Patents Issued in June 12, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140158172
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a container such as semiconductor wafer carrier includes a housing, a cleaning unit in the housing, an analyzing unit within the housing, and a vacuum unit within the housing. The cleaning unit comprises a cleaning chamber, and is configured to spray a cleaning medium into the container in the cleaning chamber and dry the container. The analyzing unit is configured to analyze air inside the container coming out of the cleaning chamber, and provide a testing result for each ingredient of possible airborne molecular contamination (AMC) and humidity. The vacuum unit comprises a vacuum chamber configured to apply vacuum onto a container when the testing result for an ingredient is higher than a respective threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyh-Shiou Hsu, Chi-Ming Yang, Kuo-Sheng Chuang
  • Publication number: 20140158173
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sunshade umbrella capable of adjusting umbrella surface angle, including an upright rod and an upright rod handle which moves up and down along the upright rod, wherein one end of the upright rod is connected with umbrella base, the other end of the upright rod is hinged with the connecting rod, the other end of the connecting rod is hinged with a circumferential fixed hanger rod, the hanger rod is hinged with the upright rod handle, an umbrella surface angle adjusting device is mounted on one end of the hanger rod, an executing device that takes the circumferential movement around the hanger rod is mounted on the other end of the hanger rod, and the executing device is connected with an upper umbrella plate. This umbrella has the following advantages: increased overall firmness of the sunshade umbrella, simple structure, and is convenient to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Ren LI, Yunsheng WANG
  • Publication number: 20140158174
    Abstract: A hammock enclosure including a rain fly, insect netting, and a load-bearing gear sling for providing the user of the hammock protection from rain, wind, and insects, and for permitting gear suspended above the ground surface to be stored in the same protected area, while providing access to the gear from both inside and outside of the enclosure, is described. The enclosure further includes opposing tubular end portions disposed in the rain fly through which the load-bearing suspension lines of the hammock pass, whereby protection is provided without having to deploy the enclosure such that it is centered over the hammock, once the tubular end portions are tightened about the suspension lines. The tubular portions further permit the present enclosure to be used with any camping hammock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Richard G. Rhett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140158175
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable shelter which is conveniently transportable, easy to set up, and structurally stable in a variety a situations. The portable shelter comprises a canopy which is supported by opposing side support structures connected by a lateral support member and canopy support beams. The portable shelter can be disassembled and/or folded for convenient transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Martin
  • Publication number: 20140158176
    Abstract: A canopy shelter link point for increased structural integrity particularly when subject to bending forces about the link point. The canopy shelter link point can include an increased overlap distance between two cross members, reduced spacing between adjacent cross members, and/or extension features located about an end of the cross members to reduce the misalignment angle between two cross members. Such features can be provided using spacers, inserts to be inserted into a cross member and/or sleeves to be placed around the cross member. A reduction in the misalignment angle can reduce the amount of bending forces about the link point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Bravo Sports
    Inventor: Jack B. Lovley, II
  • Publication number: 20140158177
    Abstract: A machine, manufacture, article, process, and product produced thereby, as well as necessary intermediates, which in some cases, pertains to power sources, units thereof, etc. Illustratively, the machine can include a convertor, such as a photovoltaic cell, located to produce current that is not essentially steady direct current by repeatedly shadowing the photovoltaic convertor from exposure to radiation such that at least some of the radiation shadowed from the photovoltaic convertor either produces electricity or is reflected to an emitter which subsequently reemits radiation to the photovoltaic convertor or to another photovoltaic convertor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph M. Zlotnicki, Thomas J. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140158178
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generator (TEG) including a cooling element, a heat-collection element and at least one thermoelectric generating module is provided. The heat-collection element is disposed at a side of the cooling element, wherein the heat-collection element has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the heat-collection element is suitable for facing a thermal radiation source with the first surface so as to receive thermal energy thereof in a predetermined distance without contacting the thermal radiation source. The thermoelectric generating module is disposed between the second surface of the heat-collection element and the cooling element, wherein the emissivity of the heat-collection element is larger than 0.8. A thermoelectric generating system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Publication number: 20140158179
