Patents Issued in April 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9320978
    Abstract: A customizable adhesive toy playscape is constructed of a combination of printed adhesive playscape tape and other accessories, such as printed stickers, upstanding signs, toy vehicles, and the tape roll core that can be used by children (or adults) for creating imaginary playscape tape worlds for play, education, or other uses. The playscape tape includes any number of different types of printed indicia, such as road surfaces or natural surfaces (e.g., rocks, dirt, grass), to provide a lifelike play experience. Although the discussion of the present invention centers around construction of a playscape for toy cars, the present invention contemplates that a playscape can be reasonably constructed using playscape tape for any number of different play domains. The only necessary commonalities among these different play domains is the ability to reasonably construct them using playscape tape and relevant accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: INROAD TOYS, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Musliner
  • Patent number: 9320979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to allow the creation of sound programmers and complementary sound decoders that may be securely downloaded with sound and IPL data and that will operate in power limited environments with resistance to power drop outs and are significant improvements beyond prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony J Ireland
  • Patent number: 9320980
    Abstract: A construction kit comprises a plurality of building modules, wherein at least one of the building modules is functional and adapted to perform a specific behavior. In some embodiments, each of the building modules includes at least one connection face adapted to pass either data or power from a first face of a first building module to a first face of a second building module. In certain other embodiments, each connection face of the building modules is electrically connected with each of the other faces. The kit includes at least one connector adapted to couple the at least one functional module to at least one other module while providing up to three degrees of freedom between the functional module and the at least one other module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MODULAR ROBOTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eric Schweikardt, Jonathan Hiller
  • Patent number: 9320981
    Abstract: Flying discs (i.e., similar to FRISBEE® brand flying discs) suitable for use in a disc golf game or ultimate golf game are disclosed. Methods of making and using flying discs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Charles B. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9320982
    Abstract: A magnetic toy assembly suitable for puzzles and playthings includes plural main toy pieces that are magnetically anchorable, in a slidable manner, to a slide surface of a bi-dimensional or three-dimensional base member in magnetically conductive material. Each main toy piece includes: a body made of magnetically non-conductive material, having a rear side surface configured to slidably contact the slide surface of the base member; side contact surfaces configured to allow a contact and a relative sliding movement between the main toy pieces; and at least one magnet at the rear side surface for anchoring the main toy piece to the slide surface of the base member. A number of main toy pieces include a pole extension for the magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
  • Patent number: 9320983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for carrying out a mass-transfer process in which a gas (13) flows through a liquid (31) standing on an upper tray (21), when the gas supply is interrupted the liquid (31) flows into a lock (17) beneath the tray (21) and, when the gas supply is restarted, the liquid (31) flows out of the lock (17) through a lower tray (19) bordering the lock (17) downward, wherein the valve (1) comprises a closing element (5) which comprises a piston rod (5), an upper valve disk (9) and a lower valve disk (7), and which is conducted in a sleeve (3), wherein the lower valve disk (7), in a first valve position, closes an opening (43) at the lower end of the sleeve (3). The upper valve disk (9) and the lower valve disk (7) are each movably connected to the piston rod (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Reiner Giese, Stefan Haedicke, Egon Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9320984
