Patents Issued in August 30, 2016
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Patent number: 9428362Abstract: A sheet post-processing device includes a stacker section that temporarily stores paper sheets as a paper sheet bundle, a stopper that regulates a carrying-in direction leading end of the paper sheet carried into the stacker section, a binding section that binds the paper sheet bundle regulated in position by the stopper, and folding rollers and a folding blade that perform folding processing for the sheet bundle bound by the binding section at a predetermined folding position of the paper sheet bundle. The binding section binds the paper sheet bundle with a paper-made staple. The stopper sets a position of the paper sheet bundle such that a binding position of the paper-made staple straddles the predetermined folding position. With this configuration, there can be provided a sheet-post processing device capable of folding the staple together with the paper sheet bundle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: NISCA CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuyuki Kubota, Eiji Fukasawa, Ichitaro Kubota, Hideyuki Kubota, Hisashi Osada, Takahiro Nakano, Hiroyuki Sorita, Junya Nakajima, Takuma Kobayashi, Takashi Saito, Isao Kondo
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Patent number: 9428363Abstract: A winding system having at least one winding device for winding up at least one ribbon-form material to be wound onto at least one exchangeable tube that is drivable in rotation about a winding axis, and having at least one feed device which is provided to supply the at least one ribbon-form material to be wound, comprising at least one deflecting unit which is provided to deflect the at least one ribbon-form material to be wound coming from the at least one feed device, during at least one winding-up operation, as said ribbon-form material to be wound travels to the at least one winding device, about at least one axis which extends at least substantially parallel to a direction of the gravitational force.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Dietze + Schell Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Seifert
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Patent number: 9428364Abstract: An elevator may include: drive machine, hoisting ropes, traction sheave, elevator car, counterweight, and elevator car and counterweight guide rails. The drive machine may engage the hoisting ropes using the traction sheave. The hoisting ropes may support the elevator car on the elevator car guide rails and the counterweight on the counterweight guide rails. The hoisting ropes may include coated hoisting ropes of substantially circular cross-section. The hoisting ropes may have a load-bearing part twisted from steel wires of circular, non-circular, or circular and non-circular cross-section. A cross-sectional area of the steel wires may be less than about 0.2 mm2. A strength of the steel wires may be greater than about 2000 N/mm2. A core of each hoisting rope may include the load-bearing part. The core may be coated with a substantially thin sheath that forms a surface of the hoisting rope. The sheath may be softer than the core.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: KONE CORPORATIONInventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Pekka Rantanen, Simo Mäkimattila
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Patent number: 9428365Abstract: An exemplary elevator assembly includes an elevator car having a frame member. At least one toe guard panel is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the toe guard panel is situated to provide a vertical surface beneath the elevator car and the toe guard panel has an end spaced a first distance from the elevator car. In the second position the toe guard panel is situated with a second, shorter distance between the end and the elevator car. A moving mechanism coupled with the toe guard panel selectively moves the toe guard panel from the first position into the second position. An instigator member situated in a selected vertical position interacts with the moving mechanism to begin movement of the toe guard panel from the first position when the frame member of the elevator car is approximately at the selected vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Etienne Delachatre, Juan Antonio Quiles Manzanas, Agustin Jimenez-Gonzalez, Antonio de Miguel Urquijo
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Patent number: 9428366Abstract: A link has first and second ends coupled, so as to be axially shiftable, respectively to two shafts that include a reference point located in a base and cross each other. A gas actuator has an inner space that has gas pressure pressing the first end of the link toward the reference point so as to shift the first end of the link such that a distance between a first end position of the link and the reference point is equal to or more than a distance between the first and second ends in a state where the inner space has a volume equal to zero obtained by extrapolating variation of the inner space volume relative to the first end position. The second end and a lift section that is vertically shiftable with respect to the base are coupled by means of a coupling section.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Mangement Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuhiko Asai
