Patents Issued in April 5, 2016
  • Patent number: 9302182
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and product useful for converting computer games between platforms using different modalities. The method comprising receiving a capture of a player playing at least a part of a game on a first platform using a first modality, wherein the game comprises at least a User Interface (UI) module and a logic module; receiving an intercepted logic command call made by the UI module of the game to the logic module of the game; associating the intercepted logic command call with a user action in the game as played using the first modality; and wherein based on the associated user actions and intercepted logic command calls, the game can be modified to use a second modality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SIDE-KICK LTD
    Inventors: Shmuel Ur, Tal Raviv
  • Patent number: 9302183
    Abstract: A push-button structure includes a circuit board, a conductive adhesive mounted on the circuit board, a base column, a splinter and a button body. The base column has an assembling portion. A bottom end of the assembling portion is mounted to the circuit board through the conductive adhesive. The splinter mounted to a top end of the base column has a base plate. Several portions of an outer periphery of the base plate meander outward to form a plurality of elastic arms. A free end of the elastic arm is bent upward to form a fastening piece. The button body has a base portion. Several portions of an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base portion protrude downward to form a plurality of propping plates. The propping plate hooks a top end of the fastening piece to keep a balance of the button body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsung Shih Lee, Li Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 9302184
    Abstract: A traveling virtual pet game simulates a pet traveling between various geographic locations. As the pet travels, users interact with the virtual pet to aid the pet in acquiring traits associated with the geographic regions in which it travels and to observe traits that the pet has previously acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon R. Beggs
  • Patent number: 9302185
    Abstract: A method is provided for decision streams for synchronizing visual script language processing between networked computers. A master computing device may receive a remote kickoff stream indicating master nodes to be processed on a master graph, create a master decision stream using the remote kickoff stream, process master nodes of the master graph to populate the master decision stream with states and actions during the processing, and distribute the master decision stream to clients for synchronization of private graphs. The master and private graphs may be copies of the same visual script for implementing game logic, which may be created and edited using a graphical user interface (GUI). Nodes of the graphs can be marked as master, requiring global synchronization, or private, allowing immediate local processing with reduced latency. Thus, online game designers are empowered to balance the competing concerns of state synchronization and latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Dawson, Phil Knight, Kirk Baum
  • Patent number: 9302186
    Abstract: A sports videogame such as a baseball videogame allows a user to control the release time of a pitch in order to control the timing of a break on the pitched ball. Other implementations of a baseball videogame allow a user to put extra spin on a pitched ball to thereby create a greater break on the pitch or allow the user to play in a hero mode which enables the user to control a videogame character in a series of specific game play scenarios designed to allow the user to immediately control the videogame character to perform unique skills. Game play may also be customized by allowing the user to incorporate user-created images into screens of game play and/or allow the user to incorporate recorded audio messages into game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Sterchi, Jeff Miller
  • Patent number: 9302187
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a game which is initiated by a player scanning a QR code on a portable device. The player's physical location can be determined from QR code, and then potential prizes in the game are determined based on the location of the player. The potential prizes can come in the form of slices on a wheel and the wheel is spun to a random result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pascal Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Pascal, David Pascal
  • Patent number: 9302188
    Abstract: An apparatus for interworking a mobile terminal account and a gaming account by interworking game record information in the mobile terminal and a game integration account used in multiple games. The method includes: storing information, on a storage device, on a game integration ID used to manage games for the gaming account; receiving, from a mobile terminal, unique terminal identification information of the mobile terminal; confirming whether a mobile ID is mapped to the terminal identification information; creating a mobile ID mapped to the terminal identification information when the confirming determines that a mobile ID is not mapped to the terminal identification information; and mapping, one-to-one, the created mobile ID and the game integration ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: NHN Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Jung Kim, Seong Youn Joo, Jong Yoon Kim, Hye Kyung Park, Yu Ik Yim
  • Patent number: 9302189
    Abstract: A water attraction, involving a flowing body of water, for performing board-riding maneuvers is described. A water attraction according to the present invention includes an activity section adjacent a safety chute; opposing sidewalls adjacent to a safety chute; a water delivery section creating water flow towards a safety chute; a water recovery section; and a rideable surface area. The rideable surface area further includes irregularly shaped surfaces with varying angles and elevations to increase difficulty and creativity in board-riding maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Surf Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Alleshouse, Yong L Yeh
