Patents Issued in December 15, 2015
  • Patent number: 9212026
    Abstract: A lifting platform (10) in the construction field comprises a base (12), which can be set up on a ground (14) and converted into a console, which can be suspended on a structure (18) with distance to the ground (14), and a platform (20), which can be lifted in relation to the base (12) both in the state in which it is set up on the ground (14) and in the state suspended on the structure (18). A method for setting up a lifting platform (10) in the construction field, comprising a base (12) and a platform (20), includes the following steps: Setting up the base (12) on a ground (14) such that the platform (20) can be lifted in relation to the base (12), lifting the base (12), converting the base (12) into a console that can be suspended on a structure (18), and suspending the console on a structure (18) in a state that again allows the platform (20) to be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Doka Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Holawe
  • Patent number: 9212027
    Abstract: A sliding gate assembly for an elevator comprises a track having a flat upper surface. A connecting block is secured to a portion of the flat upper surface. A wheel carriage is operable to ride on the track, the wheel carriage including two arms oriented orthogonally to the flat upper surface of the track and extending upwardly around an outside portion of the track and beyond the flat upper surface. A set of wheels is also provided, each wheel being rotatably coupled to one of the two arms of the wheel carriage above the upper surface of the track, each wheel rotating about a rolling axis that is substantially parallel to the flat upper surface of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: A+ Elevators & Lifts LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Chase, Christopher R. Harris, Matthew P. Hyde
  • Patent number: 9212028
    Abstract: An elevator car system and method for operating elevators doors includes an elevator car having a door capable of opening and closing along a pathway and an interior portion internal to the door, a first obstruction sensor disposed on the door capable of detecting an obstruction in the pathway of the door, and a supplemental obstruction sensor disposed in the interior portion of the elevator car system capable of detecting an obstruction in an area adjacent to the door, wherein the door opens or closes based on the detection of the first obstruction sensor or the detection of the second obstruction sensor. The interior portion of the elevator car may include a recessed channel, with the supplemental obstruction sensor being disposed in the recessed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Precision Elevator Corp.
    Inventor: Yuri Novak
  • Patent number: 9212029
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for modernizing an elevator, and a traction sheave elevator, which elevator comprises at least an elevator car and a traction sheave that moves the elevator car by means of elevator ropes, the rim of which traction sheave comprises one or more rope grooves. In connection with modernization a traction sheave is installed as the traction sheave of the elevator, the rope grooves of which traction sheave comprise a material, the frictive traction achieved by which is greater than the frictive traction between the parent material of the metallic traction sheave and the elevator ropes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Matti Räsänen, Sakari Korvenranta, Raimo Pelto-Huikko
  • Patent number: 9212030
    Abstract: Energy efficiency settings for an elevator installation can be determined based on, for example, a start floor for a trip, a destination floor for a trip, user identity information and/or a condition associated with one or more users. In at least some cases, portions of a building (e.g., one or more floors) are associated with one or more energy settings. In further cases, an occupant of a building is associated with one or more elevator energy settings. Some embodiments can be used with an escalator installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Lukas Finschi
  • Patent number: 9212031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane control apparatus for a crane where a load is suspended on a crane cable from a cable suspension point of the crane, comprising an observer for estimating at least the position and/or velocity of the load from at least one sensor input of a first sensor by using a physical model of the load suspended on the crane cable, whereby the physical model of the observer uses the load position and/or the load velocity as a state variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schneider, Oliver Sawodny, Conrad Sagert, Ulf Schaper
  • Patent number: 9212032
    Abstract: A drum for storing an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to an aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station that includes a drum frame rotatable about a drum axis, a drum surface positioned over the drum frame comprising a spiral extrusion wrapped around the drum frame, wherein the extrusion has a cross-section having an upper surface that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrically conductive tether, and wherein the extrusion is adapted for dissipating heat generated through a transfer of electricity from the aerial vehicle to a ground station through the electrically conductive tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Vander Lind, Brian Hachtmann
  • Patent number: 9212033
