Patents Issued in September 29, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110232126
    Abstract: A drying system of a coated continuous film equipped with roller conveyor devices of the continuous film that allow easy and rapid removal of the rollers from the system to facilitate cleaning and maintenance operations. The conveyor roller is substantially separable into two parts with at least one of the two support shafts separable from the rest of the roller to facilitate the disassembly and reassembly operations of the conveyor roller from and on the system. In this way, it is unnecessary to remove all the motion transmission elements connected to one of the two support shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: NORDMECCANICA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Antonio CERCIELLO
  • Publication number: 20110232127
    Abstract: A modular sole assembly system for footwear and components thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: OMNI TRAX TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Chaney, Don Reardon, John Chaney
  • Publication number: 20110232128
    Abstract: The invention relates to shoe soles with damping foot pads, which include a shoe sole and a foot pad. A plurality of convex columns with elasticity are evenly distributed on a lower surface of the foot pad, at a heel end. A plurality of grooves are arranged on an upper surface of the shoe sole, at the heel end to correspond to the convex columns, which are positioned in the grooves. A plurality of the convex columns with elasticity are evenly distributed on a lower surface of the foot pad. A plurality of the grooves include a plurality of the convex columns and are arranged on the upper surface of the shoe sole at the heel end to correspond to the convex columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Propét
  • Publication number: 20110232129
    Abstract: Pad for the ball regions of a human foot adapted to be placed in a shoe beneath a foot of a wearer of the shoe having a dimension in the heel to toe direction (X axis), a dimension in the outside to inside direction (Y axis) and a dimension in the down to up direction (Z axis) and comprising a front side surface and a back side surface, wherein the pad comprises at least two different zones, at least one first zone located on the X axis towards the toe direction and adapted for the support of the ball regions relating to at least three adjacent toes, in particular to all five toes of a human foot, and at least one adjacent second zone located on the X axis towards the heel direction, wherein the first zone has an average thickness greater than that of the second zone, wherein the second zone is tapered in the Z dimension in a toe to heel direction, wherein the front side surface of the first zone exhibits a pattern of protruding elements adapted for the massaging of the foot of the wearer, and wherein the fir
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON & JOHNSON GMBH
    Inventors: Andrew Roberts, Encarna Perez
  • Publication number: 20110232130
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an undulating sole provides a different and unique ride and/or feel to the article of footwear, while also providing a unique aesthetic appeal and adequate cushioning and support. The midsole has an undulating shape substantially similar to a sine wave with a series alternating peaks and troughs, and may include one or more support elements disposed on the midsole to provide desired stiffness or cushioning properties to the midsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew BOUDREAU, Daniel Hobson, Scott Daley, Bob Bischoff
  • Publication number: 20110232131
    Abstract: A sports shoe which comprises a rigid sole from which a shell protrudes, starting from a forefoot region and up to a heel region, a quarter being rotatably associated with the shell. An insole is slidingly associated within the shell, at a bottom thereof, is provided with a tip and interacts with elements for adjusting and guiding its axial position with respect to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Massimo Cavasin
  • Publication number: 20110232132
    Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Reagan, Christopher M. Doyle, Florian Lang, Maurizio Molin
  • Publication number: 20110232133
    Abstract: Footwear including a flexible sole having a series of flexure zones positioned to correspond to primary joint axes of the human foot approximating the characteristics of a bare foot in motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Najia Shakoor, Roy H. Lidtke
  • Publication number: 20110232134
    Abstract: A device and methods of use for applying vibration, e.g., asynchronous vibration, to the foot of a person is disclosed. The device includes an insole for disposition within an item of footwear and an associated asynchronous vibration inducing mechanism. The insole is a thin, conformable, base member having a pair of wings, each of which includes at least one motor (e.g., brushless electrical motor) forming a portion of the vibration inducing mechanism. The base member is formed of a material, e.g., a resin bonded non-woven layer, which exhibits good vibration transmission characteristics. A power source (e.g., at least one battery) is coupled to the motors to cause them to vibrate when operated, whereupon asynchronous vibrations are produced by the motors, which are transmitted and propagated via the wings to the base member to apply asynchronous vibrations across the sole of the wearer's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER LABORATORIES LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Radl, Robert Kropp
  • Publication number: 20110232135
    Abstract: A method for producing a regionalized-firmness midsole utilizing a heat press, and a description of the resultant product, are provided. Initially, the method involves providing a plurality of pre-formed phylon biscuits. Typically, the plurality of biscuits includes at least a first biscuit that has a first density and a second biscuit that has a second density. The method may further include the steps of arranging the biscuits into a receiving area of the heat press, and integrating the plurality of biscuits to form the midsole by activating the heat press. Integrating the biscuits includes raising the biscuits above a threshold temperature, and causing the biscuits to expand such that each of the plurality of biscuits couples with another of the biscuits to form a midsole with two or more degrees of firmness located at distributed regions thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Dean, Thomas Berend, Bret Liebeno