    Abstract: A humidification-dehumidification system comprises a source of liquid; a humidifier including carrier-gas and liquid inlets and outlets and a chamber in which the liquid can contact a carrier gas containing a condensable fluid in vapor phase that is introduced from the carrier-gas inlet in a counterflow arrangement and in which a portion of the liquid can vaporize into the carrier gas; a bubble-column vapor mixture condenser including at least first and second stages, each stage including a carrier-gas inlet and outlet and a chamber configured to contain a liquid bath in fluid communication with the carrier-gas inlet and the carrier-gas outlet; a conduit passing from the source of the liquid through the chamber of each stage of the bubble-column condenser; and an intermediate exchange conduit coupled with (a) the bubble-column vapor mixture condenser and (b) the humidifier chamber at intermediate stages of each for transfer of the carrier gas therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Prakash Narayan Govindan, Gregory P. Thiel, Ronan K. McGovern, John H. Lienhard, Mostafa H. Elsharqawy
  • Patent number: 9320985
    Abstract: Low-pressure steam for a steam consuming device, and particularly a steam reboiler, is generated at the steam consumption pressure to maximize the heat recovery from a utility fuel and/or waste heat source. Most preferably, steam is generated at the lowest possible pressure by fluidly coupling the steam generator to the steam consuming device (e.g., by integrating the condensate drum with the steam drum). Therefore, it should be appreciated that the steam generator pressure in such configurations and methods will ride on the reboiler pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scherffius
  • Patent number: 9320986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to recover and purify methanol from gases produced in the digester during the kraft pulping process. The gas is typically recovered as a foul gas (called stripper off gas or SOG) comprising methanol, water and various other contaminants. The gas is then treated with successive decanting and distillation steps to remove impurities, thereby producing highly purified methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: A.H. Lundberg Systems Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Der, Allan Stewart Jensen
  • Patent number: 9320987
    Abstract: The invention refers to a methodology for the removal of inorganic components such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus and heavy metals from biomass of different origins, such as from agricultural, forest or urban origin and any mixture therefrom, from low quality coals such as peat, lignite or sub-bituminous and/or bituminous coals, from urban and/or industrial origin residues and wastes, which are possible to include as much organic—>5 wt %—as inorganic—<95 wt %—material and from sludges that are obtained from sewage treatment plants. The method includes the following steps: providing a salt, mixing water with the salt to produce an aqueous solution that contains salt, leaching the raw material with the aqueous solution that contains salt, preferably a salt containing zirconium or yttrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Thermoretinary Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel G. Koukios
  • Patent number: 9320988
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for debubbling or degassing a liquid. The apparatus includes a tube with a hollow lumen and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable wall surrounding the lumen. Also disclosed is a method for performing the debubbling or degassing, wherein the liquid is passed through the tube and gas is allowed to escape through the wall of the tube. The application additionally discloses a system for debubbling or degassing a liquid, wherein a pump is connected to the upstream end of the tube and a device to impede the flow of liquid out the tube is connected to the downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Wrench, William Mainwaring-Burton
  • Patent number: 9320989
    Abstract: A multi-phase separation apparatus shapes fluid flow in a flow shaping line preferably shaped to have a plurality of loops with consecutively decreasing diameters. Shaping the two-phase flow drives the heavier, denser fluids to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense fluids such as gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall, an exit port on the inner wall permits a majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a minimal amount of liquid, to be diverted to a conventional gas-liquid separator at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line. The remaining liquid flow in the flow shaping line is subsequently introduced into an adjustable phase splitter to separate different liquid components from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Haven Technology Solutions, LLC.
    Inventors: David James Elms, Gregory Allen Hudspeth
  • Patent number: 9320990
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: YA GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, L.P.