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an electrode of a thermionic converter, a carbide layer is formed on a base material by a vapor synthesis, an N-type diamond layer doped with a donor impurity is formed on the carbide layer by a vapor synthesis, and a surface of the N-type diamond layer is terminated with hydrogen. The base material is made of a metal, and the carbide layer is made of a metal carbide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro KATAOKA, Yuji KIMURA, Susumu SOBUE
  • Publication number: 20140158180
    Abstract: A solar module is provided with improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. A first electrode and a second electrode (21, 22) each contain a plated film. Each plated film has a feed point (50). The feed points (50) are positioned in bus bar portions (21b, 22b). A wiring member (30) is connected electrically to the first electrode or the second electrode (21, 22) in the finger portions (21a, 22a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Ishii, Yoshiyuki Kudo
  • Publication number: 20140158181
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a power generating and a power saving device having a plurality of shutters and a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) devices. In one aspect, each of the plurality of shutters is configured to move laterally in the plane of the shutter by the action of one or more electrostatic actuators. The array of shutters can control the amount of ambient light that is transmitted through the device. Additionally, the array of shutters can shield or expose the array of the PV devices to ambient sunlight to generate PV power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Tchertkov
  • Publication number: 20140158182
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using an optical fiber cable light source and for directing the electricity to an electrical circuit configured to be coupled with an electric utility's electric grid. The apparatus includes an enclosure having an input configured to be coupled with the light source for directing light into the enclosure. The apparatus further includes a photovoltaic module contained within the enclosure and configured to generate electricity from the light. The apparatus further includes an electrical output cable coupled with the photovoltaic module and configured to be coupled with the electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Watkins
  • Publication number: 20140158183
    Abstract: A concentrating lens array according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged at least one-dimensionally. Each unit structure includes: a first surface through which light enters inside of the structure; a second surface which reflects the light that has entered the structure through the first surface; a third surface which reflects the light that has been reflected from the second surface; and a fourth surface which lets the light that has been reflected from the third surface go out of the structure. In each unit structure, the second and third surfaces are located between an incident plane including the first surface and an emitting plane including the fourth surface. At least one of the second and third surfaces reflects the light after having converged the incoming light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiji Nishiwaki
  • Publication number: 20140158184
    Abstract: A skirt and other devices for photovoltaic arrays, as well as photovoltaic arrays with a skirt(s) and/or other device(s) installed, related modules, and foothold devices and systems are herein disclosed. Various such embodiments include one or more array skirt(s), T-locks, grip(s), inside and outside corner cap(s), array trim(s), pest abatement screen(s), wire clip(s), foothold(s), groove adaptor bracket(s), magnetic skirt embodiment(s), as well as other structures and embodiments which are herein disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen, Ian Capsuto, Chad Medcroft, Nate Coleman, Brian West, Brian Atchley
  • Publication number: 20140158185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer weatherable film structure having an outer layer of a highly weatherable film, a layer having a high thermal deformation temperature, an optional tie layer, and a thin layer of polyolefin or polyamide. The highly weatherable film layer preferably is polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyolefin or polyamide layer is less than 500 microns in thickness, and preferably the whole film structure is less than 750 microns thick. The polyolefinjpolyamide side of the film structure can easily be adhered to many different substances—especially polyolefins and polyamides. This film can be used to provide a highly weatherable protective layer a substrate. One useful application for the film is in a photovoltaic module to protect the back side of the module from weathering and abrasion. The multi-layer film structure can be adhered to a typical polyolefin-based encapsulant layer and used as a backsheet encapsulant in a photovoltaic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Arkema Inc.
