Control Element Is A Binary Responsive Valve Patents (Class 422/114)
  • Patent number: 11325071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, having a housing through which an exhaust gas may flow and which has an inflow side and an outflow side, wherein, in the housing, there is formed a plurality of flow channels (4, 13) which is flowed through along a main throughflow direction from the inflow side to the outflow side, wherein, in the housing, there is arranged at least one pipeline (5, 12) which is flowed through by a fluid which is independent of the exhaust gas that is caused to flow through the flow channels (4, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hirth, Holger Stock
  • Patent number: 10702616
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An apparatus includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly including a cabinet having an access port and a bottom, the bottom configurable to induce a condensate to flow on the bottom to a vent port. The apparatus further includes a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The apparatus also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having the vent port, and a filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Turbett Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Turbett
  • Patent number: 10697340
    Abstract: An after treatment method for a lean-burn engine is disclosed. The after treatment method is configured to control an after treatment system sequentially equipped with an ammonia production catalyst module, a selective catalytic reduction catalyst, and a CO clean-up catalyst on an exhaust pipe through which an exhaust gas flows. In the after treatment method, the engine is operated sequentially at a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio (AFR) and a lean AFR prior to entering a rich AFR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nahm Roh Joo, Chang Hwan Kim, ChangHo Jung, Chulho Yu
  • Patent number: 10278531
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for manufacturing food products. In a general embodiment, a system for manufacturing a food product is provided and includes at least one heat exchanger, at least one food product tank, at least one steam source having a steam valve, a computer having a computer processor, and a computer-readable medium accessible to the computer and containing a software program therein that is programmed to cause the computer processor to automatically control the steam valve to move from a first position to a second, calculated position to maintain a temperature of a heating medium that is sufficient to maintain sterility of the food product during a recirculating water-to-food product transition in the heat exchanger. Methods for manufacturing food products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Louis Cummings, Christopher Paul Mosser
  • Patent number: 10050291
    Abstract: A metal air battery system includes an air intake apparatus configured to draw external air, a metal air battery module configured to receive oxygen from the air intake apparatus to perform a discharging reaction, and comprising at least one inlet through configured for oxygen inflow and at least one outlet configured for oxygen outflow, and a flow path connection unit connecting the air intake apparatus to the metal air battery module. A position of the at least one inlet and a position of the at least one outlet is con figured to alternate between a first opening in the metal air battery module and a second opening in the metal air battery module as the metal air battery module is discharged, and the metal air battery system is configured so that at least a portion of the oxygen in the metal air battery module is removed during a charging reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heungchan Lee, Jeongsik Ko, Hyukjae Kwon, Kihyun Kim, Dongmin Im
  • Publication number: 20150147250
    Abstract: The invention relates to an SCR catalytic convertor system and a method for operating a reductant metering process of an SCR catalytic converter system (14) of an internal combustion engine (10), wherein the SCR catalytic converter system (14) has a first SCR exhaust emission control device (16), an SCR catalytic converter (18) arranged downstream of the SCR exhaust emission control device, and a reductant metering device (20) for metering a reductant into the exhaust gas flow upstream of the first SCR exhaust emission control device (16), wherein the reductant metering process is controlled at least depending on a temperature of the first SCR exhaust emission control device (16) and of the SCR catalytic converter (18) arranged downstream, wherein (I) if the temperature of the first SCR exhaust emission control device (16) is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum temperature (T_SPF min) and the SCR catalytic converter (18) arranged downstream is less than a predetermined minimum temperature (T_SCR
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Giampaolo Nigro, Martina Kösters, Thorsten Düsterdiek
  • Publication number: 20150118114
    Abstract: A method of converting nitrogen oxides in a gas to nitrogen by contacting the nitrogen oxides with a nitrogenous reducing agent in the presence of a zeolite catalyst containing at least one transition metal, wherein the zeolite is a small pore zeolite containing a maximum ring size of eight tetrahedral atoms, wherein the at least one transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ce, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Re, Jr and Pt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: HAI-YING CHEN, JOSEPH MICHAEL FEDEYKO, RODNEY KOK SHIN FOO, PAUL JOSEPH ANDERSEN, JILLIAN ELAINE COLLIER, JOHN LEONELLO CASCI, RAJ RAO RAJARAM
