Patents Issued in July 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9399164
    Abstract: A cycling suit (1) comprising a seat pad (2) in the crotch area, said seat pad (2) comprising a soft fabric piece (3) and a padding (4), said fabric piece having a multi-layered structure comprising at least a first layer (5) in contact with the skin and an outer layer (7) opposite to said first layer, wherein said outer layer is perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Assos of Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Roger Maier
  • Patent number: 9399165
    Abstract: A game device includes an owned card storage unit for storing player cards owned by a game player, and a player card exchange unit for exchanging a player card owned by the game player with an exchangeable card presented by a CPU, wherein the player card exchange unit includes an exchangeable card presentation unit for determining the exchangeable cards based on the player cards owned by the game player to be presented on a screen, an exchange condition presentation unit for setting an exchange condition for exchanging the exchangeable card with the player card owned by the game player to be presented on the screen; and an exchange execution unit for approving the exchange of the player card and the exchangeable card when the player card that satisfies the exchange condition is selected by the game player, and updating the memory content of the owned card storage unit to a content after the approval of the exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Jun Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9399166
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamic calculation of weakpoints in objects during gameplay. A player strikes an object and a weakpoint appears somewhere on the surface of the object. If the player strikes that weakpoint, the weakpoint disappears, and the amount of damage imparted to the object is some multiple (or factor) of the normal damage imparted. The player's camera position and direction is used to find points on the surface of the object that was struck. The position and direction of the player's camera is used to ensure that the player will be able to see any weakpoint that might be created. The points on the object are recorded. The recorded points are compared against each other and the best point is chosen based on certain criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: EPIC GAMES, INC.
    Inventor: Cody Michael Haskell
  • Patent number: 9399167
    Abstract: An electronic game system and a method of its operation are provided for virtual space mapping of a variable activity region in physical space. A calibration input may be received from a positioning device of a game controller that indicates waypoints that define an activity region in physical space. A scale factor may be identified between the activity region and an interactive game region in virtual space based on the calibration input. Positioning information may be received from the positioning device that indicates a position of the positioning device within the activity region. The position of the positioning device within the activity region may be mapped to a corresponding virtual position within the interactive game region based on the scale factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Glaser, Steven Michael Beeman, Peter Glenn Sarrett, Scott Henson, Robert Sheldon Walker, John Clavin
  • Patent number: 9399168
    Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched by a player, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which the processor(s) enables the game elements to evolve into visually altered versions when they form part of a match or switch and it is the altered versions that can be removed by subsequent matching or switching by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Sebastian Knutsson, Klas Norden
  • Patent number: 9399169
    Abstract: Provided is a game system that, while reducing a load on a communication line, enables a current situation of a game that is being played by at least one user to be known by another user. A situation identifying information transmission section transmits, to an output device, situation identifying information related to the situation of the game that is being executed in at least one game device. An output control section of the output device causes an output section to output the situation of the game based on the situation identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kentaro Nagayama
  • Patent number: 9399170
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing a fantasy sports game that shares the same objective as an actual sporting contest and that is played in real-time during the actual sporting contest. A method of the present invention comprises displaying an indication of an option to start the game and receiving an input indicating to start the game. The method includes displaying a list of players intended to participate in an actual event to occur in the actual sporting contest and receiving an input indicating a first selection of at least one of the players. The method includes receiving real-time data from the actual sporting contest including a first actual result for the first actual event. The method includes displaying an indication of the first actual result and determining a virtual result in the game based on the first actual result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FANAMANA, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Olin Cook, Sean Paul Murphy
  • Patent number: 9399171