  • Publication number: 20110232136
    Abstract: A dynamic golf cleat having a plurality of composite dynamic traction elements, the wherein the elements preferably assume an angle with respect to the plane of the shoe sole, to allow room for deflection toward the shoe sole under load. The dynamic traction element is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as thermoplastic urethane. A hub portion having a threaded attachment means is preferably oriented perpendicular to the plane of the shoe sole. Extending outwardly in a radial manner from the hub portion is a plurality of embedded thin tensile members oriented to be integrally formed within each flexible traction element. Each individual tensile member is centrally located within each dynamic traction element creating a distinct upper surface area and a lower surface area, within each dynamic traction element. Said sections of the dynamic traction elements have facing surfaces joined by a thin tensile member sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN J. CURLEY
  • Publication number: 20110232137
    Abstract: A heel repair/protective kit carried in a women's purse or handbag contains one or more cup members designed to be slipped onto the heel stem tip of a high-heel shoe. The cup member is composed of elastic material that fits snugly over the heel stem tip, covering a chipped or broken tip surface. The cup members may extend partway up the heel stem, and may contain decorative elements such as gems, rhinestones, studs and the like. The kit may additionally contain one or more sheets having a plurality of peel-and-stick patches of various sizes, colors, and shapes. These peel-and-stick patches may be applied to the heel stem and the sides or front of the shoe sole to cover up scuffs and scratches, and provide a decorative appearance that protects the sides, front or heel stem from further damage. The patches are composed of cloth, polymeric sheets or metallic foils having a stretch-release adhesive backing. The heel protection kit fixes high-heel shoe damages in an efficient, reliable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Marcela N. Desiderio, Ernest D. Buff
  • Publication number: 20110232138
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for collecting marine deposits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Jong Hwa Chun, Byong Jae Ryu, Jin Ho Kim, Jang Jun Bahk, Young Sang Eo
  • Publication number: 20110232139
    Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment includes a base fixed to the excavating equipment, a wear member fit over the base, and a lock to releasably hold the wear member to the base. The wear member includes side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wear member and the base each includes a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and a stop projecting from the nose to cooperate with the lock without an opening being needed to receive the lock into the nose. The lock is an elongate lock positioned generally in an axial direction and which holds the wear member to the base under compressive loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Charles G. Ollinger, IV, Chris D. Snyder, John S. Kreitzberg
  • Publication number: 20110232140
    Abstract: An ironer bed comprising a pair of metal plates (6, 7) that are joined by welding in two layers such that, between the plates, passages (5) are provided for a heat medium; and are configured such that they are capable of partially enclosing an ironer roller (12-15). The plate (7) that faces towards the ironing roller (12-15) is made of non-alloy or low-alloy steel; and the plate (6) that faces away from the ironer roller (12-15) is a plate of stainless steel which is thinner than the former plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Tomas Skov-Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110232141
    Abstract: Low profile electronic display greeting cards combine a traditional paper greeting card and other product constructions with a very low profile multimedia player device which includes a low profile display screen for displaying images and/or video and emitting sound. The low profile and minimalist construction of the greeting card provide the ability to display the cards at mass retail in traditional card pockets, mail or transport the greeting card in a traditional sized greeting card envelope, and provide, at lower cost to the consumer, a disposable electronic greeting card. A multi-panel greeting card body contains and conceals components of the multimedia device, which may include a display screen, a speaker, a circuit board, a microprocessor, a controller, a memory storage device and related circuitry. The greeting card may contain pre-loaded content such as digital audio, video and/or photographs or still images or it may be operative to receive such digital files from an external memory source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Publication number: 20110232142
    Abstract: An ear tag for attachment to an animal for identification comprises a piercing element and a tab portion. The piercing element includes a post having a terminal end and at least one expandable member carried by the post. The expandable member is configured and dimensioned to be pierced through an ear of the animal and to expand and retain the post in the ear after piercing. The piercing element also includes an interior bore extending through the post to the terminal end, the bore dimensioned to receive a portion of a piercing tool. The tab portion is secured to the piercing element, and the ear tag is shaped and dimensioned to receive an indicia for identifying the animal. Air apertures may be provided around the piercing element to permit the piercing to breathe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Jones
