Patents Assigned to PSi
  • Patent number: 6819588
    Abstract: The invention is essentially characterized in that in a first step a substrate is provided, which is coated with defined pattern of protrusions of a coating layer of a different material, so that an interface is defined between the substrate and the coating layer. As an example, the patterned coating layer can be applied by first forming an essentially homogeneous coating layer, which is then partially removed by means of photolithographic and etching techniques, leaving nanometer sized protrusions in that layer. As a next step, the surface provided with these structures is modified by selectively removing protrusions by means of a micro-device. Such a micro-device can be formed in a similar way to a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip. The presence or absence of a protrusion represents a readable data bit information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
    Inventors: Bettina Baumeister, Thomas A. Jung, Ernst Meyer, Christoph Walter, Laura Heyderman
  • Publication number: 20040200784
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus for use in polymer processing includes a housing having an internal bore for directing polymer flow and a channel oriented transversely to the bore. A slide plate for supporting filters is movable through the channel and across the bore. An annular upstream seal ring sealably contacts the slide plate. A surface of the upstream seal ring facing the upstream direction is angled with respect to the bore. A plurality of ring segments are arranged to form an annular segmented ring. The segmented ring presents a tapered ring surface that is generally complimentarily angled relative to the angled surface of the upstream seal ring. Pressurized polymer flowing through the bore imparts radially forces on the ring segments, causing the ring segments to impart axial forces on the upstream seal ring to enhance the seal interface between the upstream seal ring and the slide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: PSI-Polymer Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Howland B. Jones
  • Patent number: 6791706
    Abstract: An adjustable high-speed machine and process that makes and applies related documents to items comprising of a document receiving station which accepts various sized output from printers, an accumulator station which uses various types of sensors, optical marks and/or software to control the number of documents accumulated which form a set and initiates movement to other stations. The machine and process also consist of a document folder which provides various industry standard folds to sets of documents followed by an optional fold to create a smaller size and a transport device which presents sets of documents to other devices in different orientations and directions. Another device manages single or multiple rolls of adhesive or non-adhesive materials and creates a container or pouch for documents or devices, a device cuts, slices or separates material from rolls of tape or other material at programmed lengths to complete the pouch or container creation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Peripheral Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: John P Panunto, Wing Fai Lam
  • Patent number: 6779648
    Abstract: A device for singulating individual logs from groups of logs for linear or transverse processing. The log singulator having a fully rotatable lifter arm member, i.e., 360 degrees rotatable, which is used to singulate logs from groups of logs. The rotatable axle of the lifter arm may be located above the upstream “V” of the log cradle member. Furthermore, the lifter arm will positively push the logs over the top point of the log cradle because it is rounded at the top point, thereby allowing the tip of lifter arm to remain in contact with the log. Lifter arms with 1 to 4 lifter arm tips are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Patent number: 6779649
    Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20040145072
    Abstract: Apparatus is for forming fibrous filter elements, e.g tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: PSI Global Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex George Hunter
  • Patent number: 6688491
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlled dispensing of a plurality of objects, the apparatus comprising a housing and frame assembly, a track assembly comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks shaped in a convoluted closed loop shape to optimize space and volume, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the track assembly and able to move within the tracks. A dispensing assembly has a pneumatic ram for ejecting an object placed in the tube, and an indexing assembly for advancing the tube after ejection of its object. A ratchet assembly permits one directional movement of the tubes and prevents tubes from moving backward to the dispensing assembly. At least one assist advancing assembly has a pneumatic ram for pushing the tubes within the track in one direction. Photosensors used in conjunction with a microprocessor controller enable the apparatus to detect low object load, speed and system error. A user display provides for control of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: David Edward Bliek, Grant Duane Beasley
  • Patent number: 6688320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of utility conservation control methodology within a fluid pumping distribution system. With fluid flowing through a distribution grid, the pressure at any given point becomes a function of system flow. At a specific flow rate, the pressure at this point is a function of flow rate. This invention is a process that continuously adjusts the pressure requirement for the pumping system by varying the pump speed according to the system head curve details. This invention produces several benefits for a fluid distribution system including reducing utility costs and equipment aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Flowtronex PSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Frasure, Carl McBride, John Tucker
  • Patent number: 6687684
    Abstract: A postage printing system enables users to generate postage indicia and print mail pieces at client computers. Upon user determination of a mail piece print failure, a mail metering application on the client computer sends reprint request to an authorizing authority at a remote location. The reprint request includes information identifying an account for printing a postage indicia. A server computer used by the authorizing authority receives the reprint request from a client computer and evaluates the request. When the account is verified and other criteria are satisfied, a reply is sent to the client computer that includes a reprint authorization. Otherwise, a negative reply is sent to the client computer that does not include the reprint authorization. Upon receiving a reprint authorization from the authorizing authority, the client computer prints a replacement mail piece with the postage indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: PSI Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry T. Whitehouse, Scott T. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20030205444
    Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20030173373
