Abstract: An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided.

Abstract: A reinforced composite panel and method of making the composite panel uses processed natural fibers such as bamboo along with a polymeric material. The method includes the steps of: treating a plant source comprising natural fibers with a solvent and processing the treated plant source. The processing step can include arranging the natural fibers into a sheet-like orientation in a variety of ways. A polymeric material is then applied to the natural fibers to form a composite sheet, and the composite panel can be formed from one or more composite sheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fractionating biomass into its individual components. The process includes pretreating a biomass which may include mechanically altering the fibers and/or contacting the biomass with a solvent to provide a fluidized biomass. The pretreated fluidized biomass may be subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing one or more components of the biomass to provide a first liquid fraction and a first fractionated biomass. The first liquid fraction may then be isolated or separated from the first fractionated biomass. The biomass may be separated, isolated or purified into lignin, extractives for use in pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals, cellulose, hemicellulose, and other sugars and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to [1] a process for producing a lignin degradation product, including the following steps (1) to (3), and [2] a lignin degradation product produced by the process as described in the above [1]: Step (1): subjecting a lignocellulose raw material to enzymatic saccharification treatment to obtain a saccharification residue; Step (2): subjecting the saccharification residue obtained in the step (1) to heat treatment in a mixed solvent containing water and an organic solvent having a solubility in 20° C. water of not less than 90 g/L to obtain a heat treatment solution containing the lignin degradation product; and Step (3): subjecting the heat treatment solution obtained in the step (2) to solid-liquid separation to remove insoluble components from the heat treatment solution, thereby obtaining the lignin degradation product.

Abstract: A process for treating a cellulosic material comprising extracting hemicellulose from the cellulosic material with an extractant comprising a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent to selectively extract hemicellulose therefrom and separating the extracted hemicellulose to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the cellulosic material. The extractant comprises a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent. The cellulose solvent is selected from the group consisting of an ionic liquid, an amine oxide and combinations thereof, and the co-solvent may preferably have a boiling point less than 120° C., or less than 100° C. The cellulosic product advantageously retains its cellulosic fiber morphology. The processes involve separating and recovering the hemicellulose and separating and recycling various process streams employed in the process.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a pulp composition made from agricultural renewable fibers (ARF) having low Kappa number with unexpected quality sufficient for papermaking (e.g., high strength parameters and high freeness). Another aspect of the invention relates to an ARF pulp having ISO brightness of 60% or higher, and unexpected quality sufficient for papermaking (e.g. high strength parameters and high freeness). Another aspect of the invention relates to a pulp composition made from a pulping process comprising using a high concentration of anthraquinone (AQ). The pulping process can use wood or nonwood fibers (e.g., bagasse and corn stover) to provide pulp having good paper-making quality.

Abstract: A web product having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the at least two plies has a continuous pillow area disposed upon a surface thereof. A first portion of the continuous pillow area has a first width, W1, and a length, L1, and a second portion of the continuous pillow area in contacting engagement and in fluid communication with the first portion has a second width, W2, and a length, L2, wherein, W1?W2 and L1=L2. The web product has a Basis Weight, BW, value greater than 51.6 gsm and a Dry Bulk, DB, value greater than 15.5 cc/g.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an article of manufacture made from a pulp composition comprising an ARF pulp. In one embodiment, the pulp composition made from agricultural renewable fibers (ARF) having low Kappa number with unexpected quality sufficient for papermaking (e.g., high strength parameters and high freeness). In another embodiment, the ARF pulp has ISO brightness of 60% or higher, and unexpected quality sufficient for papermaking (e.g. high strength parameters and high freeness). In another embodiment, the ARF pulp is made from a pulping process comprising using a high concentration of anthraquinone (AQ).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the characteristics of paper substrates. The method involves adding to a paper substrate an NCC-polymer. NCC-polymers have unique chemical properties which result in improvements in wet strength, dry strength and drainage retention properties of the paper substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the characteristics of paper substrates. The method involves adding to a paper substrate an NCC-polymer. NCC polymers have unique chemical properties which result in improvements in wet strength, dry strength and drainage retention properties of the paper substrates.

