Control Element Responsive To A Sensed Operating Condition Patents (Class 422/105)
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Patent number: 9766183Abstract: The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Robert Ryther
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Patent number: 9743686Abstract: A container-processing apparatus includes a pasteurizer with plural zones, and a transport element. The zones, which follow one another in a transport direction, include a preheating set, a cooling set, and pasteurizing set. The transport element moves containers through the sets, where they are subjected to a treatment medium at different treatment temperatures. Treatment temperatures in zones in the preheating set rise in steps from zone to zone. In the pasteurizing set, treatment temperature is maintained at or above pasteurizing temperature. In the cooling set, treatment temperatures decrease in steps zone to zone. The transport element transports containers in the pasteurizer at a changeable transport speed that is subject to continuous control.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Frank Köppel, Aco Todoroski
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Patent number: 9707942Abstract: A system for assisting driving includes a robotic status component and a maneuver selection component. The robotic status component is configured to determine, within a first vehicle, robotic status information pertaining to a proximate second vehicle. The second vehicle includes a vehicle controlled independently of the first vehicle. The maneuver selection component is configured to select at least one driving maneuver based on the robotic status information using an automatic driving system of the first vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: ELWHA LLCInventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 9654570Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for generating a composite service. A request to generate the composite service is received that identifies a geospatial region of interest for the composite service. One or more types of components needed to generate the composite service are determined and, for each component of a plurality of components of the one or more types of components, a corresponding spatial coverage characteristic is determined. A subset of components, from the plurality of components, is selected based on the spatial coverage characteristics of the plurality of components and the geospatial region of interest. The composite service is then generated based on the selected subset of components from the plurality of components.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Chatschik Bisdikian, Christopher R. Gibson, Dominic P. Harries, Syed Y. Shah, Petros Zerfos
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Patent number: 9631284Abstract: The invention relates to methods for creating high value liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, jet and alcohols using carbon dioxide and water as the starting raw materials and a system for using the same. These methods combine a novel solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) for the efficient and clean conversion of carbon dioxide and water to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, uniquely integrated with a gas-to-liquid fuels producing method.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignees: Colorado School of Mines, Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLCInventors: Robert J. Braun, William L. Becker, Michael Penev
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Patent number: 9624803Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for determining an SCR component sulfur value, determining whether the SCR component sulfur value exceeds a sulfur regeneration threshold and increasing an engine NO amount incident to an SCR catalyst in response to the SCR component sulfur value exceeding the sulfur regeneration threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Ashok Kumar, Michael A. Smith, Krishna Kamasamudram, Neal Currier, Aleksey Yezerets
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Patent number: 9624537Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for detecting sequences of optical signals from parallel reactions on an array of nanostructures, such as nanopores, nanowells, or nanoparticles. In accordance with the invention, an array of nanostructures is provided, each nanostructure comprising a reaction site and each capable of confining a reaction that generates a sequence of optical signals, and the nanostructures of the array being arranged in clusters each comprising a number of nanostructures. Each different cluster is disposed within a different resolution limited area and the number of nanostructures in each cluster is either greater than one or a random variable with an average value greater than zero. Optical signals from reactions in the nanostructures are detected by an optical system operatively associated with the array.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Quantapore, Inc.Inventors: Martin Huber, Stuart Davidson
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Patent number: 9599701Abstract: A device for deflecting acoustic waves for an object in a liquid environment includes an electrical power source located in the object. A heating grid is positioned about the object in the liquid environment, and a cooling grid is also positioned about the object in the liquid environment such that the heating grid is located between the object and the cooling grid. A least one Peltier device is joined to the electrical power source and the cooling grid for providing cooling. Resistance heating or the Peltier device can be joined to the heating grid for providing heating.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Anthony A Ruffa, John F Griffin