    Abstract: A drum for storing an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to an aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station that includes a drum frame rotatable about a drum axis, a drum surface positioned over the drum frame comprising a spiral extrusion wrapped around the drum frame, wherein the extrusion has a cross-section having an upper surface that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrically conductive tether, and wherein the extrusion is adapted for dissipating heat generated through a transfer of electricity from the aerial vehicle to a ground station through the electrically conductive tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Vander Lind, Brian Hachtmann
  • Patent number: 9212034
    Abstract: A chain wildcat comprising an intermediate piece with an inner central part about which the chain wildcat can rotate freely after disengagement of a grip configured for attachment to a drive shaft in an anchor handling winch, the intermediate piece comprising an additional central part configured for fixed connection to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: KARM AS
    Inventor: Geir Hystad
  • Patent number: 9212035
    Abstract: An air-compressing automotive jack apparatus simplifies the task of lifting and lowering a vehicle for repairs and maintenance by using an air compressor powered by the vehicle's battery. The apparatus includes a housing configured for positioning under a frame of a vehicle. An air compressor and a bag are coupled to the housing. The bag is operationally coupled to the air compressor wherein the air compressor is configured to supply air to the bag such that the bag is inflated when air is received. A handle extends outwardly from the housing and is operationally coupled to the air compressor wherein the air compressor is configured to deflate the bag when the handle is in a lowered position and inflate the bag when the handle is in a raised position. A pair of cables is coupled to the air compressor and configured for coupling to a power supply in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Robert O. Smith
  • Patent number: 9212036
    Abstract: An industrial truck includes a chassis comprising a plurality of wheels, and wheel suspensions. Each wheel suspension is mounted on the chassis around two axes so as to be tiltable. At least two wheels of the plurality of wheels are each mounted on the chassis via a respective wheel suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: HUBTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Keller
  • Patent number: 9212037
    Abstract: A portable modular lift system that may be easily transported to a lifting location and compactly stored when not in use. The portable modular lift system generally includes a support base having a plurality of base wheels, a plurality of mast sections connectable to one another to form a vertical mast, a support platform movably positioned upon the vertical mast, and a drive unit connected to the support platform to elevate and lower the support platform upon the mast sections. The mast sections include a plurality of receiver apertures within a first end and a plurality of locking pins extending from a second end that are catchably received within the corresponding receiver apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Solhjem, Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 9212038
    Abstract: The disclosed principles provide a personal moveable, automated lift mechanism. In one embodiment of an automated personal lift as disclosed herein, the lift may comprise an outer frame comprising a horizontal base support and an outer handrail supported above a perimeter of the horizontal base support by a plurality of outer vertical supports coupled to the horizontal base support, the outer handrail comprising a first opening having a width sufficient for a human user to step through. Such an exemplary lift may also comprise an inner frame positioned within the outer frame and comprising a horizontal platform configured to support the user and an inner handrail supported above a perimeter of the platform by a plurality of inner vertical supports coupled to the platform, the inner handrail comprising a second opening aligned with the first opening in the outer handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kelly Presti
  • Patent number: 9212039
    Abstract: A body scrub brush with an integrated liquid soap dispenser that eliminates the need to maintain a bottle or bar of soap in the bathing area is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventors: James Reidy, Carolyn Keane
  • Patent number: 9212040
    Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Segiet, Alex L. Gray, Fernando A. Ubidia, Aaron M. Stein, John F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9212041
    Abstract: A pour spout, for attaching to a bottle, has a first wireless transceiver and a valve for selectively controlling flow of a beverage from the bottle. A server interface, adapted to be carried by a person who serves beverages, has a second wireless transceiver. A control unit is provided to wirelessly communicate with the second transceiver. In one mode, the pour spout transmits a spout identifier to the server interface, which responds by transmitting the spout identifier and a server identifier to the control unit. The control unit responds with a reply transmission causing the server interface to command the pour spout to open the valve. In another mode, a person selects a cocktail, that results in the control unit sending designations of a plurality of liquor ingredients to the server interface. The server interface controls dispensing each of the plurality of liquor ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Berg Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Keating, Donald R. Lamond, Ronald F. Faust, Thomas E. Giles, Albert H. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 9212042
    Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Prince Castle LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Christopher Lyons
  • Patent number: 9212043
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and associated device for dispensing fuel from a fuel pump. The system permits the hand-free operation of a fuel pump, thereby freeing the operator to perform other tasks simultaneously. The device is preferably designed to be carried on the key ring of the user and, when in use, is positioned in association with a fuel pump handle in an orientation that holds the operating lever of the handle in a position that permits fuel to flow. When the user has completed the dispensing of fuel, a rounded end of the device permits easy, carefree removal from the pump handle. For storage, the device can then be placed into a retracted conformation that enables the user to conveniently store and transport the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher M. Sefjack
  • Patent number: 9212044
    Abstract: A variable angle stirrup support that acts as a stirrup leveling mechanism comprises a stirrup support bracket, a stirrup hanger rod support sleeve, and a stirrup hanger support member. The stirrup support bracket engages the lower end loop of a stirrup leather. The rotatable stirrup hanger rod support sleeve is positioned above the lower end loop of the stirrup leather for attaching the invention to a stirrup. The stirrup hanger support member connects the hanger rod support sleeve to the stirrup support bracket with a pivot pin positioned above the lower end loop of the stirrup leather to allow the stirrup support bracket to oscillate about a longitudinal axis between predetermined limited angles to align a stirrup's tread with a rider's leg and foot. A method of rotating a stirrup to align a stirrup's tread with a rider's leg and foot using the variable angle stirrup support is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: L. Ronnie Nettles
  • Patent number: 9212045
    Abstract: A micro mechanical structure includes a substrate and a functional structure arranged at the substrate. The functional structure includes a functional region which is deflectable with respect to the substrate responsive to a force acting on the functional region. The functional structure further includes a conductive base layer having a conductive base layer material. The conductive base layer material includes sectionally in a stiffening section a carbon material such that a carbon concentration of the carbon material in the conductive base layer material is at least 1014 per cubic cm and at least higher by a factor of 103 than in the conductive base layer material adjacent to the stiffening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Schmid, Tobias Frischmuth, Peter Irsigler, Thomas Grille, Daniel Maurer, Ursula Hedenig, Markus Kahn, Guenter Denifl
  • Patent number: 9212046
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone. The microphone includes a backplate, a membrane, and a plurality of antennas. The backplate has a plurality of acoustic apertures. The membrane is parallel to the backplate and is positioned a distance from the backplate. The plurality of antennas are connected to the membrane and extend toward the backplate. In addition, the plurality of antennas are positioned entirely within spaces defined by the plurality of acoustic apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: John W. Zinn
  • Patent number: 9212047
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically actuated microshutter comprising: a moveable plate that can rotate about an axis, connected to a stationary frame by two arms aligned on both sides of the plate to said axis, and comprising on its periphery a conductive loop and below the assembly formed by the stationary frame and the moveable plate, a group of magnets having distinct magnetic orientations, arranged in such a manner so as to create, with respect to the moveable plate, a lateral magnetic field, in the plane of the frame, oblique in relation to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Orphee Cugat, Nicolas Abele
  • Patent number: 9212048
    Abstract: A hybridly integrated component includes an ASIC element having a processed front side, a first MEMS element having a micromechanical structure extending over the entire thickness of the first MEMS substrate, and a first cap wafer mounted over the micromechanical structure of the first MEMS element. At least one structural element of the micromechanical structure of the first MEMS element is deflectable, and the first MEMS element is mounted on the processed front side of the ASIC element such that a gap exists between the micromechanical structure and the ASIC element. A second MEMS element is mounted on the rear side of the ASIC element. The micromechanical structure of the second MEMS element extends over the entire thickness of the second MEMS substrate and includes at least one deflectable structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Heribert Weber, Mirko Hattass, Daniel Christoph Meisel
  • Patent number: 9212049
    Abstract: In order to obtain a SOI wafer having an excellent ability of gettering metal impurities, an efficient method of manufacturing a SOI wafer, and a highly reliable MEMS device using such a SOI wafer, provided is a SOI wafer including: a support wafer (1) and an active layer wafer (6) which are bonded together with an oxide film (3) therebetween, each of the support wafer (1) and the active layer wafer (6) being a silicon wafer; a cavity (1b) formed in a bonding surface of at least one of the silicon wafers; and a gettering material (2) formed on a surface on a side opposite to the bonding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshikawa, Jyunichi Ichikawa, Yukihisa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9212050