Abstract: A method of treating a cellulosic slurry to improve drainage is disclosed the method comprises adding a PEO to a cellulosic furnish in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 lbs per ton and adding a synthetic polymer to the furnish in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 lbs per ton, allowing the furnish to drain and forming a paper product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the characteristics of paper substrates. The method involves adding to a paper substrate an NCC-polymer. NCC-polymers have unique chemical properties which result in improvements in wet strength, dry strength and drainage retention properties of the paper substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making of paper, tissue, board or the like by using recycled fibre material as a raw material. The method comprises following steps: pulping recycled paper, board or the like in a pulper and obtaining a pulp flow comprising (i) an aqueous phase and (ii) at least recycled fibres and starch having low molecular weight, which are dispersed in the aqueous phase; adding a coagulant agent to the pulp flow or to an aqueous process flow comprising starch having low molecular weight; allowing the coagulant agent to interact with the starch having low molecular weight and optionally forming aggregates; and adding at least one flocculating agent, after the addition of the coagulant agent, to any flow, which comprises interacted coagulant agent, and forming a treated flow with starch comprising agglomerate(s); retaining at least part of the said aggregates and/or the said agglomerates to the fibres or to a web, which is formed.

Abstract: A roll for a press section of a machine for making and/or finishing a fibrous web, such as a paper, board, or tissue machine, includes a roll body or roll shell and, disposed on the roll body or roll shell, a roll covering which has at least one functional layer which is suitable for entering into contact with the fibrous web or with a paper machine fabric. The functional layer is formed of a polymer which is a mixture of at least one prepolymer, a curing agent, a crosslinking agent, and an additive. The additive is selected from the following: perfluoropolyethers, bifunctional perfluoropolyether, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a case part using a die with at least one core pin to form the cast part with at least one receptacle, where the method includes an automated inspection process that inspects the receptacle for quality control using a coordinate measurement machine, and where the inspection process can also automatically determine whether the core pin is bent or broken.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of metal alloy, and discloses an aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon grain refiner for magnesium and magnesium alloys, having a chemical composition of: 0.01%˜10% Zr, 0.01%˜10% Ti, 0.01%˜0.3% C, and Al in balance, based on weight percentage. Also, the present invention discloses the method for preparing the grain refiner. The grain refiner according to the present invention is an Al—Zr—Ti—C intermediate alloy having great nucleation ability and in turn excellent grain refining performance for magnesium and magnesium alloys, and is industrially applicable in the casting and rolling of magnesium and magnesium alloy profiles, enabling the wide use of magnesium in industries.

Abstract: An injection head structure of a die casting machine contains: a base including a first inlet and a plunger rod. The base also includes a through hole, a head block having an outlet, and a neck having a guiding hole. The plunger rod is mounted in the through hole and includes a receiving groove, a second inlet, and a feeding orifice. The through hole of the base has an inner conical face formed around an inner wall thereof; the plunger rod includes an outer conical face arranged around an inner wall thereof, such that when the plunger rod is inserted into the through hole of the base, the inner conical face of the base contacts with the outer conical face of the plunger rod so that the base engages with the plunger rod.

Abstract: A water jacket core (10) includes a base part (11) and is provided with an intermediate female thread part (15) in that base within a region surrounded by tangent lines (18, 19) that are parallel to a center line (17) passing through the centers of a plurality of bore pin insertion bores (12) for forming cylinder bores and are in contact with the bore pin insertion bores and by an intermediate position for the adjacent bore pin insertion bores.

Abstract: A printable refractory material is provided having a liquid and powder component configured for use in a 3-D powder printer, where the material forms hydraulic bonds when the liquid and powder components are combined. Methods of printing the refractory material and forming castings therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device. In order to allow heating essentially without any latency period and with low costs, the heating device comprises: at least one container (12) having an inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (16) and comprising an adsorbent agent (18) being provided between said inlet opening (14) and outlet opening (16) and being capable of adsorbing an adsorbate thereby releasing adsorption energy; and a gas conveying device (21) for conveying an adsorbate comprising gas through the interior of the container (12); wherein a gas conduit (22) is provided being connected to the outlet opening (16) of the container (12) for guiding the gas heated by adsorption energy inside the container (12) to a location to be heated with elevated temperature. The present invention further relates to a heating method.

