Patents Represented by Attorney McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
  • Patent number: 8303929
    Abstract: A process for producing a hydrogen-containing product gas by catalytic steam-hydrocarbon reforming with an overall steam-to-carbon molar ratio between 1.5 and 2.4 for the process. The process stream is reacted in at least two prereformers prior to reaction in catalyst-containing tubes in a top-fired reformer furnace. The process stream is reacted adiabatically in the first prereformer, while the process stream is heated prior to being introduced into the second prereformer and/or the second prereformer is heated. The process avoids carbon formation on the catalyst in the catalyst-containing tubes in the primary reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Technip USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Dong Peng, Diwakar Garg, William Robert Licht, Shankar Nataraj, Peter de Geest, Eric S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8302426
    Abstract: An heat exchanger for use in a vapor compression system is disclosed and includes a shell, a first tube bundle, a hood and a distributor. The first tube bundle includes a plurality of tubes extending substantially horizontally in the shell. The hood covers the first tube bundle. The distributor is configured and positioned to distribute fluid onto at least one tube of the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul de Larminat, Jeb Schreiber, Jay A. Kohler, John C. Hansen, Mustafa Kemal Yanik, William F. McQuade, Justin Kauffman, Soren Bierre Poulsen, Lee Li Wang, Satheesh Kulankara
  • Patent number: 8303304
    Abstract: A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Timothy M. Beck, Eugene J. Novak, Thomas E. Barker, William Raymond, Karl H. Bethke
  • Patent number: 8301286
    Abstract: A remote high-performance computing material joining and material forming modeling system (100) enables a remote user (10) using a user input device (20) to use high speed computing capabilities to model materials joining and material forming processes. The modeling system (100) includes an interface module (200), an application module (300), a computing module (400), and a scheduling module (500). The interface module (200) is in operative communication with the user input device (20), as well as the application module (300), the computing module (400), and the scheduling module (500). The application module (300) is in operative communication with the interface module (200) and the computing module (400). The scheduling module (500) is in operative communication with the interface module (200) and the computing module (400). Lastly, the computing module (400) is in operative communication with the interface module (200), the application module (300), and the scheduling module (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudarsanam S. Babu, Chris Conrardy, Shuchi P. Khurana, Wei Zhang, Wei Gan
  • Patent number: 8296913
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic latching support system for positioning a surface is disclosed. The latching support system includes a mechanical support and a ferromagnetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John R. Hull, Michael Strasik
  • Patent number: 8294025
    Abstract: Lateral collection photovoltaic (LCP) structures based on micro- and nano-collecting elements are used to collect photogenerated carriers. In one set of embodiments, the collecting elements are arrayed on a conducting substrate. In certain versions, the collecting elements are substantially perpendicular to the conductor. In another set of embodiments, the micro- or nano-scale collecting elements do not have direct physical and electrical contact to any conducting substrate. In one version, both anode and cathode electrodes are laterally arrayed. In another version, the collecting elements of one electrode are a composite wherein a conductor is separated by an insulator, which is part of each collector element, from the opposing electrode residing on the substrate. In still another version, the collection of one electrode structure is a composite containing both the anode and the cathode collecting elements for collection. An active material is positioned among the collector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Solarity, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Fonash, Handong Li, David Stone
  • Patent number: 8295194
    Abstract: A wired network connection establishing method includes the steps of: configuring two network devices to exchange connection capacity information with each other through first and second twisted pair cables of a network cable, the connection capacity information including at least a first connection mode using four of the twisted pair cables, a second connection mode using three of the twisted pair cables, and a third connection mode using two of the twisted pair cables; configuring the two network devices to detect a number of the twisted pair cables in the network cable capable of supporting a normal connection; and configuring the two network devices to determine which one of the first, second, and third connection modes is to be used for establishing a connection based on the number of the twisted pair cables capable of supporting a normal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Liang-Wei Huang, Ta-Chin Tseng, Ting-Fa Yu, Lie-Way Fang
  • Patent number: 8287238
    Abstract: A method for repairing a hub pitch gear assembly. The method includes providing a ring assembly for adjusting a pitch angle of a wind turbine blade having a plurality of gear teeth. A segment of the ring assembly is removed, the segment including at least a portion of at least one gear tooth, to form a repair cavity. A repair segment configured to mate the repair cavity is provided and the repair segment is directed into the repair cavity and fastened in position. A repaired pitch gear assembly and wind turbine are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Stephen DiMascio, Ryan Close, Gunther Auer, Robert Grimley, Alan Hamel
  • Patent number: 8287248
    Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining the position of a valve in a compressor. The valve includes a valve body connected to a piston in a cylinder by a shaft. The valve body is positioned in the discharge outlet of the compressor based on the location of the piston in the cylinder. The system maintains the position of the valve body in response to a movement of the piston by permitting fluid to flow from a fluid source through the piston and into a chamber of the cylinder to urge the piston back to its initial position in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pillis, Paul Nemit, Jr., Robert D. Heckman