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Patent number: 9428367Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a long-distance transport system for people in an inclined lane, in which the system includes a plurality of hydraulic driving units, a traction chain, a truss, supporting guide rails and retractable pedals. According to an embodiment of the invention, the truss is formed by a plurality of truss units sequentially connected end to end. Each truss unit is provided with the hydraulic driving unit. The traction chain and the supporting guide rails are all arranged in the length direction of the truss. The traction chain is driven by and connected with the plurality of the hydraulic driving units. The retractable pedals are arranged on the traction chain and are provided with supporting rollers rolling along the supporting guide rails.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Zhencai Zhu, Guohua Cao, Hong Lai, Jiancong Qin, Hongqiao Kang, Wei Li, Gongbo Zhou, Yuxing Peng, Yiping Ma, Jianrong Yang
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Patent number: 9428368Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for driving a handrail (6) for an escalator (40) or for driving a handrail (6) for a moving walkway, the device comprising a drive belt (1) guided along a contact zone (10) and deflected on a deflection roller (7) after passing through the contact zone (10). The handrail (6) can be guided resting against the drive belt (1) along the entire contact zone (10) and can be driven by the drive belt (1) by means of friction between drive belt (1) and handrail (6). The device (2) comprises a deflection element (16), which deflection element (16) ensures that a lift-off point (18) of the handrail (6) from the drive belt (1) delimiting the contact zone (10) is arranged upstream of the deflection region of the drive belt (1) on the deflection roller (7). According to the invention, an escalator (40) or a moving walkway can be modernized with such a device (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: INVENTio AGInventors: Andreas Trojer, Georg Adamcik, Michael Matheisl, Thomas Novacek
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Patent number: 9428369Abstract: A jib crane includes a first arm configured for cooperation with a hoist, and a second arm hingedly connected to the first arm. A mounting bracket is hingedly connected to the second arm, and the mounting bracket is configured for attachment to a wind turbine. The first arm is configured to swing along a first horizontal arc and the second arm is configured to swing along a second horizontal arc. The jib crane is configured to pick up a load outside the wind turbine and move the load to a location inside the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christian Tieke, Stefan Voss, Holger Luehn
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Patent number: 9428370Abstract: A sheave comprising: a sheave body, the sheave body comprising: a groove; a sheave body outer diameter of ODH; a sheave bore, the sheave bore having a sheave body inner diameter IDHN, a sheave bore width of WSB and a sheave bore axis; a first circumferential surface that generally encircles the sheave bore on one side of the sheave body, and is generally orthogonal to the sheave bore axis; a second circumferential surface that generally encircles the sheave bore on an opposite side of the sheave body, and is generally orthogonal to the sheave bore axis; a two piece flanged adapter removeably and fixedly attached to the sheave bore, the two piece flanged adapter comprising: a first piece, the first piece comprising: a first piece adapter bore, with a first adapter bore inner diameter of IDSS; a first inner flange that generally encircles the first piece adapter bore; a first inner flange surface; a second piece; the second piece comprising: a second piece adapter bore, with a second adapter bore inner diameterType: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Stewart Walton
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Patent number: 9428371Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar. The main part defines a central opening, first and second side portions, first and second end portions, first and second pairs of projection portions extending from the first and second end portions, respectively, a first notch defined by the first pair of projection portions, and at least a first end friction surface formed at a juncture of one projection portion of the first pair of projection portions and the first end portion. The bar defines a bar notch. The first side portion pivotably supports the bar for rotation between a first position in which the bar is not in contact the second side portion and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Conterra, Inc.Inventor: Rick Lipke
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Patent number: 9428372Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly (11) for lifting a belt of a conveyor system. The support assembly (11) comprises an attachment assembly (15, 17) to releasably secure a support member (13) to a frame of a conveyor system. The attachment assembly (15, 17) comprising a lifting means (31). The lifting means moves the support member, in a synchronized manner, between a first position, wherein the support member is not in engagement with the belt, and a second position, wherein the support member supports the conveyor belt at a spaced distance from at least one conveyor roller located below the belt, allowing an operator to access the at least one roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: EZI FIX MINING SOLUTIONS PTY LTDInventor: Maxwell Olgun Arif
