Abstract: A method of finding a thigh support for most optimal blood circulation in the lower extremities of a seated person consisting of measuring a blood-circulation parameter such as blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a seated person under different seating conditions, including those with or without the use of any thigh-supporting means. It has been proven that with the use of a thigh-supporting means, the measured blood-circulating parameter was much better than in a person seated without the use of a thigh-supporting means. Blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a person seated on the aforementioned seating device was measured by determining the Doppler shift in the frequency of returning ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A flow meter may include a case body formed with a fluid space in its inside, an impeller disposed in the fluid space, a detected part integrally provided in the impeller, a detecting part provided with detecting terminals for detecting the detected part, terminal pins which is provided with terminal contact parts, which are electrically connected with the detecting terminals of the detecting part, and connector parts with which a connector for outputting an electric signal to an outside is connected, and a holder to which the terminal pins are fixed and which is detachably held by the case body through a holder holding part provided in the case body. The detecting part and the terminal contact parts are held between the case body and the holder by attaching the holder to the case body so that the terminal contact parts are contacted with the detecting terminals.

Abstract: Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal.

Abstract: A fixture for a torque meter includes a bearing having a cylindrical stator and a rotor, two or more arms, and two or more elastic members. The cylindrical stator defines a through hole therein. The rotor is rotatably received in the through hole and is configured for holding the torque meter. The at least two arms are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the cylindrical stator. Each of the elastic members elastically supporting a corresponding arm, a compression direction and a rebound direction of the elastic members are parallel to a rotation axis of the rotor.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one contaminant in a subsurface at a test site. The method generally includes inserting a sampling assembly into at least one tree at the test site, processing at least part of the sampling assembly to determine if a contaminant is present in the at least one tree, and then correlating the presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the at least one tree to presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the subsurface. The sampling assembly is operable to sorb at least one contaminant located within the at least one tree to at least part of the sampling assembly. The sampling assembly may include a solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling assembly having a SPME sampling device and a support configured to help position the SPME sampling device within a tree for sampling operation.

Abstract: A device (1) for sampling particle contaminants is described. It may be adapted to a multitude of closed enclosures and with it, contaminants and/or pollutants present in the atmosphere of the enclosure may be recovered at a surface. With this sampling method, it is possible to obtain specific information as regards their behavior. In particular, the sampling device (1) comprises a support (2) on which suitable substrates (6) may be positioned, with which samples may be collected. The device (1) is conformed so as to confine the taken samples until the site of the analysis in order to further increase the specificity of the measurement.

Abstract: For aspiration and dispensation of a metering fluid, a pipetting apparatus comprises a work fluid which differs from the former, the work fluid being accommodated in a work space with a variable volume which extends along a channel axis and, with reference to the latter, is formed by a piston-cylinder system at least along an axial section of the channel axis, having a cylinder which delimits the work space along a cylinder section in the radial direction and a piston which delimits the work space in a first axial direction, the cylinder and the piston being arranged so that they can move with respect to each other such that the piston-cylinder system has an axial longitudinal end region for metering, which is open for aspiration and dispensation, and an axial longitudinal end region for work which is closed by the piston, the piston being designed as an outer piston and surrounding the cylinder on the outside in the longitudinal end region for work of the piston-cylinder system.

Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of determining a storage lifetime of a wafer in a storage environment, the storage environment corresponding to an environment having a first value of temperature and a first value of relative humidity, the wafer having a pre-test value of a first contamination parameter, including the steps of: subjecting the wafer to a test environment for a test period, the test environment includes an environment having a second value of temperature and a second value of relative humidity; subsequently, inspecting the wafer thereby to determine a post-test value of a second contamination parameter, wherein the second value of relative humidity is greater than 30% and the second value of wafer temperature is greater than 30° C.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for determining whether surgical cartridges have excess drivers. A blade is disposed in the slots of the cartridge and displaced while it contacts the floor of the slot. If an excess driver is encountered, the blade is displaced away from the floor and this movement is detected, preferably by an electronic sensor. The apparatus includes a base plate to which a carriage is mounted, either directly or through other structural members. The carriage is configured to slide along a pair of parallel shafts, and is driven by a pneumatic ram or other linear prime mover. A tooling plate is moveably mounted to the carriage, and the blade is mounted to the tooling plate. Movement by the blade due to excess drivers results in movement by the tooling plate relative to the carriage, which is detected and recorded, such as by a computer.