    Inventor: David J. Winsness
  • Patent number: 9320991
    Abstract: An underdrain apparatus and a method for manufacturing such apparatus are provided. The underdrain apparatus can be extruded in long sections as a unitary part. The underdrain apparatus may be extruded in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Further, the underdrain apparatus may include a passageway for transporting water to and from the filter media and/or air to the filter media. In some embodiments, apertures are formed in the underdrain apparatus during an extrusion process to provide a path between the passageway and the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 9320992
    Abstract: A filter appliance may include a ring filter element arranged upright in a filter having an upper end disc and a lower end disc. A component may be arranged on the lower end disc and may include at least one of a water collection pot, a projecting nipple-shaped pin and at least one key profile. A function element may be configured to be inserted in a filter housing pot of the filter appliance, the function element including a channel configured to receive the component. A lock profile may be provided on the function element, wherein the lock profile corresponds to the at least one key profile of the lower disk. The filter appliance is may be operational provided the pin engages the channel and the key profile engages in the lock profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Braunheim
  • Patent number: 9320993
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus includes a base portion, a medium or media, and an elongated support portion. The base portion has a first end, a second end, and a side with an exterior surface. The first end has an inlet and outlet for receiving and dispensing a water flow, respectively. The medium or media is spaced within the base portion and receives fluid through the inlet, treats the fluid, and dispenses the fluid through the outlet. The elongated support portion extends from the second end of the base portion and has a sidewall. The sidewall has an exterior facing surface that is substantially aligned with the exterior surface of the side. The elongated support portion maintains a latch assembly location for engaging a filter head assembly and is configured to withstand torsional forces applied by the user for engagement and alignment with an elongated receiving cavity of an appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ginger Elayne Patera, Steven John Kuehl, David P. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9320994
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an acetate tow bands comprising identification fibers which can be used for tracking and tracing the acetate tow band through at least part of the supply chain. Each identification fiber exhibits at least one distinct feature. Each group of distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit a taggant cross-section shape, a taggant cross-section size, or combination of the same taggant cross-section shape and same taggant cross-section size. The distinct features and the number of fibers in each group of distinguishable identification fibers can represent at least one supply chain component of the acetate tow band, including the manufacturer of the acetate tow band and the customer of the acetate tow band. The identification fibers can be produced on a cellulose acetate tow line using one or more spinnerets with spinneret holes to produce the taggant cross-section shapes and/or taggant cross-section sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Andrew Ervin McLeod, Scott Gregory Gaynor, Lydia J. Salyer, Steven Anthony Wilson, Humberto Collazo, Larry Wayne Renfro
  • Patent number: 9320995
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating material with focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation are described. Sample material may be provided to a single batch vessel or may flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of a processing chamber within which the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to focused acoustics in a flow through environment may enhance the effects of the radiation on the sample material. Further, in flow-through or single batch arrangements, sample material may be retained exterior to or within a processing chamber by one or more retaining members (e.g., filter, valve, etc.) until a characteristic of the sample material reaches one or more particular criteria (e.g., physical, chemical, biological). Once the criteria of the sample material is attained (e.g., via further treatment), the material is then permitted to flow past the retaining member(s) and through the inlet or outlet of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Xiaoyin He, Srikanth Kakumanu
  • Patent number: 9320996
    Abstract: Apparatus related to an air filter and filter housing are disclosed herein. The filter housing and/or filter frame utilize heat shrinkable sealant pieces to enhance the sealing capabilities of the filter housing and/or filter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: American Air Filter Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Baldwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9320997
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, features, components and techniques useable for providing air cleaner arrangements are provided. Many of the features relate to an axial seal arrangement provided on a filter cartridge. A typical filter cartridge, for use with these features, is a filter cartridge having opposite flow ends. Example media arrangements that fit this characterization are described. Seal arrangements provided with an axial housing sealing engagement surface are shown. A seal arrangement is provided with variations therein, to advantage. These variations can be in both of an outer peripheral edge surface and a housing seal engagement surface. Also, air cleaner assemblies having advantageous features therein are provided. Further, air cleaner housings are described, with selected, preferred features for engagement with filter cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Campbell, Steven Gieseke