    Abstract: A method of gaming between multiple participants, each of whom has a locationally aware smart phone or similar user device with a microphone and at least one speaker, capable of a triggering interaction with other such devices using a sound-based trigger. A gaming session is triggered by the playing of an acoustic gaming session request tone by a first device. Software on other user devices within acoustic listening range which “hear” the trigger tone can cause the listening devices to join a gaming session with the first user device through contact with a centrally administered gaming application on a server. Based on the geographic location of the gaming session, or other applicable user parameters, at least one game or contest from the server is made available and can then be selected and played between the connected user devices, served by the central system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: 101210135 Saskatchewan Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael MacNaughton, Leif Kaldor
  • Patent number: 9399172
    Abstract: A method for allowing a number of split-screens to share a display on a client device beyond an application's native capacity for split-screening, includes determining configuration parameters for the client device, establishing a plurality of application instances to be initialized based on the number of split-screens and the application's native capacity for split-screening, initializing one or more virtual machine servers to service the plurality of application instances, optimizing display output parameters for each application instance based at least in part on the configuration parameters for the client device, and outputting display from each application instance to the client device, such that the display output from each application instance shares the display on the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Efraim Haberman
  • Patent number: 9399173
    Abstract: In a prediction game, the potential value of a participant's prediction depends on the time when the prediction is submitted. The prediction may pertain to the outcome of a competition in a bracket-style tournament (e.g., the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, or “March Madness”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hubstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McAuley, Darren M. Kimura, Benjamin Yenter, Jason R. Nako, Mark Brenner
  • Patent number: 9399174
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for eliminating blind spot of a high frequency RF antenna array, allowing an RFID tag to be detected when placed anywhere on top of and within the communication range of the RF antenna array. The RF antenna array includes a first array of RF antenna placed on a first surface and a second RF antenna placed on a second surface. The second RF antenna is located directly below or above the area encompassing borders of multiple antennas in the first array, but is not connected to any electrical path. Through the electromagnetic induction with the EM field generated by the first RF antenna array, a second EM field is formed by the second RF antenna, which enables detection and identification of the RFID tag placed on the blind spot of the first array of RF antenna. The present invention is useful in improving the RF communication range and accuracy of a passive RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Zheng Shi
  • Patent number: 9399175
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for at least partially automating content generation of blog entries chronicling an entity's interaction with a multiuser environment. The same may combine automatic data generation with user-generated and/or user-edited or created narrative. The systems and methods may be employed for automatically generating and publishing descriptions, such as posting blog articles. In one implementation, a system automatically posts blog articles with automatic screenshots and automatically-generated descriptive copy of events that occur within a video game, such as in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Pearce
  • Patent number: 9399176
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for a balloon support bracket that may be secured to an attachment surface such as a light pole or fence and may further be coupled with one or more helium-free balloons through a balloon support. Additional embodiments include novel quick-release coupling and security features to enhance ease of use and deter theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9399177
    Abstract: Building sets including a plurality of blocks and a plurality of clips configured to engage a thickness of one or more of the blocks. Each clip includes a base and first and second substantially parallel extensions extending from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which a thickness of a block is receivable. The width of the channel is substantially equal to the thickness of the block receivable within the channel so that the thickness is frictionally retained therein. In one embodiment, the clip includes a plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Building Creative Kids, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Cochella
  • Patent number: 9399178
    Abstract: An artificial cave has various features that resemble speleothems (e.g., stalactites, stalagmites, etc.) found in real subterranean caves. Human users may pass through the artificial cave, with each user wearing a wearable transceiver that broadcasts a signal code unique to that user. Fixed transceivers throughout the cave can detect and identify any user who is sufficiently close to that fixed transceiver. Other components of the system collect user identification information from the fixed transceivers for any of several possible purposes (e.g., identifying which user was probably responsible for inappropriate interaction with a speleothem that is adjacent to a given fixed transceiver, where all of the various user of the cave are currently located in the cave, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: David Alexander Jackson
  • Patent number: 9399179