Abstract: Autonomous trolleys include an integrated power source, which energy can be utilized for integrated trolley systems such as a wheel assist module, heating module, and cooling module. The power source may include a fuel cell system or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device or a combination thereof. The rechargeable electrical energy storage device can be charged by any other power source, including a fuel cell system. The trolley can also be equipped with a fuel tank for easy and safe refueling of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: An outdoor unit a refrigeration apparatus includes an aluminum or aluminum alloy heat exchanger, an aluminum or aluminum alloy bracket having a securing portion attached directly to the heat exchanger and a fixing portion with a through hole used to fix the bracket to a non-aluminum metal structural part, a non-metal component interposed between the fixing portion of the bracket and the structural part to create a non-contact state, a non-aluminum metal anchoring part, and an anchored structure cooperating with the anchoring part to fasten a fixing portion of the bracket to the structural part via the non-metal component. The anchoring part has an outer shape smaller than the through hole in the fixing portion. The non-metal component maintains, in astute in which the anchoring part is passing through the through hole in the fixing portion, a non-contact state between the bracket and the anchoring part.

Abstract: A radiator clip structure and comprising skewed slots on the back of the radiator, locking slots for receiving a tool for mounting and dismounting the structure above the skewed slots and a main part of the radiator clip further comprising a u-shaped panel with a long edge and a short edge, and a notch between the long edge of the main part of the radiator clip and the bottom edge of the u-shaped panel. A tool used for mounting and dismounting the radiator clip for the above mentioned structure, comprising a pressing block with a concave surface, a convex spot, a handle, and a concave part on the end of the said handle.

Abstract: The present invention is a vapor chamber including a housing that forms a recess within; at least one wicking structure manufactured from a bundle of wires having capillary voids therebetween that is disposed within the recess; and an amount of working fluid disposed within the recess and in fluid contact with the wicking structure such that fluid may move within the capillary voids in the wicking structures through capillary action.

Abstract: A modular synthetic cooling jet apparatus for cooling at least one electronic component and including a first synthetic cooling jet is provided. The first synthetic cooling jet includes a first piezoelectric element, and a first pair of plates coupled to the first piezoelectric element. The first pair of plates includes a first top plate and a first bottom plate. The first synthetic cooling jet also includes a first air gap defined between the first top plate and the first bottom plate. The first flex circuit is coupled to the first piezoelectric element. The first flex circuit is configured to be coupled to an electrical power source and to transmit a first electrical signal to the first piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is configured to actuate at least one of the first top plate and the first bottom plate to induce a first expelling air stream.

Abstract: A plate fin heat exchanger is configured to receive hot flow from a hot source and cool flow from a cool source. The plate fin heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates arranged in parallel to define a plurality of flow passages there between, and a set of closure bars arranged at a first side of the plurality of plates to seal a first set of the flow passages against ingress of the hot flow, thereby directing the hot flow into a second set of the flow passages. Each respective closure bar includes an inner core formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and an outer cladding arranged about the inner core, the outer cladding formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is less than the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling radiator for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a bundle allowing the exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The bundle includes at least one row of parallel tubes (2) through which the first fluid flows, said tubes being flat and spaced apart from one another by a pitch, known as the tube pitch, in a first direction. In addition, the tubes (2) are provided with corrugations (22) designed to disrupt the flow of the first fluid. The tube pitch is between 5 and 8 mm.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an oxygenator comprises multiple tube sections, each having a longitudinal tube axis, wherein the tube sections are disposed as a bundle having a longitudinal bundle axis, and the tube sections are connected to each other in at least one connecting section of the bundle by joining by way of chemical and/or physical bonded joints. A method for producing the heat exchanger is also provided.

Abstract: A heat exchange system includes a cold fluid circuit and a hot fluid circuit. The cold fluid circuit routes a cold fluid to a ram air inlet. From the ram air inlet, the cold fluid is routed to a cold fluid inlet of a heat exchanger. The cold fluid is then routed to a cold fluid outlet of the heat exchanger. The hot fluid circuit is configured to route a hot fluid. The hot fluid is routed through a bleed air valve. From the bleed air valve, the hot fluid is routed to a hot fluid inlet of the heat exchanger. The hot fluid is then routed to a hot fluid outlet of the heat exchanger. The hot fluid is then routed to a header having a first cavity and a second cavity defined within a housing and separated by a baffle.

