Patents by Inventor Mark A. Ness
Mark A. Ness has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20140141381Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: GREAT RIVER ENERGYInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James
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Patent number: 8651282Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Mark A. Ness, Matthew P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 8579999Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James
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Patent number: 8523963Abstract: The present invention constitutes a heat treatment apparatus like a fluidized-bed dryer for heat treating a particulate material in a low temperature, open-air process. Preferably, available waste heat sources within the surrounding industrial plan operation are used to provide heat to the dryer. Moreover, conveyor means contained within the dryer can remove larger, denser particles that could otherwise impede the continuous flow of the particulate material through the dryer or plug the fluidizing dryer. This invention is especially useful for drying coal for an electricity generation plant.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Anthony F. Armor, John M. Wheeldon, Matthew P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 8372185Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, James R. Dennis, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon
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Patent number: 8281398Abstract: Structured document files, such as those utilized by standard productivity applications or for portable documents can have malicious computer executable instructions embedded within them. Modifications to such files can prevent the execution of such malware. Modifications can operate at a file sector level, such as either fragmenting or defragmenting the file, or they can operate at a file record level, such as removing records, adding records, or rearranging the order of records. Other modifications include writing random data into records deemed likely to have malware, removing unaccounted for space, or removing records that are not known to be good and are inordinately large. A scan of the structured document file can identify relevant information and inform the selection of the modifications to be applied.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jonathan Daniel Mark Ness, Bruce Dang, Robert John Hensing, Morgan Daniel Beenfeldt
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Publication number: 20120067789Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: GREAT RIVER ENERGYInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon
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Patent number: 8117764Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, John M Wheeldon, Adam M Johnson
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Patent number: 8062410Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon
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Publication number: 20110214309Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Mark A. Ness, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon, Adam M. Johnson
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Patent number: 7987613Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, John M Wheeldon, Adam M Johnson
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Publication number: 20100175133Abstract: Structured document files, such as those utilized by standard productivity applications or for portable documents can have malicious computer executable instructions embedded within them. Modifications to such files can prevent the execution of such malware. Modifications can operate at a file sector level, such as either fragmenting or defragmenting the file, or they can operate at a file record level, such as removing records, adding records, or rearranging the order of records. Other modifications include writing random data into records deemed likely to have malware, removing unaccounted for space, or removing records that are not known to be good and are inordinately large. A scan of the structured document file can identify relevant information and inform the selection of the modifications to be applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan Daniel Mark Ness, Bruce Dang, Robert John Hensing, Morgan Daniel Beenfeldt
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Patent number: 7540384Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, Edward K Levy, Nenad Sarunac, John M. Wheeldon
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Publication number: 20080201980Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon
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Patent number: 7275644Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Great River EnergyInventors: Mark A. Ness, Matthew P. Coughlin
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Publication number: 20070193926Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Mark Ness, Matthew Coughlin
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Publication number: 20070018023Abstract: A container for storage and dispensing of web roll products such as gift wrap is disclosed. The container includes an elongated housing having a top panel with an elongated slot therein, three side panels, a first end panel, and a second end panel. The first end panel is hingably attached to one side panel. A cylindrical barrel assembly is rotatably supported within the housing, and includes a plurality of roll storage cavities each having an open end and an open slot along a length thereof, the slot open to an outside surface of the barrel assembly. As such, the barrel assembly may be rotated within the housing to align the open slot of a desired cavity with the elongated slot of the top panel of the housing. The second end panel preferably includes a rotatable cap frictionally attached to one end of the barrel assembly, such that rotating the cap causes the barrel assembly to rotate within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2005Publication date: January 25, 2007Inventor: Mark Ness
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Publication number: 20060199134Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Mark Ness, Matthew Coughlin, Edward Levy, Nenad Sarunac, John Wheeldon
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Publication number: 20060113221Abstract: An apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. The fluidized bed also includes an opening for receiving a first fluidizing stream, an exit for fluidized particulate and at least one exit for non-fluidized particulate. A conveyor is operatively disposed in the fluidized bed for conveying the non-fluidized particulate to the non-fluidized particulate exit. A collector box is in operative communication with the fluidized bed to receive the non-fluidized particulate. There is a means for directing a second fluidizing stream through the non-fluidized particulate as while it is in the collector box to separate fluidizable particulate therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Mark Ness, Matthew Coughlin
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Publication number: 20060112588Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Mark Ness, Matthew Coughlin, John Wheeldon, Adam Johnson