    Abstract: A process (10) to separate a multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26) comprising ethylene, at least one polymer and other components includes flashing the multi-component hydrocarbon stream in a first flash stage (12) from an elevated pressure of more than 30 bar(a) and an elevated temperature in the range of 150° C. to 135° C. to a flash pressure in the range of 10 bar(a) to 30 bar(a), producing a first ethylene-containing vapor overheads product (28) at a pressure in the range of 10 bar(a) to 30 bar(a) and a first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) which includes some ethylene, the at least one polymer and some of the other components. The flash pressure and the elevated temperature of the multi-component hydrocarbon stream (26) are selected such that the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) has a concentration of the at least one polymer of less than 5% by mass to render the viscosity of the first flash stage bottoms product (30.1) at the temperature of the first flash stage bottoms product (30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SASOL TECHNOLOGY PROPRIETARY LIMITED
    Inventors: Denise Louisette Venter, Natasha Brigman, Tyrone McKnight, Kevin Blann, Stephen John Evans
  • Patent number: 9399180
    Abstract: A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel; the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and help evaporate and condense the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew A. Ellis, Marcus J. Fauth
  • Patent number: 9399181
    Abstract: A liquid-liquid-liquid three-phase continuous and countercurrent extraction apparatus comprises a three-phase-mixing chamber, a three-liquid-flow settler, and a two-phase-mixing chamber; a liquid-flow control separator placed in the three-liquid-flow settler aims to flexibly regulate the directions of three liquid flows in the three-phase system by different control separator combinations to achieve either a countercurrent operation of the top-layered phase with the middle-bottom two-layered mixtures, or a countercurrent operation of the top-middle two-layered mixtures with the bottom-layered phase; and a method of using the same, relating to extraction and separation field of chemical technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Huizhou Liu, Kun Huang, Zhentao An
  • Patent number: 9399182
    Abstract: A particle separator includes a particle separation member to separate particles from liquid; a particle collection member for collecting particles from the particle separation member; and a liquid guiding member for guiding liquid flowing from the particle separation member to an outlet. The particle separation member includes an inlet for receiving un-clean liquid, a first separation section configured for preliminarily separating particles from the liquid, and a second separation section for separating further particles from liquid flowing from the first separation section. The second separation section includes a plurality of cyclones each having a wide open end connected to the first separation section and a narrow open end connected to the particle collection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventors: Serge Pesetsky, Chad J. Caparros, Chuan Hui Fang
  • Patent number: 9399183
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a vent filter for a waste tank system is provided having a housing which eliminates or reduces the amount of bypass of odorous air moving through the vent system and precludes the odorous air from escaping without passing through filtering material. The housing includes a region wherein the cross-sectional area is reduced, inhibiting bypass of odorous gas past the filtering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: DOMETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffry McVay, Benjamin Stork
  • Patent number: 9399184
    Abstract: A cyclonic portable vacuum cleaner/dust collector has a cyclonic chamber and a filter chamber. The filter chamber contains a filter cartridge with a hollow core positioned over the discharge opening of a motor plate that closes the filter chamber. A vacuum blower is mounted on the motor plate, with an intake tube at the discharge opening of the motor plate. An anti-deflagration screen mounted upon the discharge opening of the cover plate of the filter chamber. The anti-deflagration screen is in the form of a metal mesh creating a multiplicity of small passages to permit exhaust air flow from the filter chamber but blocking any flame front. The screen may be hemispherically domed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Oneida Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Witter, Jeffrey Hill, John J. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 9399185
    Abstract: A particulate filter control system and method for controlling the same is disclosed. The particulate filter load monitoring system may transmit radio frequency signals through the resonant cavity and filter medium across a frequency range sufficient to generate more than one resonant mode. The system may contain additional sensors for monitoring additional exhaust characteristics and parameters. Further, a control unit may be configured to determine the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, detect failures and malfunctions of the exhaust after-treatment system and its associated components, and initiate an action based on the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, the determination of a system failure or malfunction, or input from one or more exhaust sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Alexander Sappok, Peter Koert
  • Patent number: 9399186
    Abstract: A filter system for a building, in particular a hospital, having an exhaust air duct, by means of which a gas mixture is conducted out of the building, and a filter device, which is assigned to the exhaust air duct and is configured to filter at least partially anaesthetic gases out of the gas mixture flowing through the filter device is provided. A filter device for installation in a filter system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ZEOSYS-ZEOLITHSYSTEME-FORSCHUNGS-UND VERTRIEBSUNTERNEHMEN FÜR UMWELTSCHUTZ MEDIZIN-UND ENERGIETECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Hartmut Welke