  • Publication number: 20150118115
    Abstract: A method of converting nitrogen oxides in a gas to nitrogen by contacting the nitrogen oxides with a nitrogenous reducing agent in the presence of a zeolite catalyst containing at least one transition metal, wherein the zeolite is a small pore zeolite containing a maximum ring size of eight tetrahedral atoms, wherein the at least one transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ce, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Re, Ir and Pt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: HAI-YING CHEN, JOSEPH MICHAEL FEDEYKO, RODNEY KOK SHIN FOO, PAUL JOSEPH ANDERSEN, JILLIAN ELAINE COLLIER, JOHN LEONELLO CASCI, RAJ RAO RAJARAM
  • Publication number: 20150064104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen generator that produces hydrogen by thermal decomposition. An electric circuit including a plurality of parallel branches, each including at least one electric heating element, is arranged in a sequence. The circuit also includes a normally open switch between adjacent branches and a normally closed switch in each branch but the last to provide current to the heating elements in the sequence of the parallel branches. Each heating element provides heat to thermally decompose a portion of a reactant, open the normally closed switch in the same branch, and close the normally open switch following that branch, energizing and deenergizing the heating elements in sequence. Each of the normally open switches includes a switch material with a resistivity that permanently decreases to close the switch in response to heating, and each of the normally closed switches opens in response to heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Craig Huddleston, Russell Barton
  • Publication number: 20150044100
    Abstract: A degradant concentration measurement device 14 according to the invention has an electric conductivity measurement instrument 71A measuring the electric conductivity of a lean solution 16 that is an acidic gas-absorbing solution and detection means 72 obtaining the concentration of a degradant contained in a lean solution 16 from the measured electric conductivity of the lean solution 16 based on the relationship between the previously-obtained electric conductivity of the lean solution 16 and the concentration of the degradant contained in the lean solution 16.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Yukumoto, Kouji Horizoe, Yudai Kato, Haruaki Hirayama, Kazuo Ishida
  • Patent number: 8951480
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Nagichettiar Satyamurthy, Jorge R. Barrio, Bernard Amarasekera, R. Michael Van Dam, Sebastian Olma, Dirk Williams, Mark A. Eddings, Clifton Kwang-Fu Shen
  • Patent number: 8951476
    Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cool Planet Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
  • Publication number: 20140377134
    Abstract: A instrument for performing synthesis of small molecules such as Oligos and Peptides when using solid phase synthesis techniques to synthesize small molecules. The system and methods include a mechanism for controlling the pressure differential across the reaction vessels that contain the solid support used in solid phase synthesis. Reaction vessels are held in a holder that provides a sealable chamber at the outlet ends of the reaction vessels. The rotor containing the reaction vessels is placed within a sealable chamber. The sealable chamber is fitted with a means for engaging the rotor and draining the reaction vessels to waste. The sealable chamber is also fitted with a means for engaging the rotor to drain the reaction vessels at a slower, variable rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Demmitt
  • Patent number: 8881748
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Elliott V. Stowe
  • Patent number: 8858731
    Abstract: A disinfecting chemical bottle includes a bottle body including a storing section that stores a chemical used for cleaning/disinfecting an endoscope and a mouth portion including an opening portion from which the chemical freely flows out, a first conductive portion provided so as to be exposed in an inner portion and an outer portion of the bottle body, and a second conductive portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductive portion so as to be exposed in the inner portion and the outer portion of the bottle body, the second conductive portion being electrically connectable to the first conductive portion via the chemical in the bottle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takaaki Komiya, Tsuyoshi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20140301900
    Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200) is described for disinfecting and sanitizing up to three brushes (16) with steam, where the brushes (16) are placed in a horizontal position in the apparatus, such that the handles (16a) of the brushes (16) protrude from the apparatus and are not exposed to the steam generated for disinfecting and sanitizing the brushes. The apparatus (100, 200) comprises a case (1) covered by a tilting lid (8) and supported by a base (2), a water tank (3) and a chamber (4) located inside the case (1), the chamber (4) having a system for evaporating the water contained inside the tank (3), a support (5) for the brushes (16), a resistance heating system (6) for heating the water, a protection screen (7), a thermostat (26) and an electronic or mechanical control and operation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BIO-ART EQUIPAMENTOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA
    Inventor: Jose Piccin Germano
  • Publication number: 20140286829
    Abstract: An ammonia generating and delivery apparatus generating ammonia by heating a precursor material with a heating device controlled by a temperature pulse controller which receives commands from a pressure controller, and delivering ammonia with a flow rate controlled by a three-stage PWM controller. The temperature pulse controller is used in a first feedback loop to create a temperature pulse sequence at a surface of the heating device. A pressure controller in a second feedback loop provides duty-cycle commands to the temperature pulse controller, while in delivering ammonia, effects of pressure variation to delivery accuracy are compensated in the three-stage PWM controller, which includes a flow-rate feedback loop. The ammonia generating and delivery apparatus can also include two containers, in which the precursor material in one container is charged and discharged according to the capability of the other container in generating ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Baohua Qi
  • Publication number: 20140255257
    Abstract: A sterilization system uses an ozone-air mixture for treatment of a water-intake finger and an air space of a water source bottle of a water dispenser in which the bottle is installed with its neck downwards for discharge. The system includes a cone for holding the bottle vertically, the water-intake finger for water delivery from the bottle into a reservoir, an ozone generator, and a control device. Two longitudinal channels in the water-intake finger separately deliver water from the bottle into the reservoir and ozone-air mixture delivery into the bottle. The water-intake finger has a preventive cup, to prevent air penetration into the bottle from the air space of the reservoir, having an inlet channel connected to the generator for ozone-air mixture delivery into the preventive cup during water off-take from the reservoir when water poured out of the bottle is replaced with the ozone-air mixture delivered from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Scandinavian Innovation Group Oy
    Inventor: Andrzej Pawlow
  • Patent number: 8753568
    Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent M. Kelly, Louis Anthony Codispoti, Steven Edward Suttles
  • Patent number: 8755940
    Abstract: A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, George D. Mylchreest, Carl H. Neuschaefer
  • Publication number: 20140134055
    Abstract: A method includes monitoring a pressure of a gasification system after gasifier shutdown via a pressure sensor, wherein the gasification system includes a gas treatment system and a gasifier configured to output syngas to the gas treatment system during gasification. In addition, the method includes depressurizing the gasification system after gasifier shutdown by opening a flare valve to release gas from the gasifier and the gas treatment system to an atmosphere. The method also includes pressurizing the gasification system after gasifier shutdown, when the monitored pressure reaches a lower pressure threshold, by establishing multiple purge flows of inert gas into the gasification system to remove residual gas from the gasification system. The multiple purge flows are established at different times and at different locations within the gasification system relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mae Alane Plummer, Anindra Mazumdar
  • Publication number: 20140065020
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a pump controller configured to select a flowrate from a plurality of flowrates based on detected pressure, and to operate the pump at the selected flowrate. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a purge valve assembly configured to allow at least one pressurized gas to flow through a purge conduit from a pressurized gas assembly to a fuel processing assembly when power to the fuel processing assembly is interrupted. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a damper controller configured to move a damper between fully open and closed positions based, at least in part, on detected temperature in a hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a reformer controller configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, Robert Schluter
  • Patent number: 8658106
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for sanitizing a gas pump handle. A cover at least partially encloses the gas pump handle. The cover is able to be moved from a covered position to an uncovered position. Located on the cover are one or more nozzles or foggers for dispensing sanitizing fluid onto the handle. Sensors detect the position of the cover or the detect whether or not the handle is in the rest position. A controller, in communication with the sensors, sends a command to a pump to spray sanitizer through the nozzle or foggers after a user has pumped gas and returned the handle or the cover to the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Eric H. Van Zijl