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Patent number: 9597420Abstract: A sterilization device comprising an ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting device, a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device, and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector. The detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy. The controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR only upon receiving a signal indicating no occupancy.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Biological Illumination, LLCInventors: Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Robert R. Soler, Gregory Flickinger, Ran Zhou
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Patent number: 9568433Abstract: A system for detecting optical particles comprises a transparent slide, a composition arranged on the slide, a light source able to light the composition and the slide, and a device for acquiring at least one image of the composition lit by the light source, the transparent slide being positioned between the light source and the acquisition device. The composition comprises water, the particles, a surfactant and a hydrophilic polymer, the particles having a diameter preferably smaller than 10 pm, still more preferably smaller than 1 pm, the surfactant having a concentration preferably at least equal to the critical micellar concentration, the hydrophilic polymer having a boiling temperature higher than that of water.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Cédric Allier, Yves Hennequin
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Patent number: 9562837Abstract: The invention generally relates to assemblies for displacing droplets from a vessel that facilitate the collection and transfer of the droplets while minimizing sample loss. In certain aspects, the assembly includes at least one droplet formation module, in which the module is configured to form droplets surrounded by an immiscible fluid. The assembly also includes at least one chamber including an outlet, in which the chamber is configured to receive droplets and an immiscible fluid, and in which the outlet is configured to receive substantially only droplets. The assembly further includes a channel, configured such that the droplet formation module and the chamber are in fluid communication with each other via the channel. In other aspects, the assembly includes a plurality of hollow members, in which the hollow members are channels and in which the members are configured to interact with a vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Raindance Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Darren R. Link
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Patent number: 9523327Abstract: A soot accumulation computing and displaying device, including: a first calculating part that is configured to calculate a first inferred value of a present accumulation amount of the soot, based on a main fuel injection amount and a post fuel injection amount; a second calculating part that is configured to calculate a second inferred value of a present accumulation amount of the soot, based on a driving time of the internal-combustion engine, which is estimated to a present time from a starting time of a latest regeneration processing of the filter among regeneration processings of the filter conducted in past; a determining part that is configured to determine a maximum inferred value among the first and second inferred values; and a displaying part that is configured to perform displaying with regards to the maximum inferred value determined by the determining part.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: ISEKI & CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Shinomiya, Kenji Adachi, Naohiro Fukuyama, Shinji Okubo
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Patent number: 9500665Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprises an aspirating member which comprises a pump at one side and which is configured to aspirate a sample from the other side, a sensor which is configured to sense the presence or absence of a liquid at a predetermined position of the aspirating member, and a controller which is programmed to execute operations. The operations comprise controlling the aspirating member to aspirate a sample, obtaining a first sensing result by the sensor when the aspirating member aspirates a sample, controlling the aspirating member to aspirate air after aspirating a sample, obtaining a second sensing result by the sensor when the aspirating member aspirates air, and detecting an error in the aspirating operation, based on the first sensing result and the second sensing result.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATIONInventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Masamichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 9403143Abstract: Reactors and methods that generate hydrogen from fuel, such as naturally-occurring or synthesized hydrocarbon fuel. One embodiment of the reactor comprises a CO2/H2 active membrane piston disposed inside a cylinder that provides for highly efficient and scalable hydrogen generation from hydrocarbon fuels. This embodiment may function in a two or four stroke modes. Another embodiment of the reactor comprises a dual piston configuration having CO2 and H2 active membrane pistons inside a single cylinder. Other embodiments of the reactor comprise flexible membranes or diaphragms that operate in a manner similar to pistons with or without regeneration of residual reaction products.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Andrei G. Fedorov, David L. Damm