Abstract: There is described a method for monitoring a drive device for a defective sensor signal from a first sensor of the drive device and to a monitoring device which is suitable for this purpose. Although sensors operate reliably, sensor errors which may give rise to significant damage if they are not detected may arise. Monitoring the sensor makes it possible to increase the reliability of the drive device. The sensor signal from the first sensor is compared with a sensor signal from a second sensor in such a manner that the first sensor is monitored. In this case, the monitoring device is intended, in particular, for a sensor having a sensor disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper drive (10), in particular for a window wiping device for a motor vehicle, having a motor and a gear mechanism. Until now, the motor and the gear mechanism have been accommodated in two separate adjoining housings. The gear mechanism housing is manufactured from cast metal. In order to reduce costs, in the wiper drive according to the invention the motor and the gearbox are arranged in a common housing (11).

Abstract: A power output mechanism for power tools includes a main part for driving an output shaft, a switch unit, an impact unit, a pressing unit, and an operation member. The switch unit has a rotation collar for controlling positions of positioning springs. The impact unit includes an orientation wheel movably connected to the output shaft and an operation wheel secured to the output shaft. The orientation wheel includes a first toothed contact surface which is removably engaged with a second toothed contact surface of the operation wheel. A corrugated ring portion is defined on an outer periphery of the orientation wheel and limited from rotation relative to the output shaft when the positioning springs are moved to certain positions. When the positioning springs are engaged with the orientation wheel, the orientation wheel cannot freely rotate relative to the output shaft so that an impact is output.

Abstract: It is a goal of the proposed invention to provide “encoder-like” performance without incurring the cost and complexity of a closed loop system.

Abstract: A synchronization and engagement device for a gear transmission of a motor vehicle is provided with: a cylindrical hollow portion, which is fixed and coaxial with respect to a shaft of the gear transmission; a toothed driving ring, fixed to an idle or neutral gear of the gear transmission; a first conical friction surface, carried by one between the driving ring and the gear; a floating toothed synchronizing ring, which has a second conical friction surface mating with the first conical surface; and at least one engagement member, which is angularly fixed with respect to the cylindrical hollow portion, is able to slide axially under the action of a control device, and has a cylindrical toothing, designed to render the cylindrical hollow portion angularly fixed with respect to the driving ring. The engagement member is located in a radial position that is more internal with respect to the conical friction surfaces, whilst the cylindrical toothing of the engagement member is an external toothing.

Abstract: In the event that a moment in a bending direction is generated in a pinion shaft, for example, when a vehicle is involved in a collision or the like, since a bending facilitating portion which is a circumferential groove 111e bends, stress is concentrated hereon, and no large bending stress is generated in any case between a rolling bearing 102 and a support member 104. Consequently, an excessively large bending force is transmitted in no case to a four point contact type ball bearing 103.

Abstract: A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger.

Abstract: An internal shift control mechanism is provided for a motor vehicle gearbox that includes, but is not limited to a fork member for engaging and displacing a synchronizer sleeve of the gearbox in an axial direction between a neutral position and at least one active position, a carriage supporting the fork member , displaceably guided in the axial direction, a shifter axle having an axis of rotation which extends transversally with respect to the displacement direction of the carriage and carrying a shift arm which engages a shift gate formed on the carriage . In the active position a tangent at a contact point between the shift arm and the shift gate is perpendicular to a radius extending from the axis to the contact point.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for a mechanical arm includes a supporting base, two reciprocating engines, a rotational plate, and four suction members. The reciprocating engine includes a cylinder and a driving rod. The cylinder is configured for driving the driving rod linearly and reciprocating along its longitudinal axis. The cylinder is rotatably fixed to the supporting base, thereby defining a first rotational axis therebetween. The driving rod is rotatably fixed to the rotational plate, thereby defining a second rotational axis therebetween. The rotational plate is also directly and rotatably fixed to the supporting base to be rotatable about a third rotational axis defined therebetween. The three rotational axes are parallel. The four suction members are fixed to the rotational plate.

Abstract: An operable transmission comprising toothed wheels. In order to operate the transmission with a lubricant and coolant which is environmentally friendly while providing improved heat dissipation and temperature-independent viscosity, the transmission contains a mixture of water and a glycol or similar, in which graphite particles are suspended. The mixture contains 40 to 60 percent per weight of the glycol and 2 to 25 percent by weight of graphite in the form of flaky graphite particles having a grain size of less than 12 micrometers, the remainder being composed of water and other admixtures and/or additives. Also disclosed are the lubricant and coolant as well as a method for starting a transmission operated with the lubricant and coolant.