    Abstract: A cap and substrate having an electrical connection at a wafer level includes providing a substrate and forming an electrically conductive ground structure in the substrate and electrically coupled to the substrate. An electrically conductive path to the ground structure is formed in the substrate. A top cap is then provided, wherein the top cap includes an electrically conductive surface. The top cap is bonded to the substrate so that the electrically conductive surface of the top cap is electrically coupled to the path to the ground structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Huei Peng
  • Patent number: 9212051
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming MEMS assemblies incorporating getters are described. One such method for forming and bonding to a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) assembly includes providing a first MEMS wafer including a metal layer on an inner surface and one or more cavities for forming a MEMS component, attaching a MEMS capping wafer, having at least one through hole via, to the inner surface of the first MEMS wafer thereby forming at least one encapsulated MEMs component within the first MEMS wafer, and bonding a wire to the metal layer through an open end of the at least one through hole via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Pezhman Monadgemi, Lei Wang
  • Patent number: 9212052
    Abstract: A packaged microphone has a base and a lid that at least in part form a package having a plurality of exterior sides and an interior chamber. The packaged microphone also has a flexible substrate having a first portion within the interior chamber, and a second portion, extending from the interior chamber, having at least two sets of pads. A MEMS microphone die is mounted to the first portion of the flexible substrate, and each set of pads is in electrical communication with the microphone die. One set of pads is on a first exterior side of the package, and a second set of pads is on a second exterior side of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David Bolognia
  • Patent number: 9212053
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a number of metallization levels separated by an insulating region disposed over a substrate. A housing includes walls formed from metal portions produced in various metallization levels. A metal device is housed in the housing. An aperture is produced in at least one wall of the housing. An external mechanism outside of the housing is configured so as to form an obstacle to diffusion of a fluid out of the housing through the at least one aperture. At least one through-metallization passes through the external mechanism and penetrates into the housing through the aperture in order to make contact with at least one element of the metal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Antonio Di-Giacomo
  • Patent number: 9212054
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly comprising: three stacked silicon wafers which form a support, a sensor and a cover wherein the sensor includes a cavity extending from the bottom of the sensor up towards the top of the sensor to form a cavity bottom and a diaphragm; a dielectric layer covering the bottom of the sensor and the cavity and wherein the support is coupled to the dielectric layer along the bottom of the sensor; a plurality of ports located on a top of the support within an area defined by the cavity, the plurality of ports extending through the support to its bottom and wherein the cover is coupled to the top of the sensor covering the diaphragm; and, a second cavity cut into a bottom of the cover wherein the second cavity is sized and positioned to surround the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: DunAn Sensing, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Kwa
  • Patent number: 9212055
    Abstract: Aligned nanowire arrays were coated with semiconductor shell layers, and optionally with noble metal nanoparticles for use as three dimensional gas sensors. The sensors show room-temperature responses to low concentrations of various gases. Arrays containing different sensor types can discriminate among different gases, based upon changes in conductivity and response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventors: Weilie Zhou, Jiajun Chen, Kai Wang
  • Patent number: 9212056
    Abstract: A nanoparticle including an inorganic core comprising at least one metal and/or at least one semi-conductor compound comprising at least one metal includes a coating or shell disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the core. The coating can include one or more layers. Each layer of the coating can comprise a metal and/or at least one semiconductor compound. The nanoparticle further includes a ligand attached to a surface of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: QD VISION, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Breen, John R. Linton
  • Patent number: 9212057
    Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel reformer, capable of generating hydrogen by reforming fuel, comprises: heating a catalyst of the fuel reformer by operating an electric heater formed to enclose the catalyst; supplying fuel and air to the catalyst under a condition of complete combustion; flame-combusting the fuel by igniting an ignition plug installed near a rear end of the catalyst; and shifting the position of the flame combustion to inside of the catalyst, by reducing a supply amount of the fuel and the air, such that temperature of the catalyst is drastically increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Ji, Sang Hyeon Ha, Sung Baek Cho