    Inventors: Amy A. Lefebvre, Gregory S. O'brien, Samuel Devisme, Anthony Bonnet
  • Publication number: 20140158186
    Abstract: Disclosed are a counter electrode and a dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a photo electrode, the counter electrode and an electrolytic solution. The counter electrode is disposed correspondingly to the photo electrode. The counter electrode includes a conductive layer and a catalytic layer. The catalytic layer is formed on a surface of the conductive layer facing the photo electrode. The catalytic layer includes FeS2. The electrolytic solution is disposed between the photo electrode and the counter electrode. The present invention is capable of significantly decreasing manufacturing costs of the counter electrode and the dye-sensitized solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: National Taiwan Normal University, National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Chun-wei CHEN, Chia-chun CHEN, Di-yan WANG, Ying-chiao WANG
  • Publication number: 20140158187
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a patterned layer on a doped emitter portion of the photovoltaic device, the patterned layer including openings that expose areas of the doped emitter portion and growing an epitaxial layer over the patterned layer such that a crystalline phase grows in contact with the doped emitter portion and a non-crystalline phase grows in contact with the patterned layer. The non-crystalline phase is removed from the patterned layer. Conductive contacts are formed on the epitaxial layer in the openings to form a contact area for the photovoltaic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Ali Khakifirooz, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Publication number: 20140158188
    Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate doped with a first conductive type impurity through which a via hole passing from a first surface of the semiconductor substrate to a second surface thereof facing the first surface is formed, wherein the first surface is a light receiving surface, upper and lower emitter layers respectively formed on upper and lower surfaces of the semiconductor substrate and doped with a second conductive type impurity that is different from the first conductive type impurity, current collecting layers formed on sidewalls of the via hole and doped with a higher concentration of the first conductive type impurity than that of the semiconductor substrate, a contact electrode extending from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate to the second surface thereof so as to fill the via hole, and upper and lower electrodes respectively contacting the upper and lower emitter layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Ji Soo Kim, Ho Sik Kim, Ji Sun Kim, Jong Youb Lim, Yeon Hee Hwang, Hoon Joo Choi, Jeong Jae Jo
  • Publication number: 20140158189
    Abstract: A tandem solar cell includes a bottom solar cell having an energy bandgap with Eg1 and at least a top solar cell having an energy bandgap Eg2, the energy bandgaps satisfying a relationship Eg1<Eg2. The bottom and top solar cells are vertically stacked and electrically interconnected in series in which an area of the bottom solar cell is larger than an area of the top solar cell in an appropriate ratio to provide for a substantially current matched photovoltaic device for operation in a 2-terminal configuration. This tandem structure may contain more than two (2) cells and each cell may be composed of more than one solar cell. In this case the top solar cell has the largest bandgap, the bottom solar cell has the smallest bandgap, and intervening solar cells have intermediate bandgaps that descend in magnitude from the top to the bottom solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rafael Kleiman, Jingfeng Yang
  • Publication number: 20140158190
    Abstract: Methods are described for forming CIGS absorber layers in TFPV devices with graded compositions and graded band gaps. Methods are described for utilizing Al to increase the band gap at the front surface of the absorber layer. Methods are described for forming a Cu—In—Ga layer followed by partial or full selenization. This results in a higher Ga concentration at the back interface. The substrate is then exposed to an aluminum CVD precursor while the substrate is still in the selenization equipment to deposit a thin Al layer. The substrate is then exposed to a Se source to fully convert the absorber layer. This results in a higher Al concentration at the front of the absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Haifan Liang, Jeroen Van Duren
  • Publication number: 20140158191
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate; a back electrode layer provided on the substrate; a light absorbing layer provided on the back electrode layer; a transparent electrode layer provided on the light absorbing layer; and an impurity doping layer provided between the light absorbing layer and the transparent electrode layer. In the solar cell, contact resistance during contact of the transparent electrode layer with the back electrode layer is reduced by making an impurity doping amount of the impurity doping layer greater than that of the transparent electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myung Seok Shim
  • Publication number: 20140158192