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Patent number: 9428373Abstract: A rotary-type filling machine includes a rotary body, a liquid distribution chamber, a plurality of filling flow path configuration units, each of which has a fluid path constituted by a liquid path connected to the liquid distribution chamber and a liquid valve and configured to individually introduce a liquid into a container, a filling control device, a liquid supply unit, a pressure difference information detection unit configured to detect pressure difference information between a liquid distribution chamber pressure, which is a pressure of the liquid in the liquid distribution chamber, and a filling atmospheric pressure detected as a pressure of a flow release unit in a filling flow path configuration unit at an arbitrary radial direction position of the rotary body, and a rotation information detection unit configured to detect rotation information of the rotary body.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES FOOD & PACKAGING MACHINE CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Masayuki Hayashi, Shinji Ishikura
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Patent number: 9428374Abstract: An illuminating bottle pourer is provided having a pour spout structure and internal electrical components for measuring the amount of dispensed fluid therethrough using a visual counter. The device includes a gravity contact switch and an LED light source that is energized based on a periodic timer circuit and a pulse generator circuit. The gravity switch is closed when the bottle is inverted for pouring, which initiates the timer circuit. The timer circuit triggers the pulse generator on a periodic basis, which energizes the light source to alert the pourer of a given quantity of fluid dispensed. The device allows individual drink makers, bartenders, and establishment owners to precisely control the amount of fluid being dispensed from a bottle, wherein a specified number of light pulses is used to indicate when to stop pouring. A battery switch is further provided to preserve battery life during shipment and between uses.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventors: Nick Houck, Marco LoPiccolo
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Patent number: 9428375Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary monitoring system includes a controller, at least one monitor, and an output. The monitoring system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The monitoring system may also automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lorraine Vander Wielen Sabo, William Nelson
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Patent number: 9428376Abstract: A safety stirrup for riding an animal comprising: a first portion adapted to rest against an animal to be ridden; and a second portion adapted to support a rider's foot. The safety stirrup further comprises a biasing member adapted to bias the safety stirrup from an open configuration towards a closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Jason McInulty
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Patent number: 9428377Abstract: Methods and structures that may be implemented in one example to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as sensors and actuators. For example, structures having varying characteristics may be fabricated using the same basic process flow by selecting among different process options or modules for use with the basic process flow in order to create the desired structure/s. Various process flow sequences as well as a variety of device design structures may be advantageously enabled by the various disclosed process flow sequences.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATIONInventors: Emmanuel P. Quevy, Jeremy R. Hui, Carrie Wing-Zin Low, Mehrnaz Motiee
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Patent number: 9428378Abstract: For the targeted influencing of the internal pressure within a cavity between two elements of a component, a getter material or an outgassing material is situated in an additional cavity between the two elements. After the two elements are bonded to one another, the additional cavity is still to be joined via a connecting opening to the cavity. The getter material or the outgassing material is then activated so that gasses are bound in the additional cavity and in the connected cavity, or an outgassing takes place. Only when the sought internal pressure has established itself in the connected cavity is the connecting opening to the additional cavity closed. In this way, the getter material or the outgassing material is only used for establishing a defined internal pressure, but no longer has any influence on the internal pressure within the cavity during ongoing operation of the component.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Friedjof Heuck, Lars Tebje, Heiko Stahl, Jullian Gonska, Reinhard Neul