  • Patent number: 9399187
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems of circulating air in an enclosed environment. In such embodiments, the system may comprise an air handling unit (AHU), the AHU including an indoor air inlet to receive an indoor airflow from the enclosed environment and an indoor air outlet to expel the indoor airflow, a conditioning element arranged between the inlet and the outlet configured to at least heat or cool the indoor airflow as it flows thereover, one or more fan units arranged between the inlet and the outlet configured to provide velocity to the indoor airflow, and an air treatment assembly (ATA) arranged within or proximate the AHU, the ATA including an air inlet configured to receive a portion of the indoor airflow received by the AHU indoor air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Enverid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Udi Meirav, Israel Biran
  • Patent number: 9399188
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a CO2 removal apparatus that prevents release of an amine compound of an absorbing solution from a CO2 absorption device. The CO2 removal apparatus includes a desorption column 13 that heats and regenerates an amine compound aqueous solution discharged from a decarbonator 1 making counterflow contact of a combustion exhaust gas and an amine compound aqueous solution; and reflux means that refluxes an amine compound aqueous solution regenerated in the desorption column 13 to the decarbonator 1 via a cooler 19. A contact section that makes counterflow contact of reflux water of the desorption column 13 and a CO2-removed combustion exhaust gas is formed in two stages, and the cooler 19 on the downstream side of the desorption column is also formed in two stages. Reflux water from the first stage cooler is supplied to the first stage contact section, and reflux water from the second stage cooler is supplied to the second stage contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Miyamoto, Koichi Yokoyama, Shigehito Takamoto, Naoki Oda
  • Patent number: 9399189
    Abstract: A CO2 recovery device includes a cooling tower including a cooling unit for bringing the flue gas, which contains CO2, into contact with water so as to cool flue gas; a CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorbent (lean solution) so as to remove CO2 from flue gas; and a regenerator including an absorbent regenerating unit for releasing CO2 from a rich solution so as to regenerate the CO2 absorbent. The CO2-absorbing unit includes: a cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit provided in a cocurrent flow CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a cocurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from flue gas and a countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit provided in a CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., THE KANSAI ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tsujiuchi, Hiroshi Tanaka, Hiromitsu Nagayasu, Takuya Hirata, Tsuyoshi Oishi, Masahiko Tatsumi, Koji Kadono
  • Patent number: 9399190
    Abstract: An absorber that uses a gasified gas containing CO2 and H2S formed by gasifying coal, for example, as an introduced gas, and that makes the CO2 and H2S absorbed from the introduced gas by bringing the introduced gas into contact with an absorbent for absorbing C02 and H2S; an absorbent regenerator-that extracts absorbent that has absorbed CO2 and H2S from the bottom of the absorber and introduces the absorbent from the top of the absorber, and that regenerates the absorbent by releasing the CO2 and H2S; a second supply line that returns the regenerated absorbent from the regenerator to the absorber; and a third supply line that extracts the absorbent (semi-rich solution) that has absorbed a part of the CO2 and H2S from the vicinity of the middle of the absorber, and that introduces the semi-rich solution in the vicinity of the middle of the regenerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Horizoe, Shinya Tachibana, Moritoshi Murakami, Masaki Yushima, Kazuo Ishida
  • Patent number: 9399191
    Abstract: A wet limestone flue gas desulfurization slurry stabilizer and a method for using the same are disclosed. The stabilizer consists of lime, sodium formate and an antifoaming agent, the components and mass percentages thereof are as follows: lime, 30% to 70%, sodium formate, 15% to 40%, the antifoaming agent, 15% to 40%. The method for using the desulfurization slurry stabilizer comprises: preparing the slurry stabilizer into a homogeneous liquid having a mass concentration of 10% to 30% with water or desulfurization slurry outside a desulfurization tower, and spraying the homogeneous liquid into the absorption area and the reaction area of the desulfurization tower using a pump and a slurry atomizing and spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignees: STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, STATE GRID JIANGXI ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Rui Xu, Chongmin Mei, Fayuan Wu, Yongqiang Deng, Rongjun Mao, Xu Tian
  • Patent number: 9399192
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon dioxide absorber capable of efficiently and stably removing carbon dioxide in a gas or solution. This carbon dioxide absorber contains an amine compound, a weakly acidic compound and water, the pKb value of the amine compound in an aqueous solution at 30° C. is 4.0 to 7.0, the pKa value of the weakly acidic compound in an aqueous solution at 30° C. is 7.0 to 10.0, and the weakly acidic compound is present in an amount within the range of 0.01 equivalents to 1.50 equivalents with respect to amino groups of the amine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norikazu Fujimoto, Kyouhei Hattori, Fumihiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9399193