  • Patent number: 8594848
    Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20130280134
    Abstract: A sterilization container having a lid and a bottom. The lid is provided with a plurality if bimetal valves that will fully open and fully close at a preset temperature. The lid also includes a pressure equalization valve to relieve pressure from the container that will occur during the heating and cooling process. The bottom and the lid are formed from light weight and highly durable material so provide an easily handled and long lasting apparatus. Each lid includes a plurality of recesses and each bottom includes a plurality of complimentary projections such that multiple containers can be safely stacked upon one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Michael D. Hoffman, Franklin Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20130142698
    Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
  • Publication number: 20130090512
    Abstract: The cost relating to a reduction in volume and storage of a waste resin including a radioactive nuclide is reduced. In an aspect of the invention, a volume reduction processing system 1000 is provided. The volume reduction processing system 1000 includes a radioactivity meter 102 that measures the radioactivity of a processing target resin, a volume reduction processing device 110 that carries out a heating process, and an oxidation process using oxygen plasma P on the processing target resin, and a process stopping point computation unit 180 that determines a process stopping point for carrying out a volume reduction process on the processing target resin with the volume reduction processing device as far as a volume reduction target value. The volume reduction processing device 110 stops at least one process of the heating process and oxidation process on the process stopping point being reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Gen-ichi Katagiri
  • Publication number: 20130071291
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that can prevent fixation of urea solution to an interior of a dosing valve when the urea solution is not injected through the dosing valve. An SCR system closes a dosing valve when the exhaust gas temperature is lower than a temperature at which an SCR catalyst becomes active and is provided with a fixation prevention system that opens the dosing valve and controls a supply module to feed the urea solution in the dosing valve back to a urea tank to prevent fixation of the urea solution to the interior of the dosing valve, when the exhaust gas temperature is equal to or higher than a temperature at which the urea solution crystallizes and lower than the temperature at which the SCR catalyst becomes active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Takao Onodera, Hiroyuki Oohira, Masanobu Minezawa
  • Publication number: 20130034469
    Abstract: A control system of an internal combustion engine in which a catalyst device having oxidation ability is arranged in the exhaust system, is provided. When a temperature of the catalyst device is lower than a set temperature, the combustion temperature is made a first combustion temperature or under or is made a second combustion temperature or over, to make an amount of lower olefin in the exhaust gas smaller than that when the combustion temperature is higher than the first combustion temperature and is lower than the second combustion temperature. Therefore, an amount of lower olefin which reduces the oxidation rate of CO in the catalyst device is decreased so as to realize the quick warming-up of the catalyst device by using of the oxidation reaction heat of CO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takamitsu Asanuma, Yuichi Sobue, Daichi Imai, Kou Sugawara, Kyoung-Oh Kim
  • Publication number: 20130018491
    Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent M. Kelly, Louis Anthony Codispoti, Steven Edward Suttles
  • Patent number: 8306665
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas. In particular, the control system is designed to be configurable for use in controlling one or more processes implemented in, and/or by, a gasification system for the conversion of such feedstock into a gas, which may be used for one or more downstream applications. Gasification processes controllable by different embodiments of the disclosed control system may include in various combinations, a converter, a residue conditioner, a recuperator and/or heat exchanger system, one or more gas conditioners, a gas homogenization system and one or more downstream applications. The control system operatively controls various local, regional and/or global processes related to the overall gasification process, and thereby adjusts various control parameters thereof adapted to affect these processes for a selected result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Plasco Energy Group Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Kenneth Craig Campbell, Douglas Michael Feasby, Alisdair Alan McLean
  • Patent number: 8241568
