Michael James Irvine

US Patent:

45556377, Nov 26, 1985

Filed:

Jul 26, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/401781

Inventors:

Michael D. Irvine - La Mirada CA

Assignee:

ACD, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

F01D 1510
H02K 718

US Classification:

290 52

Abstract:

A high speed turbogenerator functionally combining, in one machine, an electrical generator and an expansion turbine. The electrical generator itself has a shaft supported on two bearings and the expansion turbine comprises an expander wheel overhung on the generator shaft and which rotates as a high pressure gas is let down in the expansion turbine to a lower pressure at a minimum predetermined flow rate and pressure drop. The shaft operates at speeds of about 6,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm, preferably at the higher end of such range, i. e. 20,000 to 24,000 rpm. The unit is sufficiently compact that a new use for the electrical generator is to modify the same such that the entire high speed turbogenerator is contained within the conduit carrying the gas to be let down in pressure and only electrical wires need be led through the conduit. The integrity of the conduit is thus retained to the extent possible and only a high pressure cable fitting extends through the conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the high speed turbogenerator is entirely fitted within a natural gas conduit in a gas distribution station, thereby achieving the pressure letdown and also obtaining useful electrical power.

US Patent:

42733901, Jun 16, 1981

Filed:

May 15, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/905649

Inventors:

Judson S. Swearingen - Los Angeles CA
Michael D. Irvine - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Rotoflow Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

F16C 124

US Classification:

308168

Abstract:

The present invention pertains to a thrust bearing system including a thrust bearing structure having at least one pair of opposed bearing faces defining a bearing space therebetween, and a sub-system for delivering lubricant to the bearing space. A load sensor is provided in association with the bearing structure for determining the loads on the bearing faces. A thrust compensation sub-system is operably associated with the load sensor. This thrust compensation sub-system is operative, upon sensing by the load sensor of a thrust load on the bearing faces in excess of a predetermined limit, to increase the pressure of lubricant being delivered to the bearing space.