  • Patent number: 9302190
    Abstract: Various embodiments of load carrying systems comprise a load supporting frame comprising three or more connection points and an associated set of lifts configured which define six separate triangles defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw with respect to a support frame, such as unintended or unwanted surge, sway and yaw, while allowing intended and/or desired surge, sway and yaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Allen Jennings
  • Patent number: 9302191
    Abstract: A yo-yo toy that is assembled from hemispheres into which the yo-yo is inserted together with the axle thereof. Holding elements for retaining the string during the free running of the yo-yo are provided at the outlet opening for the string of the yo-yo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: LIMMAT PRODUKT GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Robustelli, Gregor Altenburger
  • Patent number: 9302192
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for interacting amusement. The apparatus includes an acoustic receiver, a decoder and an interaction generating apparatus. The acoustic receiver receives an external acoustic wave signal and transfers the external acoustic wave signal into an acoustic signal. The decoder receives the acoustic signal. When the external acoustic wave signal has a high-frequency modulation signal, the decoder decodes the high-frequency modulation signal into a complete packet message according to a specific decoding procedure. The interaction generating apparatus receives the complete packet message, and generates an interaction according to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GENERALPLUS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 9302193
    Abstract: A corner booster for accelerating toy vehicles includes an entrance to which a toy vehicle enters the booster, and an exit from which the toy vehicle exits the booster. The entrance and exit are orientated so that the toy vehicle turns when traveling from the entrance to the exit. The corner booster further includes a booster member for applying a force to the toy vehicle. The force applied by the booster member increases the speed of the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle travels from the entrance to the exit. The corner booster includes a cocking mechanism that cocks the booster member with preloaded mechanical energy. The preloaded mechanical energy is used to move the booster member to apply the boosting force to the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kin Fai Chang, Louis Luk Kwok Yau
  • Patent number: 9302194
    Abstract: A detachable hula hoop having waterproof reservoirs is provided with hollow arc sections each including a neck; a first connection end at a first end and including an opening, a channel, and a first recess on a surface; a plug including a cylindrical member and a head; a second connection end at a second end and including a closed member and a second recess on a surface; and a reservoir. The first recess is complimentarily disposed in the second recess to fasten the first and second connection ends together. The cylindrical member is disposed in the neck, the head urges against an annular shoulder to block the neck, and the head is urged against by the closed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiung Hsu, Su-Chen Li
  • Patent number: 9302195
    Abstract: A spinning toy assembly includes a pair of cords each coupled between a pair of rings. The pair of rings is gripped by a user. A plate is positioned on each of the pair of cords. The plate is spun by the user so the pair of cords are twisted around each other. The pair of cords transfers a twisting inertia into the plate so the plate is rapidly spun. A processor is coupled to the plate. A light emitter is coupled to the plate and the processor. A speaker is coupled to the plate and the processor. The speaker and the light emitter is each actuated the plate is spun. A sensor is coupled to the plate and the processor. The sensor detects a rotation of the plate. The sensor actuates the processor when the plate is spun on the pair of strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Urban S. Paul
  • Patent number: 9302196
    Abstract: A construction set comprises a plurality of elements mutually co-operable to produce at least one assembly, wherein the elements comprise a plurality of connectors (100, 100?) each comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a hollow base, the body being provided with a radially extending cylindrical projection (130?) and the base with at least one groove (131?) and the projection and the groove being shaped to permit assembly of two such connectors (100, 100?) in mutually orthogonal relationship by engagement of the projection of one of those connectors in the at least one groove of the other one of those connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ROBOSYNTHESIS LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Ross Norman
  • Patent number: 9302197
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having a light sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the light sensitive layer with a pattern revealing light. The light sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the pattern revealing light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the pattern revealing light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: FunFare, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Gene Heller, Charles Albert, Joshua William Garrett, Jeff McKnight, Eduardo Martinez
  • Patent number: 9302198
    Abstract: A maze construction system for fire and rescue training exercises includes a plurality of panels that are tensionably supported between a ceiling and floor. Each panel includes a pair of extendable columns that terminate with a pad for contact with a ceiling surface. A flange along at least one vertical edge of the panels permits the panels to align at their edges. The panels are quickly assembled and disassembled, and are easily reconfigured to form new maze paths without requiring additional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: William Lloyd Faver, Glenn D. Larson