  • Patent number: 9320998
    Abstract: A collapsible HVAC filter that includes a pleated filter media pack with ends that attach to ends of a planar filter frame member. The structure collapses by folding the filter frame member along score lines and compressing the pleated filter media while the media and frame member are attached. The collapsed components occupy little space relative to the expanded filter, and can be expanded to form a completed filter with little effort required by the end user. Most of the filter media is collapsed in a generally U-shaped channel formed from the folded filter frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Columbus Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chrystal B. Gillilan
  • Patent number: 9320999
    Abstract: A multilayer filter with a material structure to allow air flow therethrough is positioned in front of a radiator of a land vehicle for removal of airborne pollutants from the environment. Each layer of the multifilter is formed of a pollutant capture material. Layers of filter material may be formed of a hepa material, a carbon material, a magnetized material or a spongy material. A protective screen may be positioned in front of the filter air intake side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Ned Abell, Mark D Chambers, Ross L Anderson
  • Patent number: 9321000
    Abstract: A method of providing airflow management in a substrate production tool includes providing a first mechanism coupling the substrate production tool to a fan filter unit. The fan filter unit provides filtered air to the substrate production tool. A second mechanism couples the substrate production tool to a reduced pressure exhaust mechanism. The reduced pressure exhaust mechanism provides an exhaust for excess gas flow within the substrate production tool. A substrate process area of the substrate production tool is maintained at a lower pressure than a pressure of a substrate transfer section of the substrate production tool. The substrate process area maintains a higher pressure than a pressure of the reduced pressure exhaust mechanism. The substrate transfer section maintains a higher pressure than the pressure of the reduced pressure exhaust mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric H. Lenz
  • Patent number: 9321001
    Abstract: Methods and system for concentrating oxygen include a plurality of sieve beds configured to absorb nitrogen from air, at least one reservoir configured to store oxygen-enriched gas exiting from the plurality of sieve beds, a compressor configured to deliver air at one or more desired pressures to the plurality of sieve beds, a support member positioned in housing and configured to support the compressor, the plurality of sieve beds and the reservoir, an air manifold providing a plurality of channels therein that at least partially define passages communicating between the compressor and the plurality of sieve beds, and an oxygen delivery manifold providing a plurality of channels therein that at least partially define passages for delivering the oxygen-enriched to a user. The air manifold and the oxygen delivery manifold are integrally formed with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Douglas Adam Whitcher, Bradley Stewart Koeppel, Jeremy Webster Blair
  • Patent number: 9321002
    Abstract: A system for removing gaseous pollutants, such as mercury from flue gases of a solid-fueled furnace (17), includes a sorbent mill (34) that receives superheated steam and a sorbent (28), such as activated carbon, in a partially agglomerated state, that processes the sorbent (28) by de-agglomerating and comminuting the sorbent (28). An educator (35) transports the processed sorbent (28) to a distributor (36) that injects it into the flue gases at a contact location having a temperature between 500° F. and 900° F., whereupon the sorbent (28) adsorbs mercury from the flue gas. A particle collection device (24) removes the processed sorbent (28) having adsorbed mercury, from the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Richard C. LaFlesh, John Iovino, Shin Gyoo Kang, Carl D Edberg, Raymond W. Cournoyer
  • Patent number: 9321003
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to processes for upgrading a process stream, such as those containing C2+ olefin and one or more acidic gases, to equipment useful in such processes, and to upgraded process streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Radzicki, Neeraj Sangar, Michael Moran, Matthew B. Yarrison
  • Patent number: 9321004
    Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent composition and process for purification of gaseous mixtures. The composition comprises a mixture of a physical absorption solvent and an ionic liquid. It was found that the mixtures provided improved absorption of a gas component, such as carbon dioxide, when compared physical absorption solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Erin M. Broderick, Alakananda Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 9321005
    Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent composition and process for purification of gaseous mixtures. The composition comprises a mixture of a physical absorption solvent and an ionic liquid. It was found that the mixtures provided improved absorption of a gas component, such as carbon dioxide, when compared physical absorption solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Erin M. Broderick, Alakananda Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 9321006
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling oxidation of sulfites in a slurry. The system includes a tank having an inlet for receiving a slurry used in wet flue gas desulfurization. The tank also includes an inlet for receiving a gas. The inlet for receiving the gas is configured so that at least a portion of the gas received in the tank is dispersed through at least a portion of the slurry received in the tank. A sensor is configured to measure a sulfite concentration S1 of the slurry received in the tank. In some embodiments, the sensor is a sulfite analyzer. In other embodiments, the sensor is a virtual analyzer. The system includes a controller. Software executing on the controller generates a signal indicative of an adjustment of a flow rate of gas into the tank based at least in part on the sulfite concentration S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Dennis James Laslo
  • Patent number: 9321007
    Abstract: Compositions and methods related to the removal of acidic gas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a composition and method for the removal of acidic gas from a gas mixture using a solvent comprising a blend of piperazine and at least one diamine or triamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Gary Rochelle, Omkar Namjoshi, Le Li, Yang Du, Thu Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9321008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine by using hydrogen gas, which includes an ammonolysis module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for purifying exhaust gas of a diesel engine, wherein the device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises a DOC-DPF-LNT module formed in the downstream of diesel engine in a serial mode, further includes an ammonolysis module; the device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises a DOC-DPF-HC-SCR module formed in the downstream of diesel engine in a serial mode, further includes an ammonolysis module; and the device comprises an LNT-DPF module and an ammonolysis module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Heesung Catalysts Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Sik Han, Eun Seok Kim, Jae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9321009
    Abstract: Provided are emissions treatment systems for an exhaust stream having an ammonia-generating component, such as a NOx storage reduction (NSR) catalyst or a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst, and an SCR catalyst disposed downstream of the ammonia-generating catalyst. The SCR catalyst can be a molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure, for example SSZ-13 or SAPO-34, which can be ion-exchanged with copper. The LNT can be layered, having an undercoat washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and at least one NOx sorbent selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth elements, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof and a top washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and ceria in particulate form, the top washcoat layer being substantially free of alkaline earth components. The emissions treatment system is advantageously used for the treatment of exhaust streams from diesel engines and lean burn gasoline engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BASF CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Zong Wan, Xiaolai Zheng, Susanne Stiebels, Claudia Wendt, Torsten Neubauer, R. Samuel Boorse
  • Patent number: 9321010
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a plurality of feed pumps each having a feed pump input and a feed pump output, an input manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump inputs and a membrane feed manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump output. The system also includes a plurality of membrane chambers each in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold and generating a permeate output and a brine output, each brine output in fluid communication with a brine manifold. The system further includes a plurality of booster devices each having a turbine portion with a turbine input in fluid communication with the brine manifold and a pump portion having a booster device pump input and a booster device pump output, each booster device pump output in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold. The system includes a pump input manifold in fluid communication with the booster device pump input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9321011
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane separation apparatus and a membrane separation method capable of reducing energy consumption, [Solution] A membrane separation apparatus (10) includes: a membrane separator (20) supplied with a fluid (X) containing a component (A) and a component (B) and separating the fluid (X) into a fluid (Y) having a higher concentration of the component (A) than the fluid (X) and a fluid (Z) having a lower concentration of the component (A) than the fluid (X) by using a separation membrane; a first compressor (21) adiabatically compressing the fluid (Y); a first heat exchanger (11) to which the fluid (Y) adiabatically compressed by the first compressor (21) is introduced as a heat source; and a second heat exchanger (12) to which the fluid (Z) is introduced as a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL & SUMKIN ENGINEERING CO., LTD., THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Takafumi Kiuchi, Ryohta Hidaka, Yoichi Ishibashi, Yasuki Kansha, Atsushi Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 9321012