  • Patent number: 9212058
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from hydro-carbon feed material is disclosed. A cylindrical plasma reaction region having a temperature greater than 800 C is created in a cylindrical reaction chamber by a cylindrical plasma array. The feed material is introduced into the plasma, where it undergoes plasma pyrolysis and is separated into hydrogen gas and solid carbon. The hydrogen gas is further purified using a hydrogen sieve that allows hydrogen through but retards larger molecules. The hydrogen gas is then feed into a fuel cell where it mixes with oxygen to provide electrical power. The plasma array may have one or more angled plasma arcs such that the plasma reaction region rotates as a vortex. There may also be two or more cylindrical plasma arrays arranged parallel to each other and to the cylindrical reaction chamber such that the feed material is fed through them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Lawrence de Graffenried, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9212059
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the production of Syngas from an SMR (Steam Methane Reforming) processing plant by providing CO2 as an additional feedstock, such as from an exhaust stream of a Corn-to-Ethanol plant, or from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement plant. The CO2 steam and methane are introduced into the SMR reactor heated to about 870° C. and at about one atmosphere such that a reaction takes place that produces Syngas comprising CO, Hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor or other Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or other high value liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Gyco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Young, Eric S. Wagner, John C. Wooley
  • Patent number: 9212060
    Abstract: A safety means for protecting a plant section located on the pressure side of a jet compressor connected with a propellant system against the exceedance of an admissible pressure, comprising a controlled safety valve actuated by external energy, whose control means measures is connected with the plant section to be protected via at least one pressure tapping line, wherein the safety valve is arranged such that upon exceedance of the pressure in the protected plant section it can vent propellant from the propellant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: L'AIR LIQUIDE, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION DES PROCÉDÉS GEORGES CLAUDE
    Inventors: Alexander Roesch, Dieter Ulber, Ulrich Wolf
  • Patent number: 9212061
    Abstract: A process for separating sour shifted synthesis gas feedstock into liquid carbon dioxide, a gaseous hydrogen-containing gas and separated sulphur-containing components includes the steps of a. scrubbing the sour shifted gas elevated pressure with an alcohol solvent in a first scrubber and separately recovering an alcohol stream containing the sulphur-containing components and a sweet shifted gas; b. thereafter cooling the sweet shifted gas to a temperature and elevated pressure at which the carbon dioxide contained therein condenses and a two-phase gas-liquid mixture is formed; c. separating the two-phase mixture of stage (b) into separate liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous hydrogen-containing fractions in a fractionation unit; d. extracting residual carbon dioxide from the separated gaseous hydrogen-containing fraction by scrubbing the gaseous hydrogen-containing fraction at elevated pressure with an alcohol solvent in a second scrubber and recovering an alcohol stream containing carbon dioxide; e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: BP Alternative Energy International Limited
    Inventors: Michael Edward Bailey, Stefano Consonni, Jonathan Alec Forsyth, Manuele Gatti, Emanuele Martelli, Yasushi Mori, Kazumasa Ogura, Federico Vigano
  • Patent number: 9212062
    Abstract: A known method for producing a porous carbon body comprises providing a template of inorganic template material which comprises interconnected pores, providing a precursor substance for carbon, infiltrating the pores of the template with the precursor substance, carbonizing the precursor substance and removing the template with formation of the porous carbon product. Starting therefrom, to provide a method which allows a cost-effective production of a porous carbon structure also with thick wall thicknesses, it is suggested according to the invention that precursor substance particles of fusible material and template particles are provided and a powder mixture is formed from the particles, and that the powder mixture is heated before or during carbonization according to method step (d) in such a manner that precursor substance melt penetrates into the pores of the template particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Neumann, Jörg Becker
  • Patent number: 9212063
    Abstract: An improved system for generating graphene involves producing a plurality of ionized carbon atoms in a plasma generation chamber and providing the plurality of ionized carbon atoms to a graphene generation chamber having a magnetic structure. The graphene generation chamber generates graphene from said plurality of ionized carbon atoms over said magnetic structure such that said graphene floats over said magnetic structure due to said graphene being diamagnetic. The rate at which the plurality of ionized carbon atoms is produced is controlled to control the rate of graphene generation. The magnetic field of the magnetic structure can be controlled to control the rate at which the generated graphene moves through the graphene generation chamber until it exits as a recovered graphene product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9212065