  • Patent number: 9302199
    Abstract: We provide processes, and process units for practicing the processes, comprising a. regenerating a used catalyst comprising an ionic liquid catalyst and a chloride, from an alkylation reactor, in a hydrogenation reactor to produce a regenerated catalyst effluent; b. separating at least a portion of the regenerated catalyst effluent into a gas fraction comprising a hydrogen gas and into a light hydrocarbon fraction comprising a hydrogen chloride; c. recycling at least a part of the gas fraction comprising the hydrogen gas to the hydrogenation reactor; and d. recovering at least an amount of the light hydrocarbon fraction comprising the hydrogen chloride and recycling the at least the amount of the light hydrocarbon fraction to the alkylation reactor. The alkylation process units comprise a hydrogenation reactor, a fractionation unit, and connections for transmitting the gas fraction to the hydrogenation reactor and for transmitting the light hydrocarbon fraction to the alkylation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Kyung Cho Timken, Bong-Kyu Chang
  • Patent number: 9302200
    Abstract: We provide alkylation process units, one comprising: a) a hydrogenation reactor that produces a regenerated catalyst effluent; b) a fractionation unit that separates the effluent into gas and light hydrocarbon; c) a connection between the fractionation unit for transmitting the gas to the hydrogenation reactor; and d) a connection between the fractionation unit and an alkylation reactor to transmit the light hydrocarbon to the alkylation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Kyung Cho Timken, Bong-Kyu Chang
  • Patent number: 9302201
    Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Porter, Dana L. Pilliod
  • Patent number: 9302202
    Abstract: A chromatography column having a longitudinal axis and comprising a column wall with a first end and a second end, a first end plate assembly removably connectable to said first end of the column wall, a second end plate assembly removably connectable to said second end of the column wall, wherein said first end plate assembly, said column wall and said second end plate assembly are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the column wherein the column wall, and/or first end plate assembly and/or second end plate assembly is/are rotatable about an axis of rotation wherein said axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said column and positioned outside the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Per Lofving, Mats Olsson, Sven Wounder, Jerker Persson
  • Patent number: 9302203
    Abstract: The chromatographic separation material is a cyclofructan or a derivative of cyclofructan covalently bonded to a cross-linked, organic polymer. The separation material works well in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION, AZYP, LLC
    Inventors: Haixiao Qiu, Daniel W. Armstrong, Mayumi Kiyono-Shimobe
  • Patent number: 9302204
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for purifying a disulfide oil. The process can include obtaining at least a portion of a disulfide oil coalesced from an alkaline stream, and passing the at least a portion of the disulfide oil through a mesh for recovering a purified disulfide oil stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Luigi Laricchia, Johnathan Andrew Tertel, Jasna Karagic
  • Patent number: 9302205
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tube sheet by forming a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments; forming multiple holes in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube; aligning all of the plurality of tube sheet segments so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns with the hole pattern in all other sheets of the plurality of tube sheet segments; and securing all of the tube sheet segments together to form a unitary tube sheet. A tube sheet construction that includes a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments, multiple holes being provided in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube, all of the tube sheet segments being aligning so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns, and fasteners for securing all of the tube sheet segments together. A media layer is provided between adjacent sheet segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Neptune-Benson, LLC
    Inventor: Paul F. Nehlen, III
  • Patent number: 9302206
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a first component having a first groove. The filter assembly further includes a second component having a second groove. The first groove of the first component and the second groove of the second component define a channel therebetween. Furthermore, the filter assembly includes a cord member removably inserted in the channel to detachably couple the second component to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9302207
    Abstract: A process separates out and removes water present in liquid fuels. The fuel supplies an internal combustion engine by a fuel delivery pump (12). Water is separated out at a filter (5) having a collecting space (27) for collecting separated water and connected upstream of the suction side (11) of the fuel delivery pump (12). The pump suction action counteracts outflow of water from the collecting space (27). Depending on the amount of water collected, the pump suction action is negated, and an outlet valve at an outflow orifice (37) of the collecting space (27) is opened by a discharge (43, 53) producing a pressure gradient enabling the discharge of water from the collecting space (27) over a discharge period when the fuel delivery pump (12) is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HYDAC FILTERTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Viktor Lauer, Martin Hager
  • Patent number: 9302208
    Abstract: Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kannan Seshadri, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Clinton P. Waller, Jr., Douglas E. Weiss, Yi He
  • Patent number: 9302209