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for purifying proteins and other target molecules based on pI are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Aran Paulus, Roumen Bogoev, Elad Brod, Uri Sivan
  • Patent number: 9321013
    Abstract: An artificial “arterio-venous” permeable hollow fiber capillary membrane system for wound treatment is described. The capillary membrane system can be placed onto a wound or under the wound dressing to enable fluid/mass exchange, in turn allowing the regulation of pH and electrolyte levels, the supply of factors/mediators/medications, the removal of secretion and waste material, and the support of therapeutically applied cells in the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Reinhard Bornemann
  • Patent number: 9321014
    Abstract: A process of making a reinforced hollow fiber membrane comprises flowing a membrane dope through a casting head while drawing one or more yarns or tows of filaments through the casting head. The filaments are spread apart in the casting head, for example by forcing the yarns or tows around a bend or through a narrow gap in the casting head. The filaments are adapted to bond to the membrane dope or the membrane wall. A reinforced hollow fiber membrane comprises a plurality of filaments individually surrounded by, and bonded to, the membrane wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: BL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Kristian Pedersen, Pierre Lucien Cote, Jinhua Bai
  • Patent number: 9321015
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing an asymmetric hollow fiber, the asymmetric hollow fibers prepared by such methods, and uses of the asymmetric hollow fibers. One method involves passing a polymeric solution through an outer annular orifice of a tube-in-orifice spinneret, passing a bore fluid though an inner tube of the spinneret, dropping the polymeric solution and bore fluid through an atmosphere over a dropping distance, and quenching the polymeric solution and bore fluid in a bath to form an asymmetric hollow fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Indira Jayaweera, Gopala N. Krishnan, Angel Sanjurjo, Palitha Jayaweera, Srinivas Bhamidi
  • Patent number: 9321016
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a honeycomb-shaped ceramic porous body where the strength reduction upon forming a separation layer is less than conventional porous bodies. The ceramic porous body is provided with a honeycomb-shaped base material and an intermediate layer. At least a part of the ceramic porous body has a structure where aggregate particles are bonded to one another by an inorganic bonding material component. In the ceramic porous body, the intermediate layer thickness, which is the thickness of the intermediate layer, is 100 ?m or more and 500 ?m or less, the base material thickness at the shortest portion between the cells, but excluding the intermediate layer and the separation layer is 0.51 mm or more and 1.55 mm or less, and the ratio of the base material thickness to the intermediate layer thickness is 2.5 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Teranishi, Makoto Miyahara, Makiko Ichikawa, Hideyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9321017
    Abstract: A novel gas separation membrane having excellent gas permeability and gas separation performance, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) permeability and excellent separation performance of carbon dioxide to methane (CH4) is provided. Moreover, a novel gas separation membrane having excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance and strength etc. is preferably provided. A gas separation membrane comprising a resin comprising a branched polybenzoxazole has excellent gas permeability and gas separation performance, particularly excellent carbon dioxide (CO2) permeability and excellent separation performance of carbon dioxide to methane (CH4). The resin comprising a branched polybenzoxazole preferably has a cross-linked structure. Furthermore, the resin comprising a branched polybenzoxazole is preferably a hybrid with silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: NAGOYA INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yasuharu Yamada, Mikako Takenaka, Tomoyuki Suzuki, Masako Miki
  • Patent number: 9321018
    Abstract: A wine and spirit aerator includes a tube, a diffuser and an air pump attached to opposing ends of the tube. The aerator may include a stopper sized and shaped to be inserted into a lip of a wine or spirit bottle. The tube and diffuser can extend to the bottom of the bottle. The tube can have telescoping sections or be sized for single glass operation where the pump can be set on a structure between uses. The diffuser can be porous or sintered metal. The pump can be removed and replaced with a carbon dioxide injector to turn the aerator into a carbonated beverage preparation apparatus or a plant feeding apparatus. A method of marketing wine and spirits is also provided in which videos of same aerated by the disclosed aerators are posted to a website that offers both the aerators and the wine or spirit for purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Robert W. Connors
  • Patent number: 9321019