Abstract: A plate fin heat exchanger includes a plate fin core having a plurality of plates defining a set of hot air passages extending from a hot air inlet region of the plate fin core to a hot air outlet region of the plate fin core and a set of cool air passages extending from a cool air inlet region of the plate fin core to a cool air outlet region of the plate fin core. The plate fin heat exchanger further includes a mounting flange circumscribing the cool air outlet region. At least a portion of the mounting flange has a plurality of heat transfer structures that extend into a flow path of cooling air exiting the cool air outlet region of the plate fin core.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger reduces the cross-sectional diameter of channels and suppresses clogging of the channels with a brazing material. First heat transfer plates each include a plurality of rows of inverse V-shaped waves formed on its surface, and second heat transfer plates each include a plurality of rows of V-shaped waves formed on its surface are alternately stacked. The intersections of the waves are joined by brazing. Further, a distance (L) between joint points in the short-axis direction of the heat transfer plates and a fillet dimension (f) in the short-axis direction of the heat transfer plates satisfy a relation 0?((L?f)/L)×100?40.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat exchange plate, heat exchanger, and communication base station cabinet. The heat exchange plate includes a heat exchange plate body that has an air duct, an air inlet is disposed on a first side surface of the heat exchange plate body and an air outlet is disposed on an adjacent second side surface of the heat exchange plate body. The air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a diversion structure for guiding air to flow is disposed in the air duct.

Abstract: Provided is an aluminum alloy tube with superior corrosion resistance and a joining layer for brazing. In addition, a heat exchanger using a fin which utilizes a bare material of low cost and higher availability, rather than a clad material, is provided. A manufacturing method of an aluminum alloy tube, including the steps of forming a sacrificial anticorrosion layer comprising Zn, by ark spraying Zn with purity of 95% or more, onto a surface of aluminum alloy tube with a spraying amount of 3 to 10 g/m2 and a spraying speed of 150×103 to 350×103 mm/sec; and forming a joining layer for brazing by applying a joining material for brazing comprising a mixture obtained by mixing Si powder with purity of 95% or more and flux, onto a surface of the sacrificial anticorrosion layer, so that the amount of the Si powder is 1.2 to 3.0 g/m2, is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating a stationary climate control system for a vehicle that includes at least one first energy source is provided. A first actual value of a climate parameter is determined from the interior of the parked vehicle, and a difference value is generated from the actual value and a reference value. In addition, a projected usage time is determined for the vehicle, wherein a time interval is determined from the current time and the determined projected usage time. A quantity of energy that is required to set to a desired value for the climate parameter is determined here based on the length of the time interval and the difference value, and the actual value for the climate parameter within the time interval is set to the desired value based on the required quantity of energy and the quantity of energy available from the first energy source.

Abstract: An air conditioning system having a supply fan for supplying air to a supply duct; a fan motor for driving the supply fan; and a controller for controlling a speed of the fan motor, the controller operating the fan motor at a first speed in a first mode, a second speed lower than the first speed in a second mode and a third speed lower than the second speed in a ventilation mode.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved coupling for cement heads. One exemplary cement head includes a first module comprising a first end, a first outer surface, and a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the first outer surface, each of the plurality of first protrusions comprising a first profile in which (i) a first engagement surface faces axially away from the first end and (ii) a first support surface forms a first oblique angle relative to an axis; and a bridge configured to engage the plurality of first protrusions.

Abstract: A system for providing information about a region of interest in a borehole, comprises a tubular passing through the region of interest, an optical fiber deployed on the outside of the tubular in the region of interest and optically connected to a light source and optical signal receiving means, at least one metal strip deployed on the outside of the tubular adjacent to the optical fiber, wherein the strip has at least one longitudinal face that is flat or concave so as to conform to the outside of the tubular, and means for holding the optical fiber and the metal strip in a fixed azimuthal location with respect to the tubular.

Abstract: A flexible tubular structure for oil exploitation, said flexible tubular structure having at least one reinforcing layer and at least one layer of a fluoropolymer compound, wherein said fluoropolymer compound has a composition including a polyvinylidene fluoride homopolymer and a vinylidene fluoride/fluorinated comonomer copolymer, and a plasticizer. The proportion by weight of hexafluoropropylene monomer in the copolymer is greater than 25%.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly having a tubular magnetized in at least one selected location, and a sensor proximate the magnetized location that monitors a magnetic field from the magnetized location. The magnetic field changes in response to changes in mechanical stress of the magnetized location, so that signals from the sensor represent loads applied to the tubular. Analyzing the signals over time provides fatigue loading data useful for estimating structural integrity of the tubular and its fatigue life. Example tubulars include a low pressure housing, a high pressure housing, conductor pipes respectively coupled with the housings, a string of tubing, a string of casing, housing and tubing connections, housing and tubing seals, tubing hangers, tubing risers, and other underwater structural components that require fatigue monitoring, or can be monitored for fatigue.