    Abstract: Seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts and methods of forming seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts are described. For example, a solar cell includes a substrate. An emitter region is disposed above the substrate. A conductive contact is disposed on the emitter region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the emitter region. The conductive layer is composed of aluminum/silicon (Al/Si) particles having a composition of greater than approximately 15% Si with the remainder Al. In another example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a diffusion region at or near a surface of the substrate. A conductive contact is disposed above the diffusion region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the substrate. The conductive layer is composed of aluminum/silicon (Al/Si) particles having a composition of greater than approximately 15% Si with the remainder Al.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Cudzinovic, Junbo Wu, Xi Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140158193
    Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to back contact solar cells having patterned emitter and non-nested base regions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Anande Desphande, Pawan Kapur, Heather Deshazer, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Virendra V. Rana, Sean M. Seutter, Pranav Anbalagan, Benjamin E. Rattle, Solene Coutant, Swaroop Kommera
  • Publication number: 20140158194
    Abstract: There is set forth herein a method for forming a suspension having nanoparticles. There is also set forth herein a method for making an interface including nanoparticles. A morphology of conductive nanoparticle interface is set forth herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Radhakrishna Sureshkumar, Miriam Israelowitz
  • Publication number: 20140158195
    Abstract: Provided is a biaxially stretched polyester film in which a thickness is from 200 ?m to 800 ?m, fracture strength in both a longitudinal stretching direction and a lateral stretching direction is from 180 MPa to 300 MPa, an internal haze (Hin) is from 0.3% to 20%, a difference (?H=Hsur?Hin) between an external haze (Hsur) and the internal haze (Hin) is 2% or less, and an intrinsic viscosity is from 0.68 to 0.90, a method of the biaxially stretched polyester film, a solar cell power generation module using the biaxially stretched polyester film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukio SHIROKURA
  • Publication number: 20140158196
    Abstract: An element of the present invention includes a silicon substrate; an electrode which is provided on the silicon substrate and which is a sintered product of a paste composition for an electrode containing a phosphorus-containing copper alloy particle, a glass particle, a solvent and a resin; and a solder layer containing a flux, which is provided on the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kurihara, Masato Yoshida, Takeshi Nojiri, Yasushi Kurata, Shuichiro Adachi, Takahiko Kato
  • Publication number: 20140158197
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus that can generate PV power and simultaneously provide artificial lighting. The devices disclosed herein include a first optical structure having a plurality of focusing elements that can collect and focus ambient light onto a first set of light redirecting elements that is optically coupled to one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells. The devices also include one or more illumination sources that are optically coupled to a light guide including a second set of light redirecting elements that can direct light from the one or more illumination sources out of the device to provide artificial lighting. The devices further include a second optical structure disposed below the first optical structure such that the one or more illumination sources and the one or more PV cells are disposed along the edges of the first or the second optical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne C. Rubenstein, Fan Yang, Gaurav Sethi, Russell W. Gruhlke, Robert Holman, Ying Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140158198
    Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic cell structure (1) comprises a substrate (2); a first dielectric layer (3) on the substrate (2); an active layer (4) on the first dielectric layer (3); and a plasmonic light concentrator arrangement (5) on the active layer (4) for coupling incident light at a first wavelength band into the active layer (4). According to the present invention, the thin film photovoltaic cell structure (1) further comprises a second dielectric layer (6) formed of a dielectric material which is transparent at the first wavelength band and at a second wavelength band on the plasmonic light concentrator arrangement (5); the first dielectric layer (3), the active layer (4), the plasmonic light concentrator arrangement (5), and the second dielectric layer (6) being configured to form a resonant cavity for coupling incident light at the second wavelength band into a standing wave confined in the resonant cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AALTO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Constantin Simovski
  • Publication number: 20140158199
    Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Sergiy Vasylyev
  • Publication number: 20140158200