Abstract: A multi-path split torque gearbox system provides a multiple of three stage torque split power gear trains modules that each transmits torque from a high-speed engine to a main rotor shaft (36). The first stage bevel gear arrangement (30,32) provides a compact packaging arrangement that facilitates various engine mounting locations in all axes. At the second stage, quill shaft assemblies (40) provide equal load balance. At the third stage, each quill shaft assembly includes a multiple of pinion gears (48) in meshing engagement with the final output gear (28). Each torque split modules transfer the power from the high speed input shaft into a multiple of meshing engagements with the final output gear to provide significant torque transfer desired in a single rotor heavy lift rotary wing aircraft embodiment within a compact housing package.

Abstract: An inertial drive actuator includes a fixed member, a displacement generating mechanism which is connected to the fixed member, and which generates a minute displacement in a first direction and a second direction, a vibration substrate which reciprocates by the minute displacement generated by the displacement generating mechanism, a mobile object which is disposed on the vibration substrate, and which is movable by inertia, a driving mechanism which is connected to the mobile object, and which controls a frictional force between the mobile object and the vibration substrate by making an electromagnetic force to act in the mobile object by applying a current, a detecting electrode having a position detection function, which is disposed on a flat surface of the vibration substrate, to be facing the mobile object via an insulating body layer, and which is formed such that, an area face-to-face thereof with the mobile object either increases continuously or decreases continuously with the movement of the mobile

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of metal, alloy or composite powders which have a mean particle diameter D50 of not more than 75 ?m, preferably not more than 25 ?m, and are produced in a process in which a starting powder is firstly deformed to give platelet-like particles and these are then comminuted in the presence of milling aids together with further additives and also the use of these powder mixtures and shaped articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to separate excess coppers leached out in a lead-free solder bath and recover tin with high efficiency. An element X for forming a (CuX)6Sn5 compound between copper and tin in molten lead-free solders is added to separate out a (CuX)6Sn5 compound. Tin is recovered by binding the (CuX)6Sn5 compound by passing thereof through a multi-perforated plate, further generating swirling currents to precipitate and separate the bound (CuX)6Sn5 compounds and removing thereof.

Abstract: A method of separation and/or recovery of a precious metal from a solution containing said precious metal in ionic form, optionally in the presence of impurities, including the step of contacting a solution containing said precious metal in ionic form with a conducting polymer. The method is generally applicable to precious metals including platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and more particularly gold (Au). The ionic species may be anionic (for example [AuCl4]?) or cationic. The polymer may be for example, a polypyrrole or polythiophene, optionally doped and are preferably in a high surface area form eg. coated onto cloth or RVC or in self supporting colloidal form. The polymer may also contain species to give further functionality, eg magnetic or heat sensitive species.

Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a process for production of an amorphous alloy can be provided at low cost by, e.g., efficiently removing magnetic-property-degrading Al and Ti when using inexpensive Fe—B or scrap as an amorphous alloy raw material. An exemplary embodiment of the process for production of an Fe-based amorphous alloy ribbon can comprise, by mass, e.g., 2 to 4% of B, 1 to 6% of Si, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable materials is provided. For example, it can be determined whether the molten alloy obtained by melting a main raw material has a Ti concentration or Al concentration of 0.005 mass % or greater: When such even occurs, iron oxide source having an iron content of 55 mass % or greater can be added thereto to reduce both Ti and Al to less than 0.005 mass % by oxidative removal. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether the main raw material has a composition whose Ti concentration or Al concentration is 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering rhenium from an ethylene oxide catalyst containing rhenium and at least silver on a solid support, wherein at least a substantial portion of the rhenium present in the catalyst is extracted by intimate contact of the catalyst with one or more polar non-acidic organic solvents substantially free of water such that a rhenium-containing solution is formed containing the polar non-acidic organic solvent and extracted rhenium, the polar non-acidic organic solvent containing one or more oxygen, nitrogen, and/or halogen atoms in its molecular structure.

Abstract: A container opener that is used by a user to remove a cap of a bottle or container such as, but not limited to, a medicine bottle or container that includes a childproof cap. The container opener includes a cavity that is designed to at least partially receive the cap of a bottle or container. The cavity can include one or more gripping elements designed to engage the cap when inserted in the cavity. The cavity can be designed to receive a plurality of different sized caps. The container can include a magnifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for loosening or tightening bolts on subsea structures. The tool grasps a portion of the structure and, using hydraulic wrenches, tightens or loosens bolts located on the structure.