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Patent number: 9382830Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus including a filter, an NOx selective reduction catalyst at the downstream side of the filter, a supply device for supplying a reducing agent to the NOx selective reduction catalyst, and a PM sensor for detecting an amount of particulate matter in an exhaust gas at the downstream side of the NOx selective reduction catalyst. A supply decrease part makes an amount of supply of the reducing agent smaller in cases where at least one of several conditions is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke Shibata, Toru Kidokoro, Kazuya Takaoka
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Patent number: 9355289Abstract: An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Matrix IT Medical Tracking Systems, Inc.Inventor: Branko Prpa
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Patent number: 9321006Abstract: A system and method for controlling oxidation of sulfites in a slurry. The system includes a tank having an inlet for receiving a slurry used in wet flue gas desulfurization. The tank also includes an inlet for receiving a gas. The inlet for receiving the gas is configured so that at least a portion of the gas received in the tank is dispersed through at least a portion of the slurry received in the tank. A sensor is configured to measure a sulfite concentration S1 of the slurry received in the tank. In some embodiments, the sensor is a sulfite analyzer. In other embodiments, the sensor is a virtual analyzer. The system includes a controller. Software executing on the controller generates a signal indicative of an adjustment of a flow rate of gas into the tank based at least in part on the sulfite concentration S1.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: Dennis James Laslo
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Patent number: 9289720Abstract: A system for treating mercury in flue gas is provided. The system includes a mercury adsorbent supply device to adsorb the mercury with the mercury adsorbent; a precipitator to collect the mercury adsorbent with adsorbed mercury and soot in the flue gas; a mercury adsorption assistant supply device to remove mercury remaining in the flue gas; and a desulfurization device to remove sulfur oxide (SOx) in the flue gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Seiji Kagawa, Hideaki Sakurai, Nobuyuki Ukai, Susumu Okino, Tatsuto Nagayasu
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Patent number: 9261002Abstract: A system and method for using feed-back information, such as, for example, system-out NOx levels, to provide for closed-loop selective catalytic reduction control. A reference generation module may adjust an ideal SCR conversion value based on a quantity of reductant slippage from the engine system so as to provide an adjusted ideal SCR conversion efficiency value. The adjusted ideal SCR conversion efficiency value may then be used to generate a reductant to NOx ratio that corresponds to an ideal reductant dosing command. The ideal reductant dosing command may be further adjusted to account for low frequency variations, such as, low frequency variations in the SCR system, to generate an adjusted ideal reductant dosing command. The adjusted ideal reductant dosing command may be further adjusted to reflect high frequency variations in the SCR system, before a final reductant dosing command is generated for a reductant injector.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Phanindra V. Garimella, Ming-Feng Hsieh
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Patent number: 9227884Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a substitute natural gas. The method includes: generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen using coal and a metal fuel; and generating methane from the generated carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Since the method supplies a metal fuel along with coal, generates hydrogen from the metal fuel, and supplies the hydrogen, the amount of coal needed to generate methane through methanation may be reduced and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated when the coal is combusted may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee-ho Park, Deok-jin Yun
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Patent number: 9161498Abstract: A greenhouse environment control system generates a CO2-enriched air which is supplied to a greenhouse at a controlled temperature suitable for plant growth. An absorption chiller reduces temperature of a CO2-containing stream of processed gasses from an engine. A mixing and blending unit maintains CO2 at an acceptable concentration for enhanced plant growth and human occupation. An HVAC system modulates temperature and positively pressurizes the greenhouse with the CO2-enriched air to reduce risk of contaminant intrusion. Misting further controls temperature. Retractable shades regulate light supplied to plants and solar gain.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Inventor: F. Mack Shelor
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Patent number: 9103254Abstract: An exhaust system for a power system contained in an engine compartment. The exhaust system includes a mount for two or more exhaust treatment devices and an enclosure surrounding the two or more exhaust treatment devices. The enclosure defines a space with a higher temperature than a space defined by the engine compartment during steady state operation of the power system. At least one electronic or fluid device is coupled to the enclosure or mount and located on an exterior of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jack Albert Merchant, Paul F. Olsen, Eric J. Charles
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Patent number: 9059228Abstract: A substrate table for an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed having a recess, configured to receive a substrate of a given size, and a fluid extraction system, configured to extract fluid from a gap between the edge of the substrate and the edge of the recess, the fluid extraction system configured such that the rate of flow of fluid extracted from a localized section of the gap is greater than the rate of flow of fluid extracted from another section of the gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Marco Koert Stavenga, Sergei Shulepov, Koen Steffens, Matheus Anna Karel Van Lierop, Samuel Bertrand Dominique David, David Bessems