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Patent number: 9428379Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed. The MEMS device comprises a first plate with a first surface and a second surface; and an anchor attached to a first substrate. The MEMS device further includes a second plate with a third surface and a fourth surface attached to the first plate. A linkage connects the anchor to the first plate, wherein the first plate and second plate are displaced in the presence of an acoustic pressure differential between the first and second surfaces of the first plate. The first plate, second plate, linkage, and anchor are all contained in an enclosure formed by the first substrate and a second substrate, wherein one of the first and second substrates contains a through opening to expose the first surface of the first plate to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventors: Erhan Polatkan Ata, Martin Lim, Xiang Li, Stephen Lloyd, Michael Julian Daneman
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Patent number: 9428380Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to encapsulating structure comprising: a substrate having a first surface and housing at least one conductive pad, which extends facing the first surface and is configured for being electrically coupled to a conduction terminal at a reference voltage; a cover member, set at a distance from and facing the first surface of the substrate; and housing walls, which extend between the substrate and the cover member. The substrate, the cover member, and the housing walls define a cavity, which is internal to the encapsulating structure and houses the conductive pad. Moreover present inside the cavity is at least one electrically conductive structure, which extends between, and in electrical contact with, the cover member and the conductive pad for connecting the cover member electrically to the conduction terminal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Fulvio Vittorio Fontana, Giovanni Graziosi, Alex Gritti
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Patent number: 9428381Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and devices are described where a main wafer is irreversibly bonded to a carrier wafer and thinned to reduce a thickness of the main wafer, for example down to a thickness of 300 ?m or below.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Andre Brockmeier, Christian Griessler, Katharina Maier, Peter Zorn, Kai-Alexander Schreiber, Francesco Solazzi
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Patent number: 9428382Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite compensating balance spring is provided, the method including providing a first wafer made of a first material; providing at least one second wafer made of at least one second material having Young's modulus variations with temperature that are of opposite sign as those of the first material; joining the first wafer to the at least one second wafer to form a substrate; etching a pattern through the substrate to form a composite compensating balance spring including a first thickness of the first material and at least a second thickness of the at least one second material; and releasing the composite compensating balance spring from the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: The Switch Group Research and Development Ltd.Inventor: Thierry Hessler
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Patent number: 9428383Abstract: An amphiphilic nanoparticle comprises a nanoparticle having a hydrophilic region comprising a hydrophilic functional group bonded to a first portion of a surface of the nanoparticle, and a hydrophobic region of a surface of the nanoparticle. A downhole fluid comprises the amphiphilic nanoparticle, and a method of controlling an oil spill using the downhole fluid are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Soma Chakraborty, Gaurav Agrawal
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Patent number: 9428384Abstract: The present disclosure relates an inspection instrument adapted to increase testing throughput in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the inspection instrument includes a base plate and a vertical frame, where the base plate and the vertical frame are configured to provide structural support of the inspection instrument, a first mounting mechanism coupled to the base plate, where the first mounting mechanism is configured to hold a sample for inspection, and a second mounting mechanism coupled to the vertical frame, where the second mounting mechanism is configured to hold a set of sensors and an optical system for inspecting the sample. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism are decoupled from each other to reduce impact of movements of the sample to the set of sensors and the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Jizhong He
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Patent number: 9428385Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas expansion tank and an ozone generator system applying the same. The exhaust gas expansion tank includes a tank body and an automatic exhaust valve, and is provided at the top thereof with a gas outlet conduit, the lower end of the gas outlet conduit extending into the tank body and being at a distance from the bottom of the tank body, the automatic exhaust valve fixedly mounted on the upper end of the gas outlet conduit, and the tank body having a first water port and a second water port. The ozone generator system applying the exhaust gas expansion tank is simplified in system structure, can evacuate gas automatically and omit the manual exhausting of gas, thereby the operation procedure is simplified, the thermal expansion of the system is effectively controlled and the stability of the system operation is increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Fujian Newland Entech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jian Chen, Xiaozhen Yang, Xiangyang Yao, Meiyan Wang