    Abstract: The technology presents filter media and methods of recycling metal-working liquids by removing metal fines and other contaminants using the filter media. An exemplary method includes a series of steps. These steps include filtering a contaminated metal-working liquid that has metal fines through an exemplary filter medium that is comprised of a carrier and a chemical agent. The carrier is impregnated with a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphorous pentoxide, and mixtures or derivatives of these. Further, the exemplary method includes collecting a filtrate substantially free of ashable residue; and reusing the filtrate as a metal-working liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KAGEHT LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Kipers
  • Patent number: 9302210
    Abstract: A composite block that includes activated carbon particles bonded to one another with a polymeric binder. The block includes a tortuous porous network extending through the block article, the tortuous porous network having a plurality of void spaces interspersed throughout the network with the majority of void spaces each having an average diameter greater than the average diameter of the remainder of the porous network. A filter incorporates the composite block as a part thereof. A process of making a composite block includes mixing activated carbon, polymeric binder and pore forming material to provide a moldable mixture; placing the moldable mixture in a mold cavity; heating the mold cavity and the moldable mixture to melt the polymeric binder; cooling the mold to re-solidify the polymeric binder to form the composite block; and removing the composite block from the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Stouffer, Eric C. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 9302211
    Abstract: A fixing jig includes a pedestal including a placing surface on which a columnar honeycomb structure is placed, holding members fixed to the pedestal and configured to hold a side surface of the honeycomb structure placed on the placing surface, and drawing and fixing members fixed to the pedestal and configured to draw and fix the surface on the pedestal side in the outer circumferential portion of a mask placed on the honeycomb structure. Consequently, the fixing jig can fix the honeycomb structure and the mask aligned with each other and is less likely to hinder the alignment of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Kousuke Uoe, Masaharu Mori, Ying Gong
  • Patent number: 9302212
    Abstract: Regular hexagonal cells at both an top surface and a bottom surface of a green honeycomb molded body are closed at the same time. Therefore, the regular hexagonal cells can be closed effectively. In addition, the regular hexagonal cells of the green honeycomb molded body are closed by welding partition walls with each other, by inserting each of closing protrusions of a closing jig into the plurality of regular hexagonal cells. Therefore, a closing paste like the conventional method is not required. In a case where a honeycomb structure is used for a diesel particulate filter, turbulence of exhaust gas flow, at the end surface of the side to supply the exhaust gas and/or the side to discharge the exhaust gas, is reduced, and pressure drop can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Kousuke Uoe, Teruo Komori
  • Patent number: 9302213
    Abstract: A filter system for an explosion-proof enclosure is described herein. The filter system can include a pre-filter assembly located outside the explosion-proof enclosure. The pre-filter assembly can include a pre-filter material configured to control air passing therethrough. The filter system can also include a filter assembly coupled to the pre-filter assembly. The filter assembly can further control the air received from the pre-filter assembly and passing therethrough into the explosion-proof enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Graig E. DeCarr
  • Patent number: 9302214
    Abstract: A pressure-swing adsorption process for producing a purified nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) product gas from a feed gas contaminated with carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) using a column packed with an adsorbent that exhibits selectivity for NF3 over CF4. The process separates the feed gas into a first product gas having a greater concentration of CF4 than the feed gas and a second product gas having a lesser concentration of CF4 without the use of an inert carrier gas while recovering essentially all of the NF3. The process includes filling the column with the feed gas until the column reaches a first pressure, removing the first product gas, and then removing the second product gas, where after the second product gas is removed the column is at a second pressure. A rinse gas of NF3 and CF4 may be used to remove the first product gas or the second product gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Bruce Henderson, Richard Paul Underwood
  • Patent number: 9302215
    Abstract: Rotary fluid processing systems and associated methods are disclosed. A purification system in accordance with the particular embodiment includes a rotatable adsorbent-containing heat/mass transfer element that is generally symmetric about a rotation axis, and includes multiple radial flow paths oriented transverse to the rotation axis and multiple axial flow paths oriented transverse to the radial flow paths. The axial flow paths and radial flow paths are in thermal communication with each other, and are generally isolated from fluid communication with each other at the heat transfer element. Particular embodiments can further include a housing arrangement having multiple manifolds with individual manifolds having an entry port and an exit port, and with individual manifolds having different circumferential locations relative to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Prometheus Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Barclay, Tadeusz Szymanski, Lenard J. Stoltman, Kathryn Oseen-Senda, Hunter A. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 9302216