    Abstract: Zirconia sintered body having similar appearance to natural tooth. On straight line extending in first direction from one end to the other end of zirconia sintered body, when chromaticity (L*, a*, b*) by a L*a*b* colorimetric system of first point positioned in section from the one end to 25% of the whole length is (L1, a1, b1) and chromaticity (L*, a*, b*) by L*a*b* colorimetric system of second point positioned in section from the other end to 25% of whole length is (L2, a2, b2), L1 ranges from 58.0 to 76.0, a1 ranges from ?1.6 to 7.6, b1 ranges from 5.5 to 26.3, L2 ranges from 71.8 to 84.2, a2 ranges from ?2.1 to 1.8, b2 ranges from 1.9 to 16.0, L1<L2, a1>a2, b1>b2, and tendency to increase or decrease chromaticity by the L*a*b* colorimetric system from first point to second point does not change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Yamada, Atsushi Matsumoto, Yoshihisa Ito
  • Patent number: 9212066
    Abstract: Processes of preparing metal titanate from one or more metal compounds, and a product provided by the process. In one embodiment, sodium titanate and an ionic metal compound are mixed into an aqueous mixed slurry, which is allowed to react into metal titanate at the boiling point of the mixed slurry or below, by mixing it at normal pressure and in a normal gaseous atmosphere. After this, the metal titanate product is optionally washed, and/or filtered and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: SACHTLEBEN PIGMENTS OY
    Inventors: Ralf-Johan Lamminmäki, Jani Kallioinen, Arja-Leena Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 9212067
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a fluid and/or aqueous additive delivery system is provided. According to the present invention, a modular fluid container is described for consumption of liquids. Fluid containers according to the present invention include any combination of four distinct modular components; (1) an end-point filter purification module for removal of impurities from water, (2) a UV purification module for emitting ultraviolet (UV) light in a germicidal spectrum for disinfection, (3) a tablet storage and dispensing module to emit ultraviolet (UV) light in a germicidal spectrum for disinfection of a volume of drink liquid held in the container, (4) a flow meter module for quantitatively monitoring hydration in real time. The user can personalize the bottle with any or all modules that are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: FLOZINC, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Gellibolian, John Stump
  • Patent number: 9212068
    Abstract: A water purification device includes an expandable water collecting device having a variable volume, wherein at least part of the surface of the water collecting device includes a filter area, the filter area being permeable to water and allowing water to enter the water collecting device when the filter area is submerged in water. The device further includes a mechanically driven expansion means for exerting a force for increasing the volume of the water collecting device and thereby drawing water through the filter area into the water collecting device. In use, the water collecting device is submerged and the expansion means is released, drawing water into the water collecting device through the filter membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: CREAHOLIC S.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, Marcel Aeschlimann, Christoph Rusch, Andre Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 9212069
    Abstract: A fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater) treatment system and associated methods provide for effectively treating the fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater containing at least a plurality of salts) to provide a separated pure fluid (i.e., generally water) and a separated impurity (i.e., generally a salt). Also provided are a method for detecting or determining the need for a controlled process intervention to prevent the plugging of system components in a fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system, and a process for preventing the plugging of the system components in the fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Salt Water Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jay N. Smtih, Samuel W. Gowan
  • Patent number: 9212070
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided including a tank having a top, a control valve, and an air inlet. The control valve is positioned on the top of the tank and in fluid communication with the tank. The control valve includes a plurality of orifices in fluid communication with a source of untreated water, a treated water outlet, a drain, and a source of sterilizing fluid. The air inlet is in fluid communication with the tank and with a first venturi. The control valve is operative to control the flow of untreated water through the first venturi to draw air through the air inlet and into the tank. The control valve includes a sterilizer valve that is operative to open and close at least one passage in fluid communication between the control valve and the source of sterilizing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9212071