Abstract: An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes.

Abstract: A wrench is configured to engage a fastener for rotation. In one embodiment, the wrench comprises a base, a pair of jaws, a pair of threaded shafts, an adjusting ring, and/or a sleeve. The position of the pair of jaws along the base may be adjustable to accommodate fasteners of different sizes.

Abstract: A combination pipe cutter and can lid opener comprising a means for cutting and a means for opening a can having a lid. The combination pipe cutter and can lid opener comprises two handles, one having a holder to hold a pipe and the other having a blade, wherein the blade is utilized to cut the pipe in the holder. The insides of the handles comprise semicircular openings having gripping teeth for opening the lid of a container. To open the lid of the container, the semicircular cutouts of the first handle and second handle are positioned around the perimeter of the lid, wherein the gripping teeth cooperatively engage the lid thereby opening the container by turning the combination pipe cutter and can lid opener.

Abstract: An adjustable plier device includes a handle having a stationary jaw member and a number of teeth extended into a groove of the handle, a movable jaw member slidably attached to the handle and having a curved recess for pivotally engaging with a follower which includes a toothed pawl for engaging with the teeth of the handle and having a curved depression for pivotally engaging with one end of a lever, and an actuating member pivotally coupled to the handle and the lever for actuating the lever to quickly force the movable jaw member to grasp the work piece, and to force the toothed pawl to engage with the teeth of the handle and to retain the work piece between the jaw members.

Abstract: A pliers includes first and second pliers parts and an articulation that pivotably connects the pliers parts. The articulation is arranged on at least one of the pliers parts between its ends. First and second handle elements associated with the first and second pliers parts. The first pliers part is connected rotation-fast to the first handle element. The second pliers part is pivotably connected to the second handle element. A coupling element that is pivotably attached to the second handle element has a hinge point arranged on the second handle element spaced apart from the hinge point of the second pliers part on the second handle element. The coupling element is also pivotably attached to the first pliers part or to the first handle element. The hinge point of the coupling element is arranged on the first pliers part or on the first handle element spaced apart from the articulation that connects the pliers parts.

Abstract: A cordless motor assisted torque wrench. In an example embodiment, the torque wrench includes an elongated housing adapted to enclose an elongated battery pack, a drive head pivotably connected to a first end of the elongated housing at a pivot connection, an electronic torque setting device operable to receive a desired torque setting from a user, a torque sensing device for sensing a level of torque applied by the wrench to a workpiece, a motor disposed within the head, and a torque limiter configured to limit the torque applied by the wrench to a workpiece based on the desired torque setting and the level of torque sensed by the torque sensing device. The elongated housing preferably includes a first segment and a second segment slidably coupled to form a telescopic elongated housing that is configurable into at least two lengths.

Abstract: A film of material may be formed by providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region and a cleave region located at a predetermined depth beneath the surface region. During a process of cleaving the film from the substrate, shear in the cleave region is carefully controlled. According to certain embodiments, an in-plane shear component (KII) is maintained near zero, sandwiched between a tensile region and a compressive region. In one embodiment, cleaving can be accomplished using a plate positioned over the substrate surface. The plate serves to constrain movement of the film during cleaving, and together with a localized thermal treatment reduces shear developed during the cleaving process. According to other embodiments, the KII component is purposefully maintained at a high level and serves to guide and drive fracture propagation through the cleave sequence.

Abstract: A tile saw that includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a rail assembly disposed on the frame assembly, and a cutting table slidingly disposed on the frame assembly and including a front fence. A saw assembly is disposed on at least one of the base and the frame assembly, and includes a motor and a cutting wheel driven by the motor. One of a miter guide and a bevel block is selectively lockable to the front fence.