    Abstract: In the carbon dioxide gas fixation method and carbon dioxide gas fixation apparatus, seawater (7) is electrolyzed, anodic electrolyzed water (7a) and cathodic electrolyzed water (7b) produced by electrolysis of the seawater are separated, alkaline material is inputted into the anodic electrolyzed water to adjust pH, carbon dioxide gas is blown into the cathodic electrolyzed water to fix the carbon dioxide gas as carbonate, and the anodic electrolyzed water after pH adjustment and the cathodic electrolyzed water after carbonate fixation are intermixed, and discharged in a state where a pH of the intermixed water is identical to a pH of the seawater. As a result, it is possible to offer a carbon dioxide gas fixation method and a carbon dioxide gas fixation apparatus which fix carbon dioxide gas with little impact on the environment, and without risk of re-release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsushi Iwamoto, Kenichi Akamine, Junichi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 9302217
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a treatment fluid comprising electrolyzed water and an amine, and methods for producing and using same in the treatment of a gas or liquid containing a contaminant such as an acid gas or a sulphur compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 1623920 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: William Dale Storey, Norman L. Arrison, Dale R. Schadeck
  • Patent number: 9302218
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and equipment for generating an activated sorbent from a sorbent precursor with the addition of certain chemicals that enhance the effectiveness of the activated sorbent. The invention is also directed to the methods and equipment for generating some of the chemicals that are added to the raw carbonaceous material or activated sorbent to enhance its effectiveness. The invention is also directed to methods and equipment for generating certain chemicals that can be added to a gas stream to convert a given gaseous pollutant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream. The invention is also directed to methods and equipment for adding an activated sorbent and various chemicals for a gas stream having one or more gaseous pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Ramsay Chang, Yongqi Lu, Massoud Rostam-Abadi
  • Patent number: 9302219
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion of CO2 to a dissolved species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael C. Stern, Fritz Simeon, Trevor Alan Hatton
  • Patent number: 9302220
    Abstract: A system for treatment of a gaseous medium, comprises an extruder having a barrel. The extruder further comprises a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and a plurality of outlet ports coupled to the barrel. The first inlet port is configured for feeding a lean sorbent, the second inlet port is configured for feeding a gaseous medium, and the plurality of outlet ports are configured for releasing a plurality of components removed from the gaseous medium. Further, the extruder comprises a plurality of helical elements coupled to a plurality of kneading elements, mounted on a shaft, and disposed within the barrel. The barrel and the plurality of helical and kneading elements together form an absorption unit and a desorption unit. The first and second inlet ports are formed in the absorption unit and the plurality of outlet ports are formed in the absorption and desorption units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norberto Silvi, Robert James Perry, Surinder Prabhjot Singh, Gary Stephen Balch, Tiffany Elizabeth Pinard Westendorf
  • Patent number: 9302221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for upgrading a gas by separation of carbon dioxide therefrom, which method comprises the steps of introducing a stream of gas to a wet bed of ion exchange resin, and desorbing the adsorbed carbon dioxide from the resin by increasing the temperature and/or lowering the pressure in said wet bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: RE-N TECHNOLOGY APS
    Inventors: Bo Wennergren, Jens Tradsborg Christensen
  • Patent number: 9302222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for reducing the nitrogen oxide off-gas concentration in a nitric acid plant operated under pressure and equipped with a residual gas purification first reactor configured to remove nitrogen oxides from the off-gas during steady-state operation of the plant, and a second reactor configured to remove nitrogen oxides from the off-gas during a start-up and/or shut down of the plant. The method includes, during start-up and/or shut-down of the nitric acid plant, passing pressurized nitrogen-oxide-containing off-gas from the nitric acid plant and a gaseous reducing agent for the nitrogen oxides into the second reactor charged with a catalyst, to reduce the NOx content in the off-gas by at least catalytic reduction. Using the process and system, a colorless start-up and shut-down of nitric acid plants is possible and the nitrogen oxide content in the off-gas during start-up and/or shutdown can be substantially lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS AG
    Inventor: Christian Perbandt
  • Patent number: 9302223
    Abstract: A mixing element positioned at an exhaust inlet of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module is provided. The mixing element includes a base plate having a plurality of perforations thereon. The mixing element also includes a plurality of vanes connected to the base plate. Each of the plurality of vanes is spaced apart from one another. The plurality of vanes includes a plurality of flaps extending radially from the base plate. Each of the plurality of flaps has a planar configuration. The plurality of vanes also includes a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of flaps. Each of the plurality of blades extends axially with respect to an axis of the exhaust inlet. The blade has a curved configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yung T. Bui, Ping Xiang
  • Patent number: 9302224