Abstract: A method of designing a well control operation includes obtaining sub-surface data related to a formation surrounding a well, building a geomechanical model of the formation based on the sub-surface data, obtaining operational data related to the well control operation, performing, on a processor, a hydraulic fracture simulation of the formation, wherein the simulation is based on the operational data and the geomechanical model, and determining an estimated volume of fluid required for a fracture to breach an upper surface of the formation.

Abstract: A localized inflow tracer (112) may be flushed from a gravel pack (104) surrounding a base pipe (102) of a production well by outwardly venting the inflow tracer. The base pipe (102) may include a non-perforated section (106) disposed adjacent to one or more perforated sections (108). A tracer carrier (110) may be disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102). An inflow tracer (112) may be released from the tracer carrier (110) into production fluid within the gravel pack (104) proximate to the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102) such that the inflow tracer is flushed from the gravel pack (104) into individual ones of the one or more perforated sections (108) of the base pipe (102) and transported with the production fluid. The inflow tracer (112) may be prevented from being flushed directly from the tracer carrier (110) into the base pipe (102) due to a lack of permeability of the non-perforated section of the base pipe (102).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow meter for measuring multi-phase flow and method of use. The flow meter comprises an impeller assembly having a one or more blades in an asymmetric blade configuration and one or more sensors to measure partial rotations of the blades. With this local velocity information, the operation of a system may be enhanced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing and/or harvesting hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A method may include modeling a well to determine a length of a stimulation zone in the production interval, wherein the model is based, at least in part, on a reaction time for a stimulation process. Packers are placed in the well to fluidically isolate the stimulation zone from other zones in the well. The targeted zone is stimulated, such as by acid treatment. Hydrocarbons may be recovered from the stimulation zone.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus including a tool body and a sealing element disposed within the tool body. Also, at least one sensor disposed on the tool body, wherein the sensor is configured to take measurements from a well and wherein the sensor measures an actuation condition, the sensor signals the sealing element to actuate. Also, a method of sealing a portion of a well including disposing an automatic packer in a well, wherein the automatic packer includes a tool body, a sealing element disposed within the tool body, and a sensor disposed on the tool body. The method also includes measuring a condition within the well, determining an actuation condition with the sensor, and expanding the sealing element into contact with an inner diameter of the well when the actuation condition is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and method for construction of an underground coal gasification (UCG) well liner assembly. In particular, a well liner segment for use in the construction of a UCG well liner assembly for conveying product gas to a production well is disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for UCG product gas production.

Abstract: A completion for steam injection and production includes a production tubing connected to a stinger, the production tubing having a continuous conduit extending from a Y-tool to an inverted Y-tool, a downhole steam generator (DSG) having a discharge conduit extending from the DSG to the inverted Y-tool, a bypass conduit extending from the Y-tool to the DSG, and a fuel supply tubing connected to the DSG. An artificial lift device may be incorporated into the completion.

Abstract: Provided is an oil/water separation method that is capable of decreasing the frequency of clogging. The method is for separating oil and water from each other that are generated by an in-situ recovery method for producing bitumen 82 from oil sand (1500). After oil-containing water (83, 84) obtained as a result of the bitumen 82 being removed from a bitumen-mixed fluid 81 recovered from under the ground is prepared, the step of membrane-distilling the oil-containing water 84 by use of a distillation membrane member 10 formed of a porous membrane 20 is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced delivery of thermal energy to vertical wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; continuously circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical wellbore to a downhole heat exchanger; advancing hot feedwater into the vertical wellbore to the downhole heat exchanger, wherein the downhole heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the hot feedwater to generate high-quality steam; transmitting the steam from the downhole heat exchanger into a subterranean formation, whereby thermal energy from the steam causes a reduction in viscosity of hydrocarbons in the subterranean formation; injecting an acid scale wash to counter scale buildup from the hot feedwater on the downhole heat exchanger; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the downhole heat exchanger to the surface thermal fluid heater for reheating and recirculation into the vertical wellbore.

Abstract: A completion for steam injection and production includes a production tubing connected to the stinger, a downhole steam generator (DSG) having a discharge connected to the production tubing through an inverted Y-tool, a fuel supply tubing extending between the DSG and a surface fuel supply and an air supply tubing extending between the DSG and a surface fuel supply. The completion can have an artificial lift device incorporated in the production tubing.