    Abstract: A draw solute for forward osmosis may include a copolymer including a first structural unit, where a temperature-sensitive side chain is graft polymerized, and a second structural unit including a hydrophilic functional group. The temperature-sensitive side chain may include a structural unit for a side chain including a temperature-sensitive moiety. The temperature-sensitive moiety may be represented by Chemical Formula 1, Chemical Formula 2, or Chemical Formula 3: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen or a linear or branched C3 to C5 alkyl group, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is not hydrogen, R3 is a C3 to C5 alkylene group, and R4 is a linear or branched C3 to C5 alkyl group. The draw solute may be used to form an osmosis draw solution for use in a forward osmosis water treatment device and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Eun Kim, Bo-Kyung Jung, Jung-Im Han, Hyo Kang, Hyo-Rang Kang, Sung-Soo Han
  • Patent number: 9399194
    Abstract: Draw solutions comprising at least one N-cyclicalkyl-cycloalkylamine and a secondary solvent. The N-cyclicalkyl-cycloalkylamine comprises the chemical structure: wherein n is 0, 1, or 2, n? is 0, 1, or 2, and each of R1-R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acetyl group, an aryl group, a hydrogen group, a hydroxyl group, and a phosphorus-containing group. Methods of treating a liquid using the draw solution are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron D. Wilson, Christopher J. Orme
  • Patent number: 9399195
    Abstract: This disclosure provides water processing apparatuses, systems, and methods for recovering water from wastewater such as urine. The water processing apparatuses, systems, and methods can utilize membrane technology for extracting purified water in a single step. A containment unit can include an ionomer membrane, such as Nafion®, over a hydrophobic microporous membrane, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The containment unit can be filled with wastewater, and the hydrophobic microporous membrane can be impermeable to liquids and solids of the wastewater but permeable to gases and vapors of the wastewater, and the ionomer membrane can be permeable to water vapor but impermeable to one or more contaminants of the gases and vapors. The containment unit can be exposed to a dry purge gas to maintain a water vapor partial pressure differential to drive permeation of the water vapor, and the water vapor can be collected and processed into potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Paragon Space Development Corporation
    Inventors: Taber K. MacCallum, Laura Kelsey
  • Patent number: 9399196
    Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a monomer comprising at least one phosphorous-containing functional group or salt thereof and an at least one amine-reactive functional group; and/or ii) applying such a monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Chunming Zhang, Aman A. Desai, Steven D. Jons, Mou Paul, Steven Rosenberg, Abhishek Roy, XiaoHua S. Qiu
  • Patent number: 9399197
    Abstract: This invention relates to an aerator that resides fully in the neck of a bottle or other liquid vessel. Through differential pressure, created through a venturi, the aerator mixes air with the fluid contained in the bottle. More specifically, the aerator can be used to mix air with wine as the bottle is inverted thus essentially instantly decanting the wine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AHNTRA LLC
    Inventor: Craig William Graham
  • Patent number: 9399198
    Abstract: A venturi ejector for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser, wherein the venturi ejector includes a venturi, the venturi being in a first flow communication with the slurry or solution and developing a vacuum, the vacuum being in a second flow communication with atmospheric pressure, the second flow communication acting to cause the atmospheric pressure to exert a pressure on the slurry or solution, thereby forcing the slurry to the venturi where the slurry or solution is forcibly ejected from the venturi. A method for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sunburst Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Grant
  • Patent number: 9399199
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a mass flow controller for controlling a flow of a fluid. In one embodiment, the mass flow controller comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid; a flow path in which the fluid passes through the mass flow controller; a mass flow meter for providing a signal corresponding to mass flow of the fluid through the flow path, the mass flow meter having a bypass through which a majority of fluid flows; a turning vane positioned upstream of the bypass for generating a more uniform fluid flow; an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of the fluid out of an outlet of the mass flow controller; and a controller configured to apply a valve control signal to adjust the adjustable valve to a desired valve position to control the flow of the fluid out of an outlet of the mass flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Dille, Robert W. Altonji, Guoging Wang
  • Patent number: 9399200
    Abstract: A foaming mechanism configured to receive a plurality of streams of gas and generate a foamed liquid, having an aerodynamic component and an aerodynamic housing disposed around at least a portion of the aerodynamic component. The aerodynamic housing includes a plurality of first channels and a plurality of second channels connected to the plurality of first channels at regular intervals on a distributed plane. The distributed plane is about perpendicular to the plurality of first channels, wherein the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels are configured to transform an axial stream of the gaseous working agent into a plurality of radial high-speed streams of the gaseous working agent by channeling the gaseous working agent through the plurality of first channels and into the plurality of second channels on the distributed plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TURBULENT ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: David Livshits, Lester Teichner