  • Publication number: 20110232143
    Abstract: An exit sign comprising a housing, a plurality of green color LEDs and red color LEDs or bicolor green and red color LEDs positioned in the housing for emitting both a green color light and a red color light with a filter holder for holding a selected green color filter or a selected red color filter for passing the selected green color light or selected red color light to a stencil having openings for passing the selected green color light or selected red color light to an observer. Yellow color LEDs can be alternatively positioned in the housing for emitting yellow color light comprising both green color light and red color light. White color LEDs can also be alternatively positioned in the housing for emitting white color light also comprising both green color light and red color light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Georgiana Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110232144
    Abstract: A marketing sign is constructed of a sheet material. The sheet material includes a free portion, a base portion and a connecting portion that couples the base portion to the free portion. The base portion includes an engaging piece and a support piece. The engaging piece is coupled to the support piece at a base bend line and configured to engage with a portion of a product display structure having a price holder. The connecting portion is defined between a first connecting bend line spaced apart from a second connecting bend line by a first distance. The first connecting bend line is adjacent the support piece of the base portion and the second connecting bend line is adjacent the free portion. The first distance substantially corresponds with a top edge thickness of the price holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: TARGET BRANDS, INC., XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel G. Engelby, Christopher H. Kaye, Hans F. Case
  • Publication number: 20110232145
    Abstract: The Invention is a plastic 3½?×3½?×¼? open sided sleeve with Velcro adhesive on the front of the open side which will adhere to the inside of the windshield of an automobile, creating a pocket into which parking receipts for Muni-meters can be placed for viewing and for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Fleming
  • Publication number: 20110232146
    Abstract: The photo frame contains a frame body, first and second transparent plates, first and second light generating units. The frame body contains a number of side walls and a back cover. The first transparent plate is jointed to the frame body and attached to the back cover with a photo in between. The second transparent plate is arranged to the frame body's front side, parallel to the first transparent plate and forming a gap therebetween. A first light generating unit contains at least a first light generating element configured along a side wall, projecting illuminating light into the gap to create a stereographic impression. The second light generating unit contains at least a second light generating element arranged an edge of the second transparent plate to project blue light into the second transparent plate to manifest fluorescent traces written by a highlighter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hung Lung Lin
  • Publication number: 20110232147
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pressure measuring device used to measure the pressure being applied to a ramrod of a muzzleloading firearm during bullet seating. A pressure measuring device may include a housing, a spring, and a ramrod receiving portion. The pressure measuring device may also and/or alternatively include electrical circuitry used for converting the applied pressure to an electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Daniel Zoellner, James John Zoellner
  • Publication number: 20110232148
    Abstract: An improved magazine release latch and trigger guard combination which is operable by the shooter's trigger finger while holding the rifle stock in the same hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Randy Cain, Hoyt Yang
  • Publication number: 20110232149
    Abstract: A system allowing either right or left-side (ambidextrous) ejection of a shell from a weapon is provided. The system may comprise a bolt receiver having left and right-side ejection ports; a firing bolt assembly having left and right-side alignment slots and an extractor claw; and a relocatable ejection port cover assembly disposed alternatively in either the right or left-side ejection port to eject a shell from the opposite open ejection port. The ejection ports and the cover assembly may be formed having bilateral symmetry to facilitate relocation of the cover assembly from one side to the other. The cover assembly comprises a mounting flange, an ejection port plug disposed within either of the ejection ports, and a rail configured for being disposed within the alignment slots and including an extended portion and a contact face that engages the shell so that it is ejected from the open ejection port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Angelo Fargnoli, Miranda Allison Bernabei, Ronald Herman Kohlstaedt
  • Publication number: 20110232150
    Abstract: A trigger assembly for a firearm includes a trigger and a trigger spring. The trigger assembly is mounted and retained in a frame of the firearm and, more specifically, in an elongated recess defined by the frame. The frame further defines lateral annular grooves and retaining lips near an opening of the elongated recess. The trigger includes an upper trigger piece and a lower trigger piece that are connected to each other. The upper trigger piece is mounted to the lateral annular grooves and retained by the retaining lips. The lower trigger piece is configured to fit in the opening and protrude from the frame. The trigger assembly also includes a trigger spring, mounted in a spring recess defined in the upper trigger piece, that spring biases the trigger into a resting position by abutting and engaging a trigger bar of the firearm under a torsional compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH & WESSON CORP.