    Abstract: A reaction tank for causing a reaction for analyzing a specimen in a humidity-applied atmosphere in a storage vessel, includes a humidifying unit that includes a water reservoir reserving water and a humidifier releasing moisture of the water reservoir to an inside of the storage vessel, the humidifying unit humidifying the inside of the storage vessel, and a humidity detector that detects humidity inside the storage vessel. An operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned ON when the humidity inside the storage vessel becomes lower than a predetermined suitable humidity whereas the operation of the humidifier of the humidifying unit is turned OFF when the humidity inside the storage vessel exceeds the predetermined suitable humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8241590
    Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Harada, Akihiko Yabuki, Kiyoshi Taninaka
  • Patent number: 8211208
    Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Patent number: 8124031
    Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Harada, Akihiko Yabuki, Kiyoshi Taninaka
  • Publication number: 20110286899
    Abstract: An apparatus (401) for cleaning gas in blow moulding machines for shaping plastics material pre-forms to form plastics material containers. According to the invention at least one gas-processing device (416), which is capable of filtering the gas in a sterile manner and/or of reducing a quantity of an oxidative disinfecting/sterilizing agent contained in the gas flowing through and/or flowing past, is arranged in at least one gas line (402, 402a, 402b) which is a gas supply line (402a) or a gas removal line (402a) of a blowing station (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Oliver Martini, Juergen Soellner, Ulrich Lappe, Michael Dahmen, Eduard Handschuh, Michael Neubauer
  • Publication number: 20110286882
    Abstract: The invention is an automated infection control surface, which may be placed on the sole of a shoe or on the ground in the form of a floor mat/tile. The invention is composed of a series of individual light sources or LEDs (light emitting diodes) capable of emitting ultraviolet sanitizing light. When in the format of a shoe, there is an electronic switch in the form of a pressure sensor which is triggered when the operator's foot is planted within the shoe and standing firmly on the ground. When the pressure sensor is triggered the electrical current passes from the power source to the light sources or LEDs and illumination of sanitizing light occurs. When the shoe is lifted off the ground and when there is no weight or pressure within the shoe, the pressure sensor is turned off and the LEDs turn off. In this way the shoe is only capable of triggering UV microbicidal activity when the sole is flush to the ground, thus preventing inadvertent UV light scatter and potential skin and eye damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Allan Yang Wu
  • Patent number: 8043556
    Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Peel, Timothy James Shepherd, Geoffrey Hawke Whale, Paul Vigars, Nicholas John Beck
  • Publication number: 20110256027
    Abstract: An ozonated water spraying system with energy resource conversion is disclosed. The system includes an ozonated water spraying apparatus and an energy resource conversion device. The ozonated water spraying apparatus has an ozone generation unit, a mixing and spraying unit, and a water flow detection unit, in which the ozone generation unit is for generating ozone. The mixing and spraying unit couples with the ozone generation unit, for mixing the generated ozone with water and spraying the ozonated water out. Further, the water flow detection unit, coupled to the ozone generation unit and the mixing and spraying unit, is capable of detecting whether water flows through the mixing and spraying unit so as to control the ozone generation unit in response to the detection result. Additionally, the energy resource conversion unit is for converting energy resource into electrical power to provide the requisite power to the ozonated water spraying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Shih-Chang CHEN, Tsair-Rong Chen, Chun-Ling Chiu
  • Patent number: 8038778
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Patent number: 8021446
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: Patton M. Adams, David J. Edlund, Vernon Wade Popham, Mesa Scharf, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7955843
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Groton Biosystems, LLC
    Inventor: George E. Barringer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7901819
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel feeding system of a fuel cell system that has: a switching device for switching a reactor, that can carry out a reforming process and a regeneration process, between alternate statuses of a first status of feeding a reactant to the reactor while exhausting a fuel gas and a second status of feeding a gas for regeneration to the reactor while exhausting a regeneration exhaust gas; and a control apparatus for switching the switching device so that residual reforming gas, which is still remaining in the reactor before switching, is combusted in an exhaust air processor and not exhausted as the residual reforming gas without treatment when switching from the first status to the second status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Shimazu, Hiroshi Aoki, Hiroyuki Mitsui, Satoshi Iguchi
  • Publication number: 20110020184