  • Patent number: 9399201
    Abstract: An exemplary homogenizer includes a valve plate stack having a shim sandwiched by a pair of valve plates, the stack being concentrically aligned by a center stud. Each of the valve plates includes a middle annulus radially situated between an outer rim and an inner raised hub. Each middle annulus includes annulus apertures that help increase flow rate. When the homogenizer is in a working position, the valve plate stack is compressed, and fluid entering through an inlet is homogenized as it passes through a gap between outer rims of adjacent valve plates. The minimum gap between the valve plates is set by the thickness of the shim. In a cleaned-in-process cleaning position, pressure is relieved from the stack, and a spring between adjacent valve plates separates adjacent valve plates. Enhanced drainage, and springs that are substantially sealed from fluids by spring retainers and O-rings, help promote sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fristam Pumps, USA
    Inventors: Nanping Wu, Duane Dean Ehlke, Scott Thomas Haman
  • Patent number: 9399202
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for mixing and dispensing dental impression materials is described. A dental impression material mixing machine comprises a water dispenser fluidly coupled to a hollow mixing axle, the mixing axle extending through a pulley, wherein an inner circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a water conduit and an outer circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a hub connector, a closeable valve inserted at a water entrance to the water conduit and electronically coupled to a water pump, an electronically commutated motor rotateably coupled to the pulley, wherein the hub connector receives a tubular rotatable hub of a disposable mixing vessel comprising dry dental impression powder, and wherein water is dispensed from the water dispenser into the disposable mixing vessel through the water conduit and hub orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Bradford D. Overton
  • Patent number: 9399203
    Abstract: A device for aeration, particularly for microbiological fermentation and for cell cultivation in a closed chamber. The device includes a sterilizable reactor (1) and a vertical stirring shaft (2) with numerous aeration and/or stirring elements (10) which are attached thereto and arranged in multiple levels vertically. The aeration elements (15) are constructed to create such an aeration of the liquid in the reactor that the gases are evenly introduced into the liquid as micro bubbles. The device also includes a recoil nozzles (20) connected to gas feed channels (11, connected to gas feed channels (11,12) connected to gas feed channels (11, 12, 14) for the purpose of driving the aeration and/or stirring elements (10) attached to the rotatably mounted stirring shaft (2). The result is a space-saving and absolutely hermetic construction of such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MUT-Tschamber Misch und Trenntechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kloss, Hanspeter Tschamber
  • Patent number: 9399204
    Abstract: A paint creation and dispensing system includes a variety of components for creating paint of a selected color and paint type and for processing payment for the paint. The system may be configured to receive a color selection in a variety of ways including through customer selection and via an electronic color reader (portable or stationary). The paint system may allow a customer to obtain an amount (e.g., a sample or a full gallon) of paint without help from a store employee or other personnel. In one or more arrangements, the paint system may be networked so that a customer may pre-order paint, upload color selections, make a payment, and or order additional supplies of paint or other products based on the color chosen for final painting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Kirsten E. Milhorn
  • Patent number: 9399205
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to improvements in end-user selected antifreeze engine coolant purchased at automotive retail stores. Additionally, antifreeze dyeing systems and methods are disclosed to provide single inventory bulk colorless antifreeze and small inventory custom dye to closely match Original End Manufacturer (OEM) colored antifreeze; and, reduce costs of product and inventory of multiple antifreeze colors, types and containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: William C. Kughn
  • Patent number: 9399206
    Abstract: A process for producing encapsulated metal colloids useful as inorganic colored pigments, including, reacting one or more glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process to obtain a sol dispersing a metal salt in the resulting sol in the presence of an additional reducing agent to form metal colloids, converting the resulting dispersion into xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids by spray drying, heating the resulting xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids to density them. The present invention relates, furthermore, to inorganic colored pigments, in particular producible by the process of the invention, including metal colloids produced from metal salts and encapsulated in an encapsulation, the encapsulation being produced from glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process and being densified to a xerogel or glass, the proportion of metal colloid in the capsules being at least 80%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Claudia Fink-Straube, Kira Fries, Martin Mennig, Dieter Anschutz, Sarah Schumacher, Peter William De Oliveira, Masahiko Ishii, Wataru Murata, Veronique Vandenberghe