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Publication number: 20150137042Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for pyrolysing and/or gasifying material such as organically coated waste and organic materials including biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge. In a first mode of operation the method/system heats the material in a processing chamber (10) by passing hot gas therethrough. This pyrolyses and/or gasifies the organic content it to produce syngas and, invariably, soot. In a second mode of operation the method/system increases the oxygen content of the hot gas such that the oxygen within the hot gas reacts with the heated soot to form carbon monoxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Rifat Al Chalabi, Ophneil Henry Perry
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Patent number: 9035553Abstract: A hybrid plasma reactor includes a reactor body having a plasma discharge space, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet; a hybrid plasma source including an inductive antenna inductively coupled to plasma formed in the plasma discharge space and a primary winding coil transformer coupled to the plasma and wound in a magnetic core; and an alternating switching power supply for supplying plasma generation power to the inductive antenna and the primary winding coil. The hybrid plasma reactor induces a plasma discharge using the inductively coupled plasma source and the transformer coupled plasma source, so that it has a wide operational area from a low pressure area to a high pressure area.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Dae-Kyu Choi
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Patent number: 9034994Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joel A. Mutchler
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Patent number: 9034194Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flow of fluid with microwave radiation, the apparatus comprising: a vessel having a sidewall and opposed first and second end walls defining a substantially cylindrical chamber, the first end wall being disposed a predetermined distance d1 from the second end wall; a pipeline for flowing fluid through, the pipeline passing through the first end wall towards the second end wall of the vessel, the chamber and the pipeline being substantially co-axial and the pipeline being substantially transparent to microwave radiation; and a microwave radiation inlet in the side wall of the vessel for admitting microwave radiation of wavelength ? into the chamber, wherein the distance d1 is substantially equal to an integral multiple of ?/2 so that the chamber is a microwave resonator.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: ADVANCED MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGIES LTDInventors: Yuriy Vladimirovich Zadyraka, Sergey Ivanovich Gritsinin, Mamikon Aramovich Misakyan, Igor Antonovich Kossyl, Eduard Mikailovich Barkhudarou
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Patent number: 9023312Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
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Publication number: 20150093311Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system and a method of use (2) to reduce the amount of N2O produced in a selective catalytic reduction catalytic converter (SCR catalytic converter) (6) and/or in an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC catalyst) (4) disposed in the exhaust gas flow from a combustion engine (3): The system (2) includes an SCR catalytic converter (6) arranged in an exhaust gas line (8) upstream of an optional ASC catalyst (4). The exhaust gases from the combustion engine (3) pass through the SCR catalytic converter (6) and any ASC catalyst (4) before they are released into the surroundings via the exhaust gas outlet (10). An injection device (12) injects a reducing agent into the exhaust gases in the exhaust gas line (8) upstream of the SCR catalytic converter (6) at a dosing frequency F.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: SCANIA ABInventor: Ola Stenlåås
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Publication number: 20150093315Abstract: A system for controlling reagent flow to an exhaust of a lean burn combustion source includes a plurality of decomposition ducts each being connected to at least one injection lance of a reagent injection grid and supplying reagent and hot carrier gas to the injection lance, and at least one metering valve in communication with each of the plurality of decomposition ducts that controls reagent injection rate to the injection lance. A method of controlling a reagent flow to an exhaust of a lean burn combustion source includes providing a reagent injection grid having at least one injection lance, supplying the reagent and hot carrier gas to the reagent injection grid from a plurality of decomposition ducts coupled to the injection grid, and controlling reagent injection rate to the injection grid via at least one metering valve in communication with each of the plurality of decomposition ducts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Broderick, Scott H. Lindemann, R. Gifford Broderick, Edmund S. Schindler, James M. Valentine
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Patent number: 8992830Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Shawn Hyunsoo Park, Leora Peltz, Rovelyn Tapec Dytioco, Conor James Van Camp