    Abstract: Provided is a solar module with improved reliability. A solar module (1) is provided with a solar cell (10), a wiring member (11), a resin adhesive layer (12), and a buffer region (40). The wiring member (11) is electrically connected to the solar cell (10). The resin adhesive layer (12) bonds the solar cell (10) and the wiring member (11) to one another. The buffer region (40) is provided at least partially between the wiring member (11) and the solar cell (10). The buffer region (40) contains a non-crosslinked resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Maki, Haruhisa Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20140158201
    Abstract: A silicon wafer-based photovoltaic module is described, which includes a first outer protective layer and a second outer protective layer, wherein both outer protective layers comprise a low- or no-sodium glass or low- or no-alkali compositions. The photovoltaic modules show resistance to water ingress, no or reduced potential-induced sodium ion drift, and reduced potential induced degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Gardiner Aitken, Mark Francis Krol, James Ernest Webb
  • Publication number: 20140158202
    Abstract: There is provided a new light-absorbing material and a photoelectric conversion element using the same, which are capable of improving conversion efficiency of a solar cell. The light-absorbing material in the present invention is made up of a GaN-based compound semiconductor with part of Ga replaced by a 3d transition metal, and has one or more impurity bands, and whose light absorption coefficient over an overall wavelength region of not longer than 1500 nm and not shorter than 300 nm is not lower than 1000 cm?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: National University Corporation Kyoto Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Saki SONODA, Masahiro Yoshimoto
  • Publication number: 20140158203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a phthalocyanine nanorod; an ink composition containing the phthalocyanine nanorod; a transistor containing the phthalocyanine nanorod; a material for a photoelectric conversion device, the material containing the phthalocyanine nanorod; and a photoelectric conversion device containing the phthalocyanine nanorod between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Since an ink composition containing a nanorod according to the present invention can be formed into a film by a wet process such as a coating method or a printing method, an electronic device that is less likely to fail and is lightweight and inexpensive can be produced on a flexible plastic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: DIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Etori, Hideyuki Murata, Norimasa Fukazawa, Shou Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20140158204
    Abstract: A sectioned meter box assembly for an agricultural metering system is provided. One metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a drive shaft coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first meter box assembly having a first housing, a first metering shaft extending through a first plurality of meter rollers within the first housing, and a second metering shaft extending through a second plurality of meter rollers within the first housing. The metering system includes a second meter box assembly having a second housing, a third metering shaft extending through a third plurality of meter rollers within the second housing, and a fourth metering shaft extending through a fourth plurality of meter rollers within the second housing. Each metering shaft is configured to be independently driven by the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis George Thompson, Jared Steven Wright
  • Publication number: 20140158205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid actuated inlet valve to a pump chamber of a piston pump. A control circuit energizes the solenoid to open the inlet valve in synchronism with the reciprocation of the piston and thereafter de-energize the solenoid to initiate closure of the inlet valve. The inlet valve is decelerated following de-energization of the solenoid thus effectively reducing engine noise attributable to the inlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Yosuke Tanabe, Donald J. McCune
  • Publication number: 20140158206
    Abstract: An improved vent ice prevention apparatus including a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, wherein the second conduit concentrically surrounds the first conduit thereby forming an annular region between the two conduits. The third conduit is in fluid communication with said annular region. The first conduit is configured to receive a cold vent stream, and the third conduit is configured to receive a dry purge stream and introduce the dry purge stream into the annular region in order to prevent ice formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. ELLIS, Minh Huy Pham
  • Publication number: 20140158207
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and equipment for the handling and dispersal of bulk materials. Specifically, the invention relates to a pneumatic device for the handling of bulk materials which integrates the pneumatic power generating component and the material feeding component into a single device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: PRECITECH LLC
    Inventors: Laurent A. Rosec, Yves Romanet
  • Publication number: 20140158208