    Inventor: GARY ZUKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20110232151
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus that is installed in an inner recess defined by a lower muzzle portion of a frame of a firearm. The light emitting apparatus is accessible through pass-through holes or openings formed in the lower muzzle portion of the frame. For instance, the light emitting apparatus includes a laser aiming device that emits light through a first opening defined below a barrel of the firearm; activation switches accessible through second openings defined in each side of the frame. The laser aiming device is retained in the inner recess by a hold down screw inserted through a bore therein and into a threaded insert disposed in the bottom surface of the inner recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH & WESSON CORP.
    Inventor: GARY ZUKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20110232152
    Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of an element-retaining housing piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the element-retaining piece and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the element-retaining housing piece and the pieces are fastened together. In one preferred embodiment the element-retaining housing piece is in the form of a plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Mark A. Thomas, Mitchell Thomas, Forrest Babcock
  • Publication number: 20110232153
    Abstract: A method of assembling a turkey decoy includes coupling a head assembly and a tail assembly to a body using a head attachment mechanism and a tail attachment mechanism, respectively. The method also includes coupling a biasing device to each of the head and tail assemblies. The method further includes coupling a movement mechanism to the head assembly and the tail assembly for initiating movement of at least one of the head assembly and the tail assembly. A method for operating the turkey decoy includes positioning the turkey decoy in an outdoor field. The method also includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the first force-applying device and modulating the position of the head assembly. The method further includes pulling the movement-applying string with sufficient tension to overcome a bias of the second force-applying device and modulating the position of the tail assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Jennings, JR., Lance W. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20110232154
    Abstract: A radio controlled animated decoy system is disclosed that provides two or more animated decoys that are operable using a wireless radio controller where each of the two animated decoys is equipped with a multichannel radio receiver that can receive the signals from the wireless controller thereby allowing each of the animated decoys to operate on one of the multichannel frequencies available such that the motion of each decoy can be controlled independently of the other decoy o result in a more realistic action for the decoys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Virgil Nolan Crank, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110232155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rod assembly including a pair of fishing rods each having a fishing line connected thereto, and a jigging apparatus. The jigging apparatus has a v-shaped spreader bar with a first connection point and a second connection which are both upper in use and configured to operatively connect with respective ones of the fishing lines. An L-shaped elongate member pivotally connects to the spreader bar via a third connection point. The elongate member has a weight-connecting portion extending downwards, when in use, relative to the first connection point and the second connecting point, and a hook-connecting portion extending laterally outwards, when in use, relative to the weight-connecting portion. A weight operatively connects to the weight-connecting portion of the elongate member. A hook operatively connects to the hook-connecting portion of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: John Throssell
  • Publication number: 20110232156
    Abstract: A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member is removably disposable within the channel and is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Scott Burdick
  • Publication number: 20110232157
    Abstract: A trap for crabs or lobsters has a mesh extending over a trap frame, with at least one inlet opening provided with a one-way inlet gate spaced apart pins which are pivotable between open and closed positions. Pin retainers prevent spreading of the pins apart from one another when the pins are in the closed position and an undersized crab outlet opening, dimensioned to allow undersized crab or lobsters to escape from the interior chamber, is provided at a side of the trap and at the bottom of the trap. The frame includes an top peripheral frame portion and finger grip openings at the underside of the trap frame. The one-way inlet gate has first and second sets of spaced apart pins, each set being pivotable independently of the other between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: John DECEMBER
  • Publication number: 20110232158