  • Patent number: 8287245
    Abstract: A system is provided for transmitting control signals to the internal devices of a compressor. The compressor includes a housing, a hermetic power terminal and a motor for powering the compressor. The system includes a frequency converter that is located external to the compressor housing and a frequency decoder that is positioned inside the compressor housing. The frequency converter can convert a control signal from a controller to a high frequency signal. The frequency decoder decodes and converts the high frequency signal to a control signal for an internal device of the compressor. An AC input power source provides electrical power to the motor, and power transmission lines connect the AC input power source to the hermetic power terminal. The frequency converter is electrically coupled to the frequency decoder by two power transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Bristol Compressors International, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Tolbert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8286439
    Abstract: A drive system for a compressor of a chiller system includes a variable speed drive. The variable speed drive is arranged to receive an input AC power at a fixed AC input voltage and fixed input frequency and provide an output AC power at a variable voltage and variable frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter connected to an AC power source providing the input AC voltage. The converter is arranged to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage. A DC link is connected to the converter. The DC link is arranged to filter and store the DC voltage from the converter. A first inverter and a second inverter are each connected to the DC link. A motor includes stator windings connected between the first inverter and the second inverter to power the motor by the output AC power from the first inverter and the second inverter. The motor is connectable to a compressor of the chiller system to power the compressor. The motor may be a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Zhiqiao Wu, Ivan Jadric, Michael S. Todd, Justin Drew Warner, Shreesha Adiga Manoor, Konstantin Borisov, Scott Victor Slothower, Kanishk Dubey, John C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8281791
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and article for protecting an ear by reducing intensity of sound audible to an individual using the article and/or by preventing foreign objects from entering an ear canal of the ear. The article includes a surface configured for removably securing the article to a tragus of the ear and urging the tragus to at least partially cover the ear canal, thereby protecting the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Marilyn J. Mance, Frank R. Mance
  • Patent number: 8281961
    Abstract: A device (10) and method for aseptically or non-aseptically accessing a fluid in a container (210) using an existing container opening (211). The device (10) includes a sanitary fitting (12) for attaching the device to the container over the existing container opening, and a sample coupling (14) associated with the sanitary fitting. The sanitary fitting (12) includes a first port (32), and the sample coupling (14) includes at least two second ports (52). The sample coupling (14) is rotatable relative to the sanitary fitting (12) in one direction to cause the first port (32) to successively align with each of the second ports (52), and thereby allows access to the fluid through the aligned first and second ports (32,52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Scientifics, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Martin
  • Patent number: 8272424
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly, comprising a sonotrode, wherein the sonotrode further includes at least one welding region and at least one node adjacent to the welding region; a mount for supporting the sonotrode, wherein the mount further includes a force application region; at least one ultrasonic transducer connected to the sonotrode for transmitting acoustic vibrations to the at least one welding region; at least one roller connected to the sonotrode in a flexible manner for permitting rotation of the sonotrode about its axis; a device for maintaining axial alignment of the sonotrode relative to a target welding area; and a low-friction bearing in contact with the at least one node for the application of force thereto, wherein the at least one low-friction bearing is connected to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Short
  • Patent number: 8267662
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine damper by a metal injection molding process is disclosed. The damper includes a base section and a wire section, and is formed of a nickel-base or cobalt base superalloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: D. Keith Patrick, Randall Charles Bauer, Thomas Joseph Kelly
  • Patent number: 8267116
    Abstract: A backflow and strainer device is presented. The device is a unitary unit that prevents backflow of fluid gas in a compressor and prevents dirt particles and debris from entering the compressor, thereby damaging the components. A valve mechanism moves between an open position and a closed position to either allow or prevent fluid gas from flowing into the compressor. A mesh portion is disposed in the device to trap all dirt particles and debris to prevent them from entering the compressor. The valve mechanism responds to the higher and lower pressures associated with the operation and shutdown of compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Huber, Paul Nemit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8263843
    Abstract: A metal matrix composite is disclosed that includes graphene nanoplatelets dispersed in a metal matrix. The composite provides for improved thermal conductivity. The composite may be formed into heat spreaders or other thermal management devices to provide improved cooling to electronic and electrical equipment and semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Namsoo Paul Kim, James Ping Huang
  • Patent number: D669131
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Elmer's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Dunlap, Anthony Brooks Rorke
  • Patent number: D669132
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Elmer's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Dunlap, Anthony Brooks Rorke
  • Patent number: D670337
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Elmer's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Dunlap, Anthony Brooks Rorke