    Abstract: A draining apparatus for draining liquids from a vehicle includes a containment; a drain mast having an outlet opening and an inlet; and an actuator. The containment is adapted for being coupled with a structure of the vehicle, wherein the actuator is coupled with the drain mast and adapted for moving the drain mast into a retracted position and at least one extracted position relative to the containment, and wherein the containment is further adapted for accommodating the drain mast in the retracted position at least partially. The drainage apparatus has clear advantages regarding the parasitic drag compared to known drainage masts as it is only deployed into the flow when it is absolutely necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Becks, Raymond Lucas
  • Publication number: 20140158209
    Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of different flow paths of fluid is provided. The method includes rotating a valve to a first position, receiving a first concentrate in the first position, discharging the first concentrate through one of two outlets, rotating the valve to a second position, receiving a second concentrate in the second position, and discharging the second concentrate through one of the two outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schiller, James H. Lohr, Paul J. Larson
  • Publication number: 20140158210
    Abstract: A freeze protection method for a washing machine includes: determining, by a control unit, whether or not laundry items exist after a washing process, when a freeze protection course is selected; determining, by the control unit, whether a freeze protection operation condition is satisfied or not, when no laundry items exist; and operating, by the control unit, a water supply device to supply water and operating a drain device to discharge water, when the freeze protection operation condition is satisfied; and returning to the determining of whether the freeze protection operation condition is satisfied or not, when a preset standby time passes after the water supply device and the drain device are operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ji Woo KIM
  • Publication number: 20140158211
    Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises: a pressure-based flow meter, a thermal-based flow meter, a control valve, and a system controller. The pressure-based flow meter and thermal-based flow meter each measure flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller. The control valve controls the flow rate in response to a control signal generated as a function of the flow rate as measured by thermal-based flow meter when the measured flow rate is relatively low, and as a function of the flow rate as measured by the pressure-based flow meter when the flow rate is relatively high. A comparison of the flow measurements of the two flow meters can be used to (a) sense pressure disturbances at low flow rates, and (b) sense when the thermal-based flow meter is out of calibration so that a zero offset signal can be applied to the thermal-based flow meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Junhua Ding, Michael L'Bassi
  • Publication number: 20140158212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-driven fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer. The system includes a vacuum pump which creates a pressure drop downstream of the flow cell, which pulls sheath fluid and sample fluid through the flow cell. A variable-resistance fluidic resistor is configured to control the ratio of sample fluid flow to sheath fluid flow. Dual feedback circuits, one configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop across the flow cell, referred to as the dynamic pressure drop, and a second configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop created by the vacuum pump relative to ambient pressure, referred to as the static pressure drop, are used to automatically control the system. The present invention enables adjustment of the sample fluid flow rate while maintaining a constant total fluid flow through the flow cell, and further, enables pausing the system without significant fluctuations in the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: David Vrane, Pierce O. Norton
  • Publication number: 20140158213
    Abstract: Provided is an antifouling structure (4) for removing fouling on a surface (1a) of a solar cell (object) (1). The antifouling structure (4) includes a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6) provided on the surface (1a) of the solar cell (1); a power supply (8) for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6); and a water-repellent dielectric layer (7) provided so as to cover at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6). Voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6) from the power supply (8) such that an angle at which water (polar liquid) (10) present on the water-repellent dielectric layer (7) contacts the water-repellent dielectric layer decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Usui, Yusuke Waki, Tomoko Teranishi, Yuichi Iyama
  • Publication number: 20140158214
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Cutler Crowell, Erik Fiske, Horatio Quinones, Brian Sawatzky
  • Publication number: 20140158215
    Abstract: A valve device including a valve housing which bounds a valve chamber in which a valve member is accommodated for movement between a blocking position and a release position in order to influence a free flow cross-section for a fluid in a flow path between an inlet passage terminating into the valve chamber and an outlet passage leading from the valve chamber, further including a first absolute pressure sensor for providing a first pressure signal as a function of an operating pressure in the flow path, and further including an evaluation circuit for processing the first pressure signal. It is provided that a second absolute pressure sensor is located outside the flow path, which is designed to provide a second pressure signal as a function of an operating pressure outside the flow path and which is connected to the evaluation circuit for enabling a differential pressure between the first and second pressure signals to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FESTO AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Maichl, Martin Meier, Andreas Dickhoff