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for conversion of disposable hydrocarbons into diesel and heating oil fuels and conversion of biomass into biodiesel fuel. The apparatus comprises a feed stock tank, a preparation tank for first stage warming of the feedstock, a first heat exchanger to separate out water as steam and light ends, a stack to vent steam to the atmosphere, a second heat exchanger to raise the temperature to that necessary for processing the feedstock in a cracking kettle, an oxidizer burning the light ends to generate heat for the first and second heat exchangers, a distillation tower to process the gases from the cracking kettle, a condenser to convert gas to liquid #2 diesel fuel, a filter and chiller unit, and storage tanks to hold the fuels and residuals. Retained heat in the residuals is used to preheat the feedstock to save energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Carter
  • Publication number: 20110232159
    Abstract: The invention provides an additive for lowering the minimum usable temperature of a biodiesel fuel or a diesel/biodiesel blend. The additive comprises at least one saccharide ester and a polymer having a comb structure. In some instances there is only one saccharide ester present. In this case the saccharide ester comprises at least one saturated ester group and at least one unsaturated ester group. In other instances, there is more than one saccharide ester is present. In these cases the additive comprises a first saccharide ester comprising at least one saturated ester group and a second saccharide ester comprising at least one unsaturated ester group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Westlake, Stewart McGlashan, Stephen Clarke, Mark Fisher, Rachel Pillar, Kristina Constantopoulos, Simon Mathew, Elda Markovic, Eleni Papadopoulos, David John Clarke, Kim Anh-Thi Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110232160
    Abstract: Biomass material is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the biomass with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the biomass into the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPa providing a capability for higher conversion rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Glen E. PHILLIPS, Simon R. KELEMEN
  • Publication number: 20110232161
    Abstract: Biomass pyrolysis oil is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the components of the oil and form the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPA providing the capability for fast conversion rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Glen E. PHILLIPS, Simon R. KELEMEN
  • Publication number: 20110232162
    Abstract: A lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the biomass material with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass material from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the biomass material into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the lignocellulose biomass material, so converting the biomass material into liquid transportation fuel precursors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Glen E. PHILLIPS, Simon R. KELEMEN
  • Publication number: 20110232163
    Abstract: A pyrolysis oil derived from a lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass oil from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the oil into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the oil, so converting it into liquid transportation fuel precursors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Glen E. PHILLIPS, Simon R. KELEMEN
  • Publication number: 20110232164
    Abstract: A biomass pyrolysis oil is used as a co-feed for a heavy petroleum oil coking process to improve the operation of the coking process and to utilize biomaterial for the production of transportation fuels. The coking process may be a delayed coking process or a fluidized bed coking process and in each case, the presence of the biomass pyrolysis oil will decrease the coke drying time while reducing coke handling problems in the unit besides forming a superior coke product. In the case of a fluidized bed coking process using a gasifier for the coke, the addition of an alkali metal salt improves the operation of the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Glen E. PHILLIPS, Simon R. KELEMEN, Walter WEISSMAN
  • Publication number: 20110232165
    Abstract: Embodiments of a composition useful as a fuel or fuel additive are provided. Certain disclosed embodiments of the composition comprise mid to low flash point naptha, at least one alcohol having a ratio of between about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms to 1 hydroxyl functional group, at least one lubricating oil, and at least one oxygenated natural aromatic compound, wherein the oxygenated natural aromatic compound has a flash point between about 60° C. and about 160° C., has at least one oxygenated functional group, and is soluble in the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hubert Boux, Anne Moya Flanagan
  • Publication number: 20110232166
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from carbonaceous biomass feedstock. In an embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced in the presence of a low temperature reforming catalyst from hemicellulose extracted from the carbonaceous biomass feedstock. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock, both whole and hemicellulose-depleted, is pyrolyzed in the presence of a pyrolysis upgrading catalyst to produce char and pyrolysis gases comprising oxygenated hydrocarbons and steam. A portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons are converted into hydrocarbons. A residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons of the pyrolysis gases is deoxygenated with the hydrogen and optionally, additional hydrogen gas. A condensable portion of the pyrolysis gases is condensed into low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110232167