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Patent number: 9428386Abstract: Provided is a base substrate with which a Group-III nitride crystal having a large area and a large thickness can be grown while inhibiting crack generation. A single-crystal substrate for use in growing a Group-III nitride crystal thereon, which satisfies the following Z1>0 expression (1), wherein Z1 (?m) is an amount of warpage of physical shape in a growth surface of the single-crystal substrate and Z2<0 expression (2), wherein Z2 (?m) is an amount of warpage calculated from a radius of curvature of crystallographic-plane shape in a growth surface of the single-crystal substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Fujito, Yasuhiro Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9428387Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a carbon foam, from selected oxocarbons or pseudo-oxocarbons, at low temperature and to the use of the material obtained via the implementation of this process for the manufacture of a system for detecting light waves.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITE DE PICARDIE JULES VERNEInventors: Philippe Poizot, Franck Dolhem, Jean-Noel Chotard
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Patent number: 9428388Abstract: A process for preparing a carbon-carbon composite including the steps of: (a) providing a curable low viscosity aromatic epoxy resin liquid formulation, wherein the formulation has a neat viscosity of less than 10,000 mPa-s at 25° C. prior to adding optional components, prior to curing, and prior to carbonizing; and wherein the formulation being cured has a carbon yield of at least 35 wt % disregarding the weight of the carbon matrix and any optional components present in the composition; (b) contacting a carbon matrix with the formulation of step (a); (c) curing the contacted carbon matrix of step (b); and (d) carbonizing the cured carbon matrix of step (c) to form a carbon-carbon composite; and a carbon-carbon composite made by the process.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: BLUE CUBE IP LLCInventors: Hamed Lakrout, Maurice J. Marks, Ludovic Valette
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Patent number: 9428389Abstract: A process for preparing a vitreous carbon including the steps of: (I) providing a curable low viscosity liquid carbon precursor formulation comprising (a) at least one aromatic epoxy resin; and (b)(i) at least one aromatic co-reactive curing agent, (b) (ii) at least one catalytic curing agent, or (b)(iii) a mixture thereof; wherein the liquid precursor composition has a neat viscosity of less than 10,000 mPa·s at 25° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: BLUE CUBE IP LLCInventors: Hamed Lakrout, Maurice J. Marks, Ludovic Valette
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Patent number: 9428390Abstract: This disclosure relates to porous carbon and a method of preparing the same. The porous carbon of the present invention is derived from a carbonitride compound having a composition comprising metal and nitrogen. The porous carbon of the present invention comprises both micropores and mesopores, and has a large specific surface area, and thus, may be usefully used in various fields.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignees: Hanwha Chemical Corporation, SNU R&DB FoundationInventors: Shin Hoo Kang, Ji Soon Ihm, Dong Ok Kim, Moon-Su Seo
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Patent number: 9428391Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown by supplying raw material gas 30 comprising a carbon compound to be a raw material of the carbon nanotubes into the inside of a reaction vessel tube 14 in which a catalyst 26 to grow the carbon nanotubes is charged. At this time, halogen-containing material gas 32 to reduce the amount of a carbon product such as amorphous carbon produced besides carbon nanotubes that deposits on the surface of catalyst particles 44 due to supply of the raw material gas 30 is further supplied into the inside of the reaction vessel tube 14. Thereby, it is possible to produce elongated carbon nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION SHIZUOKA UNIVERSITYInventors: Yoku Inoue, Adrian Ghemes, Haibo Zhao
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Patent number: 9428392Abstract: A method of enriching specific species of carbon nanotubes by exposing a composition of carbon nanotubes to an azo compound is provided. The method includes a) mixing the azo compound with a suspension comprising the composition of carbon nanotubes to form a mixture; b) incubating the mixture to react the azo compound with the carbon nanotubes; and c) separating a supernatant and a precipitate formed in the mixture. An electrode and a field-effect transistor comprising a single-walled carbon nanotube species enriched using the method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYInventors: Bee Eng Mary Chan, Ashok Kumar Sundramoorthy
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Graphite-based carbon material useful as graphene precursor, as well as method of producing the same