  • Patent number: 9399207
    Abstract: Provided is a preparation method of a denitration catalyst for treating nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gas discharged from gas turbines for generating plants, coil fired boilers, etc., in which the catalytic activity can be improved, and furthermore, an increase of the cost of producing the catalyst is not involved. The preparation method of a denitration catalyst used when reacting nitrogen oxides with reducing agent ammonia to decompose the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water, and including titanium oxide and vanadium as catalytic active ingredients thereof, is characterized in that the vanadium precursor is ammonium metavanadate powder, the ammonium metavanadate powder containing particles having a particle diameter of 10 ?m or less in a cumulative ratio of 20% or more. The ammonium metavanadate powder is preferably a reclaimed product including vanadium recovered from petroleum-based combustion ash such as heavy oil ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Naoe Hino
  • Patent number: 9399208
    Abstract: This application discloses catalysts and methods of making the catalysts. In one embodiment, a catalyst comprising: a reduced precious group metal in an amount greater than about 30 wt % based on the total precious group metal weight in the catalyst, wherein the catalyst oxidizes volatile organic compounds and/or carbon monoxide at a temperature of about 150° C. or lower, is disclosed. In another embodiment, a catalyst for oxidation of formaldehyde, methanol, formic acid, and/or carbon monoxide to form carbon dioxide at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 45° C. and at about atmospheric pressure, the catalyst comprising: a reduced precious group metal dispersed on a support selected from the group consisting of CeO2, TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, SiO2, and combinations thereof, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaolin Yang, Pascaline Tran, Qingyuan Hu
  • Patent number: 9399209
    Abstract: The catalyst may be used to obtain hydrogen or synthesis gas for chemical industry in processes of partial oxidation, steam reforming, and autothermal reforming of a hydrocarbon feed. The catalyst of oxidative conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen contains platinum-group metals and an oxide composition and characterized in that the platinum-group metals include Pt, Pd, and Rh and the oxide composition is obtained from a mixture of a sol of Al, Si, and Zr hydroxides with particles of Ni, Mg and/or Ce oxides with a size of 5-30 nm, that were obtained by spray-pyrolysis of a solution of Ni, Mg and/or Ce salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: OBSHCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOY OTVETSTVENNOST'YU “GAZOHIM TECHNO”
    Inventors: Sergey Erikovich Dolinskiy, Nikolay Yakovlevich Usachev, Andrey Mikhaylovich Pleshakov
  • Patent number: 9399210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester, preferably an ?, ? ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester. The method includes contacting formaldehyde or a suitable source thereof with a carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of a catalyst and optionally in the presence of an alcohol. The catalyst comprises a nitrided metal oxide having at least two types of metal cations, M1 and M2, wherein M1 is selected from the metals of group 2, 3, 4, 13 (called also IIIA) or 14 (called also IVA) of the periodic table and M2 is selected from the metals of groups 5 or 15 (called also VA) of the periodic table. The invention extends to a catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: LUCITE INTERNATIONAL UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Andrew York, Sabina Ziemian
  • Patent number: 9399211
    Abstract: A microencapsulated catalyst-ligand system is provided comprising a catalyst and a ligand microencapsulated within a permeable polymer microcapsule shell, wherein the ligand is a polymeric ligand. Processes for the preparation of said microencapsulated catalyst-ligand system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Reaxa Limited
    Inventors: David A. Pears, Kevin E. Treacher, Mohammed Nisar
  • Patent number: 9399212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an anhydrosugar alcohol and, more specifically, to a method for producing an anhydrosugar alcohol which, when the step of subjecting a hydrogenated sugar to a dehydration reaction in a reactor so as to convert same to an anhydrosugar alcohol is performed, allows the hydrogenated sugar to be continuously introduced into the reactor and the produced anhydrosugar alcohol to be continuously discharged out of the reactor while the dehydration reaction is carried out, also prevents a reaction mixture from circulating inside and outside the reactor while the dehydration reaction is carried out, and thereby can significantly improve production efficiency compared with a conventional process adopting a batch or semi-batch-type dehydration reaction and thus can be appropriately applied particularly to a large-scale anhydrosugar alcohol production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAMYANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hoon Ryu, Young Jae Jung, Jin Kyung Kim, Do Hyun Kyung, Hyuk Min Park, Seong Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 9399213
    Abstract: Provided is a practical method for dry-separating arsenic compounds from a used NOx removal catalyst contaminated with arsenic. The method for removing arsenic compounds comprises heat-treating a NOx removal catalyst contaminated with arsenic compounds at a predetermined temperature in a reducing atmosphere while exposing the catalyst to hydrocarbon compounds (except CH4) or oxygen-containing carbon compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Kiyosawa, Norihisa Kobayashi