    Abstract: Biofuel containing mixtures of isomers of alkyl glucose in the linear form, pyran or furan forms, as well as their hydrogenation products. Methyl cellulose may contain one to four methyl groups substituting hydrogen atoms in the original hydroxyl groups contained in glucose, the monomer of cellulose. Its production process from cellulose or starch uses in the first step, as a solvent, a mixture of alkyl alcohol, an ionic liquid immiscible with water like trioctyl amine, tributylamine or their mixtures as hydrochlorides and hydrochloric acid. In the second step, after the methanolysis of cellulose and the methylation of glucose catalysed by the acid, the methyl glucose molecules are separated by extraction with water. Water is evaporated and the biofuel, alkyl cellulose, is obtained and identified by elemental analysis, NMR and FT-IR. As an option, alkyl glucose is hydrogenated and converted in dimethyl tetrahydrofuran, which is a gasoline component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Pedro Brito Correia
  • Publication number: 20110232168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas oil composition that can achieve environment load reduction, low temperature properties and low fuel consumption all together and is suitably used in a winter season. The gas oil composition comprises an Ft synthetic base oil in an amount of 60 percent by mass or more on the basis of the total mass of the composition and has a sulfur content of 5 ppm by mass or less, an aromatic content of 10 percent by volume or less, an oxygen content of 100 ppm or less, an end point of 360° C. or lower, an insoluble content after an oxidation stability test of 0.5 mg/100 mL or less, an HFRR wear scar diameter (WS1.4) of 400 ?m or smaller and a specific relation in normal paraffin contents and the total content thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideaki SUGANO
  • Publication number: 20110232169
    Abstract: A fuel composition having an enhanced thermal stability in a diesel fuel application is provided comprising a base fuel containing: (a) 90 to 50% by volume based on the base fuel, of a petroleum refined diesel fuel having sulfur level of less than 500 ppm, and boiling point within the range of about 150 to about 400° C.; (b) 5 to 25% by volume based on the base fuel, a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil; and (c) 5 to 25% by volume based on the base fuel, a fatty acid alkyl ester having C18:2 to C18:1 ratio of 1.5 to 2.8 wherein the alkyl group has a carbon number from 1 to 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Ralph Anthony CHERRILLO, Mary Ann Dahlstrom, Edward Carl Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110232170
    Abstract: The invention describes citric acid esters as heating materials and fuels in stationary and mobile internal combustion engines and also in heating installations. Such propellants and fuels are characterized in particular by the fact that they burn completely without soot or with very little soot, therefore cause distinctly lower emissions of soot or fine dust than known fossil and regenerative fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, vegetable oils and biodiesel. Citric acid esters can be obtained completely from regenerative vegetable sources and are therefore CO2 neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ECOBASIS AG
    Inventors: Axel Ingendoh, Ulrich Maerz
  • Publication number: 20110232171
    Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: DETROIT EDISON COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Ryan, Jeffery White, Mark Wherrett
  • Publication number: 20110232172
    Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RENEWAFUEL, LLC.
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, William A. Brake, Kenneth G. Oja
  • Publication number: 20110232173
    Abstract: A multipurpose pellet is provided comprising: from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight of a vegetable fiber chosen from cotton, bamboo fiber, rice fiber, esparto, papaya, coir, sisal, kapok, jute, ramie, flax, roselle hemp, hemp, kenaf, abaca, soybean fiber, okra fiber, vine fiber, banana fiber, rattan and nettlesjute; and from about 99.9% to about 0% by weight of cellulosic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert LEFEBVRE
  • Publication number: 20110232174
    Abstract: A raised bed garden assembly, kit, and method are provided. The garden assembly comprises a prefabricated enclosure along with additional components useful for creating a raised bed garden or similar growing enclosure, such as an irrigation system and greenhouse covering. The garden assembly can be provided in a kit for easily establishing a garden and growing fruits and vegetables at home, along with soil and plants. The garden enclosure can be a monolithic, self-sustaining body that is unitarily formed, or it can be modular. The modular enclosure comprises sidewalls and corner members, which are unitarily formed modular pieces that can be detachably-connected to define the enclosure shape. Advantageously, the enclosure is devoid of any non-integral attachment elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MM&LMPROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventor: Lance Mills
  • Publication number: 20110232175
    Abstract: The invention is a plant container for growing and transplanting plants. More, specifically, the invention is for a plant container that is made of a multi-layered root impenetrable material with a plurality of closure mechanisms that allows a user to more easily remove and transplant a plant as well as monitor plant root growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: TRINON CIRELLO, Richard A. Bats, II