    Abstract: A system for NOx reduction in combustion gases, especially from diesel engines, incorporates an oxidation catalyst to convert at least a portion of NO to NO2, particulate filter, a source of reductant such as NH3 and an SCR catalyst and methods for operating such a system are disclosed. Considerable improvements in NOx conversion and soot reduction are observed even at relatively low operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Daimler AG, HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. Ltd., Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Anders Andreasson, Guy Richard Chandler, Claus Friedrich Goersmann, James Patrick Warren, Georg Hüthwohl
  • Patent number: 9302225
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to trap, release and/or separate sample components in solution passing through a channel with or without packing material present by passing ion current through the channel driven by an electric field. A portion of the ion current includes cation and/or anion species generated from second solution flows separated from the sample solution flow path by semipermeable membranes. Cation and/or anion species generated in the second solution flow regions are transferred into the sample solution flow path through ion selective semipermeable membranes. Ion current moving along the sample solution flow path is controlled by varying the composition of the second solutions and/or changing the voltage between membrane sections for a given sample solution composition. The sample composition may also be varied separately or in parallel to enhance trapping, release and/or separation efficiency and range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Whitehouse, Thomas P. White
  • Patent number: 9302226
    Abstract: A method of removing a radioactive material from a gas includes directing the gas through a bed of salt, wherein the gas includes water vapor and the radioactive material. The salt constitutes more than 50 percent by weight of the bed. The method additionally includes condensing the water vapor in the bed and dissolving a portion of the salt to form a salt solution. The method further includes absorbing the radioactive material into the salt solution while a remainder of the gas passes through the bed. A salt filtration system configured to perform the method may be implemented as a pre-filter (or post-filter) to an existing filter unit or as a standalone filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eric Paul Loewen, Pradip Saha, Emma Lebwohl, Kelly Ann Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 9302227
    Abstract: A membrane separation assembly that includes an integrated filter element and at least one membrane module housed within a first vessel and a second vessel containing at least one membrane module, which is stacked or aligned adjacent to the first vessel. The first vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the assembly, and gases to flow to and through the membrane modules of the first vessel and the membrane modules of the second vessel, which are ultimately withdrawn from the assembly. The assembly is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Patent number: 9302228
    Abstract: Membranes comprising a single layer having a first microporous surface; a second microporous surface; and, a porous bulk between the first microporous surface and the second microporous surface, wherein the bulk comprises a first set of pores having outer rims, prepared by removing introduced dissolvable silica nanoparticles, the first set of pores having a first controlled pore size, and a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, the second set of pores having a second controlled pore size, and a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores, wherein the first controlled pore size is greater than the second controlled pore size, and wherein the first and/or second microporous surface comprises a neutrally charged, a negatively charged, or a positively charged, surface; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Amarnauth Singh, Yolando David, Shane Edward Harton
  • Patent number: 9302229
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a housing and a carbonating head assembly configured to releasably engage a top end of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated. The bottle is engaged with the head assembly in a manner so as to provide a liquid and gas-tight seal. A tube is arranged in the housing for directing a flow of pressurized gas from a gas cylinder to the liquid within the bottle to produce a carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage appliance includes a quick-connect mechanism for attaching a gas cylinder to the appliance, and a dispensing mechanism for the on-demand dispensing of a carbonated beverage from the bottle while it is attached to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony Kit Lun Leung, Joseph W. Zakowski
  • Patent number: 9302230
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a housing having an inner chamber, an inlet, and an outlet; an outlet conduit having a first and second end, the second end providing communication between the inner chamber and the outlet; and one or more dispersion members configured to mix one or more fluids, the one or more dispersion members extending between the outlet conduit and the housing. The dispersion members include a plate having a first and second side, a first opening in the plate for receiving an outlet conduit of the mixing device, and a plurality of second openings in the plate. The plurality of second openings has a first and second side. The first and second sides of the plurality of second openings have chamfered edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SLACK CHEMICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Soukup
  • Patent number: 9302231
    Abstract: A seed treating device that has an input device that is detachably secured to a frame. Disposed within the frame is a mixing chamber that receives seed from the input and is in fluid communication with a pump. In this manner the pump is able to convey chemical treatments to the interior of the mixing chamber such that a blade assembly within the mixing chamber can mix the chemical treatment fluid with seeds therein in order to treat the seeds with the chemical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DUBOIS AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jerry DuBois, Scott Bohemann