Patent number: 9428393Abstract: Provided is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor, from which graphene is easily exfoliated when the graphite-based carbon material is useful as a precursor and from which a highly-concentrated graphene dispersion can easily be obtained. The graphite-based carbon material is a graphite-based carbon material useful as a graphene precursor wherein a Rate (3R) based on an X-ray diffraction method, which is defined by following Equation 1 is 31% or more: Rate (3R)=P3/(P3+P4)×100??Equation 1 wherein P3 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the rhombohedral graphite layer (3R) based on the X-ray diffraction method, and P4 is a peak intensity of a (101) plane of the hexagonal graphite layer (2H) based on the X-ray diffraction method.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: GRAPHENE PLATFORM CORPORATIONInventors: Shoji Hasegawa, Nagisa Kamiya -
Patent number: 9428394Abstract: A highly oxidized form of graphene oxide and methods for production thereof are described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the methods include mixing a graphite source with a solution containing at least one oxidant and at least one protecting agent and then oxidizing the graphite source with the at least one oxidant in the presence of the at least one protecting agent to form the graphene oxide. Graphene oxide synthesized by the presently described methods is of a high structural quality that is more oxidized and maintains a higher proportion of aromatic rings and aromatic domains than does graphene oxide prepared in the absence of at least one protecting agent. Methods for reduction of graphene oxide into chemically converted graphene are also disclosed herein. The chemically converted graphene of the present disclosure is significantly more electrically conductive than is chemically converted graphene prepared from other sources of graphene oxide.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: James M. Tour, Dmitry V. Kosynkin
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Patent number: 9428395Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing graphene substantially free of contamination by metallic, magnetic, organic and inorganic impurities, and also to the use of the resulting graphene for the production of transparent electrodes, batteries, electron-acceptor or electron-donor materials, in particular in photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic panels, transistor channels, in particular in electronics, nonlinear emitters or absorbers of infrared photons, current-conducting electrodes, anti-static coatings, chemical detectors, vias and interconnections in electronics, current-conducting cables, and solar cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Lionel Dubois, Serge Gambarelli, Ashok Nanjundan
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Patent number: 9428396Abstract: A method for producing a lithium titanate precursor includes the step of grinding a lithium compound and a titanium compound in a state where these compounds coexist. More preferably, a method for producing a lithium titanate precursor includes the steps of; mixing a lithium compound and a titanium compound; and grinding the lithium compound and the titanium compound in a state where these compounds coexist by the mixing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTDInventors: Masatoshi Honma, Kazuyoshi Takeshima, Yusuke Okuda, Tsunehisa Takeuchi
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Patent number: 9428397Abstract: There is provided a process for extracting Carnallite from an aqueous solution, the process comprising steps of pre-heating the solution comprising said Carnallite in a series of at least two heat exchangers, thereby obtaining a pre-heated solution; and concentrating said pre-heated solution in a series of at least two evaporation units, whereby forming a concentrated solution and hot vapors; wherein at least one of said evaporation units employs steam for indirect heating, and wherein at least one of said heat exchanger units employs the heat of said hot vapors formed in said evaporation units.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: DEAD SEA WORKS LTD.Inventor: Shai Rhamim
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Patent number: 9428398Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a precipitated calcium carbonate product. The process comprises the steps of preparing slaking quick time to obtain slaked lime; and subjecting the slaked lime, without agitation, without prior cooling in a heat exchanger, and in the absence of any additives, to carbonation with carbon dioxide as to produce PCC. The newly prepared product develops better performance thanks to improved resistance during processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Omya International AGInventors: Joe Wenk, George Saunders, Marc Maurer, Mathieu Skrzypczak
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Patent number: 9428399Abstract: The synthesis of nanoparticles of metals and metal oxides using plant seeds extract involves providing a solution comprising a metal ion; providing a plant seeds extract solution that comprises a reducing agent; and combining the metal ion solution and the plant extract solution while stirring at room temperature to produce metal nanoparticles. The plant extract is obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, and the metal ion is selected from the group consisting of silver (Ag), gold (Au) and zinc (Zn).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: KNG SAUD UNIVERSITYInventors: Manal Ahmed Gasmelseed Awad, Awatif Ahmed Hendi, Mai Abdelrahman Elobeid Wagealla, Khalid Mustafa Osman Ortashi, Promy Virk