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Patent number: 8992840Abstract: Multiple components are selected, conveyed, and measured in a polymerization system. A control system adjusts the system variables to the desired values. Portions of the components can be fed to a pre-contactor before introduction into the polymerization reactor. The catalyst component concentrations and residence times are tightly controlled in the pre-contactor to affect product properties. The pre-contactor can be a single or multiple combinations of a CSTR or plug flow pre-contactors.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, John D. Hottovy, Clay K Thurman, David A. Lockman, John O. Lawmaster, Matthew T. Haberly, Thomas H. Smith, Jerry T. Lanier, Matthew G. Thorn, Penny A. Zellers
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Publication number: 20150076409Abstract: A respiratory metabolic simulator is disclosed. The respiratory metabolic simulator includes a catalytic carbon dioxide generator having a first inlet adapted for receiving a fuel and a second inlet adapted for receiving a gas; a breathing simulator; and a controller; wherein an exhaust of the catalytic carbon dioxide generator combines with an exhaust of the breathing simulator; and wherein the controller is configured to vary at least one of the fuel and the gas provided to the catalytic carbon dioxide generator such that the combined exhausts emulate human exhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Stefan Frembgen
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Patent number: 8980188Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a case having at least one storage compartment for low temperature storage, a lighting source arranged in the at least one storage compartment to generate a sanitation wavelength, a location controller configured to control a location of the lighting source, and a controller configured to control operation of the location controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Eunyoung Park, Myungryul Lee, Deulre Min, Seunghwan Oh
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Patent number: 8980173Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Jeffrey V. Fox, George T. Totura, Peter Hicks, David A. Grattan, Martin Godfrey
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Publication number: 20150071822Abstract: An exhaust treatment component for treating an exhaust produced by an engine. The exhaust treatment component includes a housing, a first exhaust treatment component substrate positioned within the housing, and a dosing module for dosing a reagent exhaust treatment fluid into the exhaust. The dosing module is secured to the housing and positioned upstream of the first exhaust treatment component substrate. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned between the dosing module and the first exhaust treatment component substrate. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit a plurality of ultrasonic waves into the exhaust including the reagent exhaust treatment fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: John Stanavich, William Adams, Daniel Alexander, Michael Golin
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Publication number: 20150064086Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system include a reagent charging apparatus configured to apply one or more electrical charges to a NOx reducing reagent. The electrical charges enhance mixing of the reagent with fluids carrying NOx and/or enhance reactivity of the reagent with NOx.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: JOSEPH COLANNINO, DAVID B. GOODSON, IGOR A. KRICHTAFOVITCH, ROBERTO RUIZ, CHRISTOPHER A. WIKLOF
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Patent number: 8968650Abstract: A decontamination system for decontaminating at least one contaminant in a process stream. Decontaminant liquid is dispersed into the process stream sing atomization. Differential injection pressure and/or injection flow rate are monitored to help ensure that the atomization process is optimized.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: Lance Witt
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Publication number: 20150047727Abstract: An example system includes a diaphragm pump having a suction port and a discharge port, a urea suction line fluidly coupling a urea supply to the suction port, and a urea discharge line fluidly coupled to the discharge port. A recirculation line fluidly couples the urea discharge line to the urea suction line, and has a flow regulator operationally coupled thereto. A controller is configured to interpret a prime loss condition of the diaphragm pump, and to provide a flow regulator command in response to the prime loss condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Cummins Emission Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Srivardhan CHANDRAPATI, Andrew Morgan Myer, Mugdha Naik, Shu Zhang, Xin Jin, Srinivasa Varadan Rajagopalan, John K. HEICHELBECH, Stephen M. Holl
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Publication number: 20150048160Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing hands (400) comprising a housing (402) having a hand placement area (403) and a hand sanitizing means (420, 421, 406) to in use spray a hand sanitizing fluid into the placement area (403), and means (414) to provide an airflow to dry hands in the placement area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Brian Graydon
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Patent number: 8956567Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Hao Lei
