元件具有响应于第一区域和第二区域之间的温度差而在奥氏体和马氏体之间具有可变化的结晶相。 通过多个离散元件的相位变化，驱动热发动机的至少一个构件绕第一轴旋转。

公开(公告)号：US20110120111A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12908191

申请日：2010-10-20

Applicant: Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Christopher P. Henry

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Christopher P. Henry

IPC: F01B29/10

CPC classification number: F01B29/10 ,  F03G7/065

Abstract: A method of controlling an energy harvesting system that converts excess thermal energy into mechanical energy and includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) member, includes obtaining current operational parameters of the energy harvesting system, such as a maximum temperature, a minimum temperature and a cycle frequency of the SMA member. The current operational parameters are compared to a target operating condition of the energy harvesting system to determine if the current operational parameters are within a pre-defined range of the target operating condition. If the current operational parameters are not within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition, then a heat transfer rate to, a heat transfer rate from or a cycle frequency of the SMA member is adjusted to maintain operation of the energy harvesting system within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition to maximize efficiency of the energy harvesting system.

Abstract translation: 一种控制能量收集系统的方法，其将过剩的热能转换成机械能并且包括形状记忆合金（SMA）构件，包括获得能量收集系统的当前操作参数，例如最高温度，最低温度和循环 SMA部件的频率。 将当前操作参数与能量收集系统的目标操作条件进行比较，以确定当前操作参数是否在目标操作条件的预定义范围内。 如果当前的操作参数不在目标操作条件的预定范围内，则调整传热速率，从SMA构件的传热速率或循环频率，以维持能量收集系统的运行 目标操作条件的预定义范围，以最大限度地提高能量收集系统的效率。

公开(公告)号：US20100066151A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-18

申请号：US12556146

申请日：2009-09-09

Applicant: Patrick B. Usoro ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Steven G. Corrion ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Lawrence C. Maugh

Inventor： Patrick B. Usoro ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Steven G. Corrion ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Lawrence C. Maugh

IPC: B60R22/03 ,  B60R22/00

CPC classification number: B60R22/03

Abstract: A safety belt webbing presenter including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause a webbing engaging mechanism to translate between deployed and stowed conditions, wherein the deployed condition, the mechanism engages a safety belt webbing causing it to translate to a more readily fastened position.

Abstract translation: 一种安全带织带呈送器，包括活动材料致动器，该活动材料致动器被配置为选择性地使织带接合机构在展开和收起的状态之间平移，其中所展开的状态，所述机构接合安全带织带，使其平移到更容易固定的位置。

公开(公告)号：US07582034B2

公开(公告)日：2009-09-01

申请号：US11467019

申请日：2006-08-24

Applicant: Patrick B. Usoro

Inventor： Patrick B. Usoro

IPC: F16H3/72

CPC classification number: F16H3/724 ,  B60K25/02 ,  F16H2200/2005 ,  F16H2200/2007

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. A one-way clutch is preferably operatively connected to either the first planetary member or the torque transfer device such that the accessories can be effectively driven by the motor/generator when the engine is off. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种用于混合动力车辆的附件驱动系统。 附件驱动系统包括具有第一，第二和第三行星构件的行星齿轮组。 扭矩传递装置将发动机与第一行星构件可操作地连接。 电动机/发电机可操作地连接到第二行星构件，并且多个附件可操作地连接到第三行星构件。 单向离合器优选地可操作地连接到第一行星构件或扭矩传递装置，使得当发动机关闭时，附件可以被电动机/发电机有效地驱动。 发动机输出可以通过行星齿轮组传递，以驱动附件，并通过控制电机/发电机的速度来选择驱动附件的速度。

公开(公告)号：US20090178397A1

公开(公告)日：2009-07-16

申请号：US12014945

申请日：2008-01-16

Applicant: Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Brian W. Whitmarsh ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Stephen W. Powell ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

Inventor： Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Brian W. Whitmarsh ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Stephen W. Powell ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: F16D39/00

CPC classification number: F16D41/14 ,  F15B21/045 ,  F15B21/065 ,  F16D63/006 ,  F16D2121/02 ,  F16D2121/28 ,  F16D2121/32 ,  F16H63/3483 ,  F16H63/48 ,  F16H63/483

Abstract: A servo system includes pressurized fluid, and one or more fluid control devices (FCD) such as a valve or actuator, with at least one FCD having an element with a variable property that varies in response to a stimulus. The FCD controls a flow rate or pressure transmission of the fluid within the servo system. The element may include an active return spring having a variable stiffness. The servo system may operate as an interlock system for a transmission. A method for moving an output load using a servo system includes providing a first FCD with an active element, connecting an output load to a second FCD, activating the active element with a stimulus to vary a property of the active element, transmitting a force from the pressurized fluid to the second FCD, and moving the output load from a first position to a second position in response to the force.

Abstract translation: 伺服系统包括加压流体和一个或多个流体控制装置（FCD），例如阀或致动器，其中至少一个FCD具有响应于刺激而变化的具有可变特性的元件。 FCD控制伺服系统内流体的流量或压力传递。 元件可以包括具有可变刚度的主动复位弹簧。 伺服系统可以作为变速器的联锁系统运行。 使用伺服系统移动输出负载的方法包括：向第一FCD提供有源元件，将输出负载连接到第二FCD，用激励来激活有源元件以改变有源元件的特性， 加压流体到第二FCD，并且响应于该力将输出负载从第一位置移动到第二位置。