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Patent number: 9428400Abstract: Titanium dioxide and an electro-conductive titanium oxide which each includes particles having a large major-axis length in a large proportion and comprises columnar particles having a satisfactory particle size distribution. A titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are heated/fired in the presence of titanium dioxide nucleus crystals having an aspect ratio of 2 or higher to grow the titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Subsequently, a titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are further added and heated/fired in the presence of the grown titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Thus, titanium dioxide is produced which comprises columnar particles having a weight-average major-axis length of 7.0-15.0 ?m and in which particles having a major-axis length of 10 ?m or longer account for 15 wt. % or more of all the particles. A solution of a tin compound and a solution of compounds of antimony, phosphorus, etc.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD.Inventors: Kaoru Isobe, Katsuichi Chiba, Takanori Sakamoto
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Patent number: 9428401Abstract: A method for the separation of the rare-earth fission product poisons comprising providing a spent nuclear fuel. The spent nuclear fuel comprises UO2 and rare-earth oxides, preferably Sm, Gd, Nd, Eu oxides, with other elements depending on the fuel composition. Preferably, the provided nuclear fuel is a powder, preferably formed by crushing the nuclear fuel or using one or more oxidation-reduction cycles. A compound comprising Th or Zr, preferably metal, is provided. The provided nuclear fuel is mixed with the Th or Zr, thereby creating a mixture. The mixture is then heated to a temperature sufficient to reduce the UO2 in the nuclear fuel, preferably to at least to 850° C. for Th and up to 600° C. for Zr. Rare-earth metals are then extracted to form the heated mixture thereby producing a treated nuclear fuel. The treated nuclear fuel comprises the provided nuclear fuel having a significant reduction in rare-earths.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Jerry D. Christian, James W. Sterbentz
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Patent number: 9428402Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of finely divided haematite and of iron oxide red pigments made up of the finely divided haematite and the use of the finely divided haematites and iron oxide red pigments produced by this process.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Guido Ketteler, Udo Holtmann, Juergen Kischkewitz
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Patent number: 9428403Abstract: An apparatus and method for the distillation of ocean and brackish water that includes insulation for preventing heat from escaping to the atmosphere is disclosed. The insulation comprises a second wall surrounding the basic assemblies of a desalination system in which the space between the second wall and basic assemblies is under low partial vacuum and is partially or totally filled with an insulation material for structural support. The system allows for flash evaporation of heated input water and condensing the resultant vapors into pure distilled water. The heat of condensation as well as heat from the salt byproduct may be recaptured and used to preheat the input contaminated water.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: H2O GLOBAL LLCInventor: Joel Haynes
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Patent number: 9428404Abstract: Purified water can be obtained via a continuous or semi-continuous process by mixing a liquid composition (e.g., sea water or produced frac water) including water with a directional solvent to selectively dissolve water from the liquid composition into the directional solvent. The concentrated remainder of the liquid composition (e.g., brine) is removed, and the water is precipitated from the directional solvent and removed in a purified form. The solvent is then reused as the process is repeated in a continuous or semi-continuous operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Anurag Bajpayee, Stephan Josef Peter Kress, Kevin Kleinguetl, Gang Chen, Michael Fowler
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Patent number: 9428405Abstract: A valve (16) comprising a housing (30), a valve filter media (34) and an actuator (48). The housing (30) defines a chamber (32) having an inlet (44) and outlet (48). The media (34) is positioned within the chamber (30) such that liquids flowing between the inlet (44) and outlet (48) pass through the media (34). The valve filter media (34) is formed of a material which can absorb hydrocarbons, causing the media (34) to change its material properties thereby restricting the flow of liquids through the valve (16) and increasing the pressure differential across the media (34). The actuator (48) has at least a portion positioned within the housing chamber (32). If the pressure differential across the media (34) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the media (34) bears against the actuator (48) causing the actuator (48) to restrict the flow of liquids through the valve (16).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Parker Hannifin Manufacturing (UK) LTD.Inventor: Phillip R. Core