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlled dispensing of a plurality of objects, the apparatus comprising a housing and frame assembly, a track assembly comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks shaped in a convoluted closed loop shape to optimize space and volume, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the track assembly and able to move within the tracks. A dispensing assembly has a pneumatic ram for ejecting an object placed in the tube, and an indexing assembly for advancing the tube after ejection of its object. A ratchet assembly permits one directional movement of the tubes and prevents tubes from moving backward to the dispensing assembly. At least one assist advancing assembly has a pneumatic ram for pushing the tubes within the track in one direction. Photosensors used in conjunction with a microprocessor controller enable the apparatus to detect low object load, speed and system error. A user display provides for control of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: David Edward Bliek, Grant Duane Beasley
  • Patent number: 6617548
    Abstract: A device for butt welding pipes (99A-B) comprises: a guide element (17) which can surround and can be fixed to one of the ends of the pipes, and a carriage (1) movable along the said guide element and having powered means (25) for moving it along the guide element (17), a welding torch (90), means (29) for feeding it and means (26) for supporting the said welding torch (90) and moving it vertically and horizontally with respect to the said carriage, and means of movement (27) for imparting the oscillatory movement to the said torch and for regulating the amplitude of oscillation and the position of the torch during this oscillation; the regulating and monitoring means (108) are of the electronic type; and means (104) are provided for generating a signal relating to the angular movement of the welding torch (90) during the oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: PSI Pipeline Service, S.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Bosio
  • Patent number: 6610831
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering zein from substrates are disclosed. The method includes extracting a zein-containing substrate such as whole corn with ethanol to yield a crude zein alcoholic dispersion and treating this dispersion with an adsorbent to remove at least one of starch, color or oil to yield a purified zein which is subsequently recovered or used in industrial applications. A preferred adsorbent is activated charcoal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Lurgi PSI, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerel McInnis, Qingnong Tang
  • Patent number: 6602985
    Abstract: Zein is recovered from gluten meal prepared by wet milling procedures by washing the gluten with clean water to remove water-soluble components; separating the water-soluble components and recovering the water-insoluble components; extracting the water insoluble components with hydrous ethanol solvent to extract zein; recovering the crude zein extract; treating the crude zein extract with an adsorbent that adsorbs at least one of color, odor, oil and fatty acid; and to yield a purified zein extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Lurgi PSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerel McInnis, Qingnong Tang
  • Publication number: 20030133324
    Abstract: The invention is essentially characterized in that in a first step a substrate is provided, which is coated with defined pattern of protrusions of a coating layer of a different material, so that an interface is defined between the substrate and the coating layer. As an example, the patterned coating layer can be applied by first forming an essentially homogeneous coating layer, which is then partially removed by means of photolithographic and etching techniques, leaving nanometer sized protrusions in that layer. As a next step, the surface provided with these structures is modified by selectively removing protrusions by means of a micro-device. Such a micro-device can be formed in a similar way to a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip. The presence or absence of a protrusion represents a readable data bit information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (PSI)
    Inventors: Bettina Baumeister, Thomas A. Jung, Ernst Meyer, Christoph Walther, Laura Heyderman
  • Publication number: 20030115999
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Van Woodham
  • Publication number: 20030101147
    Abstract: A method and system for using a tracking ID to facilitate the refunding of unused postage is provided. Information for a postage transaction, along with the tracking ID and an associated delivery status, is stored. This delivery status is updated when the mail piece carrying the tracking ID is delivered. Unused postage can be confirmed by retrieving the stored postage transaction information and determining from that whether there are duplicative postage transactions. The delivery statuses for the duplicative postage transactions can then be reviewed to determine whether the mail pieces associated with these postage transactions have been delivered. If not, one of the postage transactions may be refunded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Montgomery, Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20030101148
    Abstract: A method and system for using an indexing identifier (such as, e.g., a tracking ID or the combination of a postage vendor ID, user account, and piece count) to decrease the size of the postage indicium transmitted to an end user computer, or eliminate transmission of the postage indicium altogether, is provided. When the postage indicium for the end user computer is generated, it is stored, and the indexing identifier, rather than the postage indicium, is transmitted to the end user computer. The indexing identifier is applied to a mail piece, which is then scanned by the postal authority. The postal authority can obtain the stored postage indicium by reference to the indexing identifier. In this manner, the postal authority has access to the postage indicium without having to apply it to the mail piece. The indexing identifiers can optionally be used to index sender identification information for verifying that the sender of a mail piece is a trusted individual or entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Montgomery, Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20030101143
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting copy fraud using a unique character string, e.g., a tracking ID, is provided. This tracking ID can be associated with a postage indicium and digitally signed to provide for a self-validating unique postage indicium. The self-validating postage indicium can then be applied to a mail piece, e.g., a package, which are then processed through a postal authority, e.g., the USPS. Once validated by the postal authority, the tracking ID within the unique postage indicium can be compared to the tracking ID's in all other postage indicia to ensure that tracking ID is indeed unique and has not been duplicated. If the self-validating postage indicia on tracked mail pieces are only spot-checked, the tracking ID obtained from the validated postage indicium can be compared to a standard tracking ID found elsewhere on the mail pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: PSI Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Montgomery, Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6558444
    Abstract: An intake filter (1) or a coalescing filter (4) of a compressor or vacuum pump, or an in-line filter has its identity recorded in a transponder (50, 54), memory chip or other device such as a magnetic or magnetostrictive strip. Interrogation e.g. by means of antennae (52, 56) enables a control unit (55) to verify the identity of the filter and to store the result in memory (57). A record can therefore be maintained of whether approved filters are being used and whether they are exchanged at approved intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: PSI Global Ltd.
    Inventor: Susanne Phyllis Hunter