    Abstract: An aerator includes an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is defined as having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to engage an opening of an uncorked wine bottle. The top portion is disposed above the opening of the uncorked wine bottle. The expansion chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with an inside of the uncorked wine bottle. A gas conduit has a proximal end in fluid communication with a distal end. The gas conduit passes through the bottom portion of the expansion chamber and the distal end is disposed below the bottom portion of the expansion chamber. The proximal end is disposed above the bottom portion of the expansion chamber. A gas source is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the gas conduit. The expansion chamber is configured to temporarily contain an expansion of wine bubbles during an aeration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Wendy L. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9321020
    Abstract: A centrifugal processing device has structures in which a storage container housing a material is supported such as to rotate freely by a revolving body with a rotating shaft therebetween, and that applies revolution force and rotation force of the storage container to the material by rotating the storage container while revolving the storage container. Rotating shafts and are supported by the revolving body such as to intersect a revolving body center line of the revolving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Hiroshige Ishii
  • Patent number: 9321021
    Abstract: An improved process for converting an oil suspension of nanoparticles (NPs) into a water suspension of NPs, wherein water and surfactant and a non-surfactant salt is used instead of merely water and surfactant, leading to greatly improved NP aqueous suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Michael S. Wong, Hitesh Ghanshyam Bagaria, Gautam Chandrakanth Kini, Wen Yin Lynn Ko
  • Patent number: 9321022
    Abstract: A device and method are presented for the collection, mixing and distribution of fluid between reactor beds. According to various aspects, the device includes a collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray. The mixing chamber includes at least one chimney positioned about mixing chamber central outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 9321023
    Abstract: A device is presented for the collection, mixing and distribution of fluid between reactor catalyst beds. According to various aspects, the device includes a collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a fine distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray. The mixing chamber includes at least one vapor chimney positioned about the mixing chamber central outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 9321024
    Abstract: A method for producing carbamate including a urea production step; a carbamate-forming step; an ammonia separation step of absorbing the gas with water in the presence of carbonate to produce a gas absorption water, and separating ammonia; an aqueous alcohol solution separation step of separating an aqueous alcohol solution from the gas absorption water; an ammonia/carbon dioxide separation step of separating carbon dioxide gas from the aqueous ammonia solution in the gas absorption water from which the aqueous alcohol solution is separated; an aqueous ammonia solution reusing step of mixing the aqueous ammonia solution and carbonate with the water to be used for production of the gas absorption water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Koji Takamatsu, Satoshi Kato, Takeshi Fukuda, Tetsuya Nakano, Masaaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9321025
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling oxidation of sulfites in a slurry. The system includes a tank having an inlet for receiving a slurry used in wet flue gas desulfurization. The tank also includes an inlet for receiving a gas. The inlet for receiving the gas is configured so that at least a portion of the gas received in the tank is dispersed through at least a portion of the slurry received in the tank. A sensor is configured to measure a sulfite concentration S1 of the slurry received in the tank. In some embodiments, the sensor is a sulfite analyzer. In other embodiments, the sensor is a virtual analyzer. The system includes a controller. Software executing on the controller generates a signal indicative of an adjustment of a flow rate of gas into the tank based at least in part on the sulfite concentration S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Raymond Raulfs Gansley, Rikard Håkansson, Kerstin Margareta Forsgren, Dennis James Laslo
  • Patent number: 9321026
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for seal flush systems. A system may include a reactor circulation pump configured to circulate a slurry through a polymerization reactor. The slurry may include an olefin monomer, a catalyst, and a diluent. The system may also include a catalyst-inhibiting additive system configured to supply a catalyst-inhibiting additive to a seal of the reactor circulation pump and a seal flush system configured to generate a seal flush mixture and supply the seal flush mixture to the seal of the reactor circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Thanh Nguyen, John D. Hottovy
  • Patent number: 9321027
    Abstract: A machine for atmospheric plasma treatment of continuous material substrates comprises means for feeding a substrate for moving it along a feed path; at least two electrodes each positioned at one face of the substrate, each electrode facing a respective face of the substrate, a difference in electric potential being applicable across the electrodes for generating an electric discharge; the feed means comprising at least one first roller and one second roller, the first roller and the second roller coinciding with respective electrodes and each acting on a respective face of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VENETO NANOTECH S.C.P.A.
    Inventor: Illya Kulyk