    Abstract: A filtering method using a filtering system is disclosed, which is capable of accomplishing a first water bath into which a first membrane cassette and a first membrane cassette for concentrate are submerged, a second water bath into which a second membrane cassette and a second membrane cassette for concentrate are submerged, a first pump for supplying a first negative pressure to the first membrane cassette, a second pump for supplying a second negative pressure to the second membrane cassette, and a common pump for supplying a third negative pressure to the first and second membrane cassettes for concentrate, stopping an operation of the first pump; interrupting the third negative pressure supplied from the common pump to the first membrane cassette for concentrate; and cleaning the first membrane cassette and the first membrane cassette for concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 9212072
    Abstract: An apparatus delivering multi-vibrational, frequency-based, electromagnetic fields, which are independent but may work simultaneously. The apparatus may be used in many applications, especially in industrial applications such as cooling towers and related pipes and plumbing. The apparatus ELIMINATES calcium based hard water deposits and PROHIBITS bacteria build-up in cooling towers. The apparatus will help reduce soap usage in industrial laundry, reduce salt usage in water softeners, reduce chemical use in pools, inhibit algae growth and increase water clarity. The apparatus will restructure calcium carbonate and other mineral deposits to prevent mineral buildup. The apparatus may be formed from a plurality of wire-wrapped rods staggered around a pipe and connected to a power supply. The plurality of rods may be encased in flexible coating, wrapped in appropriate fabric, or encased in metal outer covering. As a result, waste water is reduced, water costs is kept low, and water is conserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Lynell Braught
  • Patent number: 9212073
    Abstract: A ships' ballast water treatment agent is obtained by blending phosphate and sodium hydroxide into a hypochlorite solution and has pH of 10 to 13. A blending amount of phosphate is preferably such that a weight ratio of effective chlorine to phosphate acid (PO4) (effective chlorine:phosphate acid) is 30:1 to 2:1. A ships' ballast water treatment agent as such has excellent performance in killing bacteria and microorganisms, such as plankton, included in ships' ballast water and has stability and an anticorrosion property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Akihide Hirano, Kotaro Fukuzawa, Kazuki Hayashi, Tetsurou Fukase
  • Patent number: 9212074
    Abstract: A system is provided for treating contaminated water. The system includes a bioreactor having an outlet for treated water and a filter coupled to receive treated water from the outlet of the bioreactor. The filter is configured to operate in an anoxic mode. The filter has: (a) a vessel configured to receive the treated water, (b) a membrane associated with the vessel and positioned to extract permeate from the received water, (c) a fluid outlet positioned to direct fluid toward the membrane to inhibit film build up on the membrane, (d) a fluid recirculator positioned to recirculate fluid between the vessel and the fluid outlet, and (e) an oxidant supply positioned to introduce an oxidant into the vessel, the oxidant supply being adjustable to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the received water in the vessel within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ENVIROGEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Samuel Frisch
  • Patent number: 9212075
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of retreating a viscous semi-solid dewatered sludge having a water content of 70-85%, which is characterized by comprising the steps of: (1) adding a desiccant into said dewatered sludge, and stirring the resulting mixture to produce a mixed sludge having a water content of 50-60%; and (2) drying the mixed sludge to produce a dried granular sludge, which has a water content of 45% or less. The method of retreating the sludge of the present invention can decrease the treatment energy consumption, have a simple dry waste gas treatment, greatly reduce the cost for treating the sludge, accomplish the clean production and the sludge's innocuity, stabilization, minimization, and recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Guangzhou New Extend Rising Environmental Protection Technologies Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huansheng Zhong, Zhimin Sun, Jiacong Wu, Jiayu Chen
  • Patent number: 9212076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sludge processing system having a centrifugal separator which concentrates the sludge and a furnace which heat-treats the concentrated sludge, and allows the automatic control in which the operational condition of the centrifugal separator is set to the optimal condition in accordance with the operational state of the furnace. The control device sets a variable range of a differential speed between the bowl and the screw conveyor of the centrifugal separator, and performs a variable control of the differential speed so that the measurements concentration moisture of the concentration sludge achieves a moisture content requested by the furnace within the variable range, when the measurements concentration moisture of the concentration sludge maintains the moisture content requested by the furnace for a certain period of time being previously set, changes a control value of the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: TOMOE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Hiramatsu