Abstract: A groove cutting assembly comprising a cutter housing, a cutter assembly with a cutting edge, and the cutter assembly being accommodated by the cutter housing, and a drive mechanism, coupled to the cutter assembly, for indexing the cutter assembly one of radially inward and radially outward relative to the cutter housing upon rotation of the cutter assembly past an indexing member. The drive mechanism comprises a barrel assembly, engaged with the cutter assembly, and a feed member which threadedly engages with the barrel assembly. Rotation of the feed member, in a first rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially outwardly away from the cutter housing, while rotation of the feed member, in an opposite rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially inwardly toward the cutter housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting the weight of a piano lid is disclosed. One or more pneumatic cylinders and arms are used to assist a user in opening and closing the piano lid. In one embodiment, a guiding cup can be removably attached to the frame of the piano below each pneumatic cylinder. When the piano lid is open, the piston arm of the pneumatic cylinder engages the guiding cup. Because the pneumatic cylinder is not attached to the piano frame, the piano lid can be completely removed without the use of tools. Another embodiment provides a mounting bracket that fits over the rear frame of a piano, allowing the mechanism to be retrofit to any existing piano without any damage thereto.

Abstract: A wrestplank for use in a stringed instrument including first and second median working plies stacked in between first and second outer working plies. Each working ply defines a direction of grain. The working plies collectively define a tuning pin hole configured to securely receive a tuning pin, whereby the tuning pin is substantially surrounded by and in engagement with end wood of the working plies. The directions of grain of the outer working plies are oriented substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the wrestplank. The grain direction of the first median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 60° and about 75° with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the grain direction of the second median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 105° and about 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for installing a sound post in a musical instrument comprises a handle and an arm depending from the handle, the handle and arm defining a passageway therein. The device includes a cradle depending from the arm, the cradle having an opening formed at the junction of the cradle and the arm. The device also includes a cable having a nib at an end, the cable traversing the passageway. The device also includes a lever or knob moving the cable to advance or retract the nib through the opening.

Abstract: A stand for a musical instrument having a body and a neck includes a main body and a pair front legs coupled to the main body. The pair of front legs is configured to receive a portion of the body of the musical instrument therein. A neck rest of the stand is removably coupled to the main body and is configured to receive a portion of the neck of the musical instrument therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable interface device (10) and to a system incorporating the device. Embodiments include a music tuition system comprising an electronic digital data processing unit (12) capable of accessing a store of electronic music data of a pre-determined format and a luminary display (14) mountable on a musical instrument (20). The interface device (10) is a user controllable electronic interface device mountable to the musical instrument and includes a memory (18) for storing data and means for receiving music data from the data processing unit (12). The interface device includes means for generating command signals for controlling the luminary display in accordance with a sequence determined from the music data, and means (16) for a user to control output of the music data to the luminary display (14).

Abstract: An exemplary method includes providing a music collection of a particular scale, determining a distance parameter for locality sensitive hashing based at least in part on the scale of the music collection and constructing an index for the music collection. Another exemplary method includes providing a song, extracting snippets from the song, analyzing time-varying timbre characteristics of the snippets and constructing one or more queries based on the analyzing. Such exemplary methods may be implemented by a portable device configured to maintain an index, to perform searches based on selected songs or portions of songs and to generate playlists from search results. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: An adjustable width guideway assembly for use in a conveyor for conveying articles having different widths. The assembly comprises a first moveable guide and a second fixed guide parallel to the first guide, the first and second guides defining the guideway therebetween. The first guide is moveable towards or away from the second guide between a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position The disclosure is particularly directed towards an adjustable width guideway assembly for use in an air conveyor conveying light plastic bottles suspended in the guideway by a flange located on the bottle neck.

Abstract: An emission treatment system includes a separation device having a vessel that includes an inlet for receiving an emission stream having entrained solid particles. A first outlet from the vessel discharges captured solid particles from the emission stream and a second outlet from the vessel discharges a clean stream having fewer entrained solid particles than the emission stream received into the separation device. A particle collector is fluidly connected with the separation device and includes a collection portion for capturing solid particles from the emission stream.

Abstract: A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new process of treating natural gas using high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes operated at high temperatures that can provide sufficient dew point margin for the product gas. The high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes can be used for a single stage membrane system or for the first stage membrane in a two stage membrane system for natural gas upgrading. Simulation study has demonstrated that a costly membrane pretreatment system such as a MemGuard™ system will not be required in the present new process. The new process can achieve significant capital cost saving and reduce the existing membrane footprint greater than 50%.

Abstract: A membrane-based gas separation process for treating gas streams that contain methane in low concentrations. The invention involves flowing the stream to be treated across the feed side of a membrane and flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side. Carbon dioxide permeates the membrane preferentially and is picked up in the sweep air stream on the permeate side; oxygen permeates in the other direction and is picked up in the methane-containing stream. The resulting residue stream is enriched in methane as well as oxygen and has an EMC value enabling it to be either flared or combusted by mixing with ordinary air.