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Patent number: 9428406Abstract: An energy efficient membrane based desalination process, which utilizes an osmotically driven energy recovery sub-process. Energy recovery sub-process involves the extraction of water from low salinity first aqueous solution by using a high salinity content, pressurized second aqueous solution to draw the water from first aqueous solution across a semi-permeable membrane. High salinity content, pressurized second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the low salinity content first solution to drive water from first solution to the second solution with respect to chemical potential differences. The process also harvests the Gibbs free energy of mixing in terms of pressure conservation in the second solution, while the volume of second solution is increasing by the drawn water from the first solution.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: GS ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CORP.Inventors: Sarper Sarp, In-Ho Yeo, Yong Gyun Park
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Patent number: 9428407Abstract: A method for preparing un-hardened ceramic micro-electrolysis fillers by industrial solid wastes comprises: (1) Scrap iron, lignin, red mud and clay was completely mixed as mass ratio (4-5):(2-3):(1-3):3 and then made into pellets; (2) The dried pellets were sintered without oxygen. The production could be used in wastewater treatment, which could not only increase biodegradability but also decrease CODCr and toxicity in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITYInventors: Qinyan Yue, Deyi Huang, Baoyu Gao, Yuanyuan Sun, Xiaowei Zhang, Yuan Gao, Kaifang Fu, Jiaojiao Kong
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Patent number: 9428408Abstract: There is a method of facilitating the consolidation of fine tailings through the application of an electrical current. The fine tailings include a combination of at least some water and some clay particles. Electrodes are placed into contact with the fine tailings. An AC voltage with a DC offset is applied to the electrodes to separate water from the clay particles and to induce movement of the separated water to a collection area. The separated clay particles can consolidate more readily than unseparated clay particles. In an embodiment, the fine tailings are mixed fine oil sands extraction tailings which include residual hydrocarbons. In an embodiment, the application of an AC voltage with a DC offset across the electrodes includes applying an AC voltage of about 1 V/cm and a DC offset of about ½ V/cm.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: DPRA Canada IncorporatedInventors: Bruce S. Beattie, Paul Garcia, Doug Kimzey, Ben Harris, Robert C. Parrott, James Micak
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Patent number: 9428409Abstract: A kit for installation on a top portion of a tank to treat a liquid that includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, the outlet of the throat is installed on the top portion of the tank and the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat; and (b) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that is aligned with the throat along the central, and a second electrode that is installed within the tank such that the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLCInventor: Todd Foret
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Patent number: 9428410Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating and coating a ferrous metal substrate, such as cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, and electrogalvanized steel. These methods include contacting the ferrous metal substrate with an aqueous pretreatment composition comprising: (a) a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal compound; (b) phosphate ions; and (c) water. Also disclosed are off-shift methods of removing iron from the pretreatment bath.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Vargas, John F. McIntyre
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Patent number: 9428411Abstract: A reactor for sewage treatment includes: an inner layer including a water distribution zone; a middle layer including a biological aerated filter, the biological aerated filter including a wall and a bottom including a water outlet; and an outer layer including an artificial wetland, the artificial wetland including a bottom including a water inlet. The water distribution zone, the biological aerated filter, and the artificial wetland are in the shape of a circle. The sewage is introduced into the water distribution zone via a water inlet pipe. The water distribution zone communicates with the biological aerated filter via a first overflow. The water outlet arranged on the bottom of the biological aerated filter is connected to the water inlet arranged on the bottom of the artificial wetland to allow the biological aerated filter to communicate with the artificial wetland.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: CHONGQING UNIVERSITYInventors: Hongxiang Chai, Wei Kang, Wei Chen, Nanping Al, Chuanrong Su, Zhiwen Wei, Qiang He, Xuebin Hu, Junhua Fang, Wentao Yan