Abstract: An environmentally friendly combination of wind turbine and solar energy collectors are provided. Solar photovoltaic material is secured to the surface of the wind turbine tower to augment the power generation capability of a wind turbine. The wind turbine energy output is controlled by a power management program and may be combined with the solar power energy that is generated from solar photovoltaic material covering the surface area of the body of the wind turbine's tower through an electrical subsystem associated with the wind turbine, an electrical subsystem associated with the solar energy collection system, and a combination subsystem conductively coupled both the electrical subsystem associated with the wind turbine and the electrical subsystem associated with the solar energy collection system.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 14, 2012
Date of Patent:
December 4, 2012
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Janel Marie Kieffer, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Steven E. Lentsch
Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for selecting at least one program item to be stored on the basis of user preferences. The apparatus comprises a receiver (110) for obtaining program schedule data related to at least one program item, and a timer (150) arranged to ascertain a period of time in which at least one program item is to be stored, a user preference module (130) arranged to obtain user preferences for at least one program item to be stored in the ascertained period of time, and a selection unit (140) arranged to select, using the program schedule data and the user preferences, at least one program item to be stored over a long period of time which is substantially longer than regular periods of nonusage of the apparatus. The invention takes into consideration that the user preferences for storing the program items may depend on the period of time in which the program items are to be selected.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2004
Date of Patent:
November 27, 2012
Assignee:
Pace Micro Technology PLC
Inventors:
Wilhelmus Franciscus Johannes Verhaegh, Petrus Gerardus Meuleman
Abstract: An apparatus for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes a dispensing system configured for dispensing the agrochemicals and a variable rate controller operatively connected to the dispensing system and configured to control dispensement of agrochemicals from the dispensing system. The variable rate controller is programmed with an algorithm which uses a plant growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration. A method for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes acquiring a growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration, using the growth state appropriate plug value in the initial calibration, and applying agrochemicals to the geographical area according to the initial calibration.
Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for providing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type functionality for electrical systems that may experience leakage current, such as those used in outdoor sports lighting applications, and may benefit from mitigation of electrical shock hazards. The resulting system is such that an equipment-grounded electrical system, where the grounding system is actively monitored, in conjunction with the envisioned GFCI functionality, may comprise an electrical protection system whereby personal injury is minimized.
Abstract: A method is provided for providing a user with the ability to access and collect records associated with the user in a secure and private manner. The method includes assigning a phone number to the user for private fax and voice communications from service providers, associating access information with the user for the user to use to access a web site, receiving a private fax communication comprising a record associated with the user for which the user has requested and given permission to the service provider to send to the phone number, converting the private fax communications into an image file format, storing the record encoded in the image file format, and providing the user with access to the web site using the access information and providing on the web site an interface to the records of the user for the user to access the record.
Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 17, 2010
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2012
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen B. Christensen, Joanna A. Pham, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Steven Eugene Lentsch, Dawn Lock
Abstract: “DECENTRALIZED SYSTEM AND ARCHITECTURE FOR REMOTE REAL TIME MONITORING OF POWER TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS, CIRCUIT BREAKERS, INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS, DISCONNECT SWITCHES AND SIMILAR HIGH VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT FOR POWER PLANTS AND ELECTRIC POWER SUBSTATIONS”, remarkably consisting of intelligent sensors of the IED type that make concerning measurements in the high voltage equipment, interconnected through a communication network to a monitoring central computer, allowing user's remote access to the measurements and diagnosis of the equipment condition as well as emitting automatic alarms should any abnormality appear in it.
Abstract: A wheelchair stabilizing device is presented. The device includes a latch spring-biased in the closed position, a mounting bracket, and a swing arm connecting the latch and the mounting bracket. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 4, 2010
Date of Patent:
November 13, 2012
Assignee:
Fall Less Designs & Equipment, Inc.
Inventors:
Micheal Duane Parks, Donna Pauline Kidwell, Patrick Joseph Kidwell
Abstract: Novel uses for diterpene modulators of macrophage phagosomal maturation are provided. The diterpene isotuberculosinol is used as an immune modulator, assay for pharmaceutical compositions and an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis labdane-related diterpenoid virulence factor. A method of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity is further provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 2010
Date of Patent:
November 13, 2012
Assignees:
Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Cornell University
Inventors:
Reuben John Peters, David G. Russell, Francis M. Mann
Abstract: A method and system is provided for facilitating exchange and review of electronically submitted construction submittals. The method and system also provide for management and review of construction submittals associated with a construction project. The method and system provides convenience and reduces expenses for architects, contractors and consultants involved in a construction process. The method includes providing an application adapted to provide a first level of access to a contractor to submit construction submittals, a second level of access to an architect to review and manage construction submittals, a third level of access to consultants to review construction submittals, and a fourth level of access to facilities owners, construction managers, and other parties to monitor the submittal process. The application is adapted to display the status, review dates, actions, and other relevant information of all project submittals, whether electronic, paper, or physical samples, in a linear log format.
Abstract: A method for providing a user with the ability to access and collect records associated with the user in a secure and private manner includes associating access information with the user for the user to use to access a server storing files comprising records associated with the user in a computer readable storage medium, providing the user with a user interface on a computing device to remotely access the records stored on the server, receiving at the server the files comprising records associated with the user from a service provider associated with the user, receiving at the server a request from the user made through the user interface of the computing device for access to the files, wherein the access information is associated with the request, and sending the user a file containing the records associated with user from the server to the computing device in response to the request.
Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that can be utilized for accurate pre-aiming and installation of devices. The devices are pre-set to an aiming orientation relative to a universal reference plane. The reference plane is then correlated to a feature of a pole, tower, or other structure that will be used to elevate or suspend the devices. A position sensing subsystem is utilized to inform a worker when each device is correctly angularly oriented to the reference plane. The worker simply moves the mounting structure for the device to the correct three-dimensional angular orientation, uses the position sensor to confirm the correct orientation to within a highly accurate margin of error, and either locks the device in that orientation or marks the orientation. The pole, tower, or other elevating structure is then preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation with the pre-aimed devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
October 30, 2012
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Timothy J. Boyle, Christopher T. Chantos, Philip D. Hol, Darrell D. Rogers, Kenneth G. Lewis, Jr., Timothy D. McGill
Abstract: A cleaning composition including a betaine functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 23, 2011
Date of Patent:
October 30, 2012
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is provided for use in a tubular conveyor. The belt includes a plurality of cleat sets extending at a non-perpendicular angle across the axis of the belt. Adjacent cleat sets are offset with respect to one another, such that the axis of adjacent cleat sets are non-parallel. Each cleat set includes a plurality of spaced apart, upstanding cleat members. The orientation of the cleat sets helps maintain material toward the center of the belt, while the orientation of the cleat members eliminates vacuum behind the cleat members.
Abstract: A buoyant wading aid has a generally U-shaped body. The body includes a front portion and rearwardly extending legs. A pair of handles are provided on the legs. A storage container may be tethered to the body of wading aid to be towed behind the body when in use. The storage container may be adjusted into a transport configuration between and supported by the legs. The handles may be rigidly attached to a frame that provides structural support for the body of the wading aid.