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Publication number: 20150044094Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a ventilator treatment system configured to sterilize and/or disinfect a fluid pathway through a ventilator by providing a forced flow of treatment gas to the ventilator. Ventilators are frequently contaminated with bacteria and viruses during normal use. When a ventilator is moved from one patient to the next, there is a risk of contaminating the new patient with a pathogen from the previous patient. The application of treatment gas is especially practical for sanitizing hard to access surfaces such as those found in the cavities and conduits (the fluid pathway) of a ventilator. A treatment gas such as, for example, ozone, converts back to oxygen and has a short half life, which can be further reduced with humidity, heat, or inexpensive destruct catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Ian Michael Cadieux, Ray Ellestad, Matthew Perun
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Patent number: 8954196Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to temperature control of a reactor using probability distribution of temperature measurements. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a temperature of a chemical reaction includes injecting a reactant stream into a reactor and through a catalyst bed of the reactor. The reactant stream includes a hydrocarbon and oxygen. Injection of the reactant stream into the catalyst bed causes an exothermic chemical reaction. The method further includes circulating a coolant through the reactor, thereby removing heat from the catalyst bed. The method further includes measuring temperature at a plurality of locations in the catalyst bed. The method further includes calculating a fraction of the catalyst bed greater than a predetermined maximum temperature limit using a probability distribution generated using the temperature measurements.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical LLCInventor: Michael J. Gross
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Patent number: 8951480Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Nagichettiar Satyamurthy, Jorge R. Barrio, Bernard Amarasekera, R. Michael Van Dam, Sebastian Olma, Dirk Williams, Mark A. Eddings, Clifton Kwang-Fu Shen
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Patent number: 8936755Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus can include a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit can have an infusion mode, in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode, in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus can include a spectroscopic analyzer positioned to analyze at least a portion of the sample; a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer; and stored program instructions executable by the processor to obtain measurements of two or more properties of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical CorporationInventors: Jennifer H. Gable, James R. Braig, Kenneth I. Li, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
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Patent number: 8926720Abstract: The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventor: Xuantian Li
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Patent number: 8926908Abstract: Reactor vessels with pressure and heat transfer features for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative reactor system includes a first reaction zone and a heat path, a reactant source coupled to the first reaction zone, and a first actuator coupled to cyclically pressurize the first reaction zone. A second reaction zone is in fluid communication with the first, a valve is coupled between the first and second reaction zones to control a flow rate therebetween, and a second actuator is coupled in fluid communication with the second reaction zone to cyclically pressurize the second reaction zone. First and second heat exchangers direct heat from products to reactants in the reaction zones. A controller controls the first and second actuators in a coordinated manner based at least in part on a flow rate of the second product from the second reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8924024Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.Inventors: W. Curt Lefebvre, Daniel W. Kohn
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Patent number: 8920757Abstract: Reductant dosing systems and methods for engine exhaust aftertreatment are disclosed. The opening and closing of a metering valve in the reductant dosing system is controlled in a manner that mitigates pressure oscillations in the dosing system. The metering valve is opened in response to the dosing command exceeding a minimum threshold value and the differential pressure across the metering valve exceeding a differential pressure threshold. The metering valve is closed in response to either the differential pressure across the metering valve dropping below a differential pressure threshold or the actual dosed quantity exceeding the dosing command.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.Inventors: Srivardhan Chandrapati, Yongquan Chai, Stephen M. Holl, Shu Zhang
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Patent number: 8920732Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for actively controlling the steam-to-carbon ratio in hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems that include a feedstock delivery system. The feedstock delivery system supplies a combined feedstock stream including steam and carbon-containing feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region, which produces a mixed gas stream including hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom. The systems and methods may include measuring a thermodynamic property of a steam stream, a carbon-containing feedstock stream, and/or the combined feedstock stream and controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a water stream, the steam stream, and/or the carbon-containing feedstock stream based on a desired steam-to-carbon ratio in the combined feedstock stream and/or a desired flow rate of the mixed gas stream and may include feedforward and/or feedback control strategies.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: DCNSInventors: Zhen Chen, Xun Ouyang