  • Publication number: 20140158216
    Abstract: A vent valve assembly includes a first housing component, a second housing component, and a third housing component, as well as a first valve and a second valve. The first, second, and third housing components are configured to assemble together along one directional axis with the second housing component, the first valve and the second valve between the first and third housing components and with the second valve laterally-spaced from the first valve. A vapor flow path directs vapor from the first valve to the second valve, thereby reducing an overall height of the vent valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Pifer, Christy N. Roadknight, Jim James
  • Publication number: 20140158217
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting a hose to ports of a water filter bypass valve, the hose having an inner diameter less than that of the ports. The fitting includes a unitary base member, a second end connector, and first and second washers. The base member includes a first end connector securable to either of the ports, a neck having a truncated cone shaped inner wall, and a second end having a first outer diameter with a disk shaped flange extending outwardly to a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The second end connector has a radially inwardly extending flange disposed around the base member second end with and inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter and less than the second outer diameter of the base member second end. The first and second washers are in the first and second end connectors, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ENVIRO WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Stanley, Richard E. Stanley, Chad C. Galloway
  • Publication number: 20140158218
    Abstract: A hot tapping assembly for hot tapping into a multiple string configuration to obtain access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing, the hot tapping assembly including a hot tapping clamp and a hot tapping seal assembly. In one embodiment, the hot tapping clamp includes a clamp plate having an access bore. The clamp plate can engage with an outer surface of a pipe. In another embodiment, the hot tapping seal assembly can engage with the hot tapping clamp, and includes a hot tapping tubular that can engage with the outer surface of the pipe through the hot tapping clamp's access bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BTI Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Cenac, Richard J. Robichaux, John William Angers
  • Publication number: 20140158219
    Abstract: A pipe treatment system for a supply unit is provided. The pipe treatment system comprises a fresh water inlet pipe, a tap for fresh water, a controllable tap valve, and a control device for the pipe treatment control system. The controllable tap valve is arranged between the fresh water inlet pipe and the tap for fresh water. The control device for the pipe treatment control system is connected to the controllable tap valve so as to place the controllable tap valve in a pipe treatment state when there is a pipe treatment signal at the control device, so as to provide a more reliable pipe treatment system, for example for disinfection or descaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias Reiss, Ole Becker
  • Publication number: 20140158220
    Abstract: A steplessly adjustable hydraulic insert valve has a housing defining a radial direction and an end side in an installation direction. An inflow connector on the end side is connectable to a pressure medium source. First and second working connectors and a return connector are arranged in the radial direction. The return connector is connectable to a pressure medium tank. The housing has an axial bore and an actuator guided movably therein. The actuator can be held in an axial center position by at least one spring and is adjustable steplessly axially out of the center position by controllable actuation. At least one of the working connectors is fluidically connectable to the return connector by axial adjustment of the actuator. The actuator has a radial widened portion with first and second control edges for steplessly opening and/or closing first and second radial openings, respectively, of the return connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Konrad Schneider, Liebhart Zaiser, Andre Selke
  • Publication number: 20140158221
    Abstract: A press device for valve leakage abatement while piping system maintenance is being performed is disclosed herein. Essentially, the device comprises a frame that can clamp down and provide pressure (and therefore seal) to the valve. The design further includes a vent or a test port to assist in determining if a pipe freezing apparatus is working. Also disclosed is a system for providing pipe maintenance to a water supply line wherein one or more pipe freezing apparatuses are employed in addition to the press device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: James Henderson