    Abstract: A kitchen waste bin having a casing; a lid hingedly attached to the casing and moveable between open and closed positions. The lid includes an outer casing, an inner casing and a cavity there between. The inner casing having one or more apertures communicating between the cavity and the interior of the receptacle when the lid is closed; an ozone generator located within the cavity arranged to discharge ozone into the receptacle where the ozone generator is an ultraviolet source that includes an elongate lamp in an elongate channel shaped reflector; a switch that generates and transmits a control signal when the lid is moved; and a control unit arranged to switch the ozone generator on or off in response to a control signal. Ozone is discharged into the receptacle for a sterilization period when the lid is closed. Discharge of the ozone stops when the lid is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Sun
  • Publication number: 20100304247
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator comprises a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction in an internal space thereof using a material gas and steam; a material gas supply passage through which the material gas is supplied to the reformer; a material gas supplier which is provided at the material gas supply passage to supply the material gas to the reformer; a first valve configured to open and close the material gas supply passage; an evaporator configured to generate a steam supplied to the reformer; a water supplier configured to supply water to the evaporator; a communicating passage for allowing the reformer to communicate with atmosphere; a second valve configured to open and close the communicating passage; and a controller configured to stop the material gas supplier and the water supplier and close the first valve and the second valve at shutdown of the hydrogen generator; and open the second valve prior to opening the first valve when the material gas supplier resumes
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Tamura, Kiyoshi Taguchi, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7815867
    Abstract: An addition apparatus, a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) system having an addition apparatus, and a method for adding material to an FCC unit are provided. In one embodiment, an addition system having the capability of interfacing with a material container is provided that allows the addition system to obtain information relating material held in the container. In one embodiment, at least some of the information is contained on a tag affixed to the container. Other information may be retrieved and/or sent to the addition system controller from a remote data source, such as a catalyst supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Elliott, Martin Evans
  • Publication number: 20100209305
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus includes a catalyst carrier which has a body and a catalyst supported on the body, and an electrically conducting device for conducting an electric current to the body. A part of the body is at least made of a conductive nonmetal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Koji YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 7771676
    Abstract: A PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger and an operating method thereof capable of effectively controlling temperature of a preferential oxidation reactor so as to obtain optimal activation and yield. The PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger of the present invention includes a pipe having an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger cooling gas passing through the pipe, a catalyst part positioned at the rear end of the heat exchanger, upon considering the flow of gas, and shifting carbon monoxide contained in the gas into other substances; and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the gas coming out through the catalyst part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-hyuk Son, Hyun Kim, Chang-bong Lee, Min-jung Oh, Man-seok Han, Yong-kul Lee, Jin-goo Ahn, Chan-ho Lee, Ju-yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100178211
    Abstract: A communication terminal device in which a diffusion control of aroma suitable for the situation can be performed. In the communication terminal device (100), according to the diffusion parameter used for diffusing the aroma (or smoke) and predetermined by the user, the state of a mobile terminal body (100B) recognized by a control unit (130) by using the detected information from the sensors of a sensing unit (150), and environment information on the environment around the mobile terminal body (100B), diffusion control of an aroma material (121) from a diffusion apparatus body (100A) is performed by an aroma diffusion section (141) of an indicating unit (140), smoke generation control of a smoke generation material (122) is performed by a smoke generation section (142), and suppression control of the aroma diffusion and the smoke generation is performed by a diffusion suppression unit (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ushijima
  • Publication number: 20100147145
    Abstract: An air elutriation device for an air conveying household appliance includes a housing with an air elutriation zone delimited by a filter element, a detection element in a storage space for the filter element, and a cover sheet on the filter element. The detection element can be actuated via the filter element by the cover sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventor: Ingo Meisel