Patents Issued in May 18, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170136376
    Abstract: A water-rocket water-transfer-station, referred to as the water station, is comprised of a specialized manifold combined with a plastic carbonated drink bottle, which functions as a water reservoir. The water reservoir is pressurized with air to make a water transfer station for water rockets. By using pressurized air, water can be transferred from the water station to a water rocket launch system, referred to as the launcher, and into an attached water rocket. A second unique feature of this system is the ability to return water from the water rocket back into the water station reservoir, as in the case of an over-fill, or in a launch abort. This unique water station can easily and quickly transfer water to a water rocket from a water reservoir, and in reverse from a rocket, without having to remove the rocket from the launcher. This saves time and minimizes water waste which is important when water has to be hand carried into a remote launch field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: William Scott Howell, Scott Douglas Farner
  • Publication number: 20170136377
    Abstract: A power unit for a toy or a system of toys that can removable receive the power unit. The power unit comprises a drive gear that can provide rotational power to one or more driven components of a toy with which the power unit is associated. The drive gear can comprise multiple drive portions. The toys can comprise a wide variety of toy types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Joey Chih-Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20170136378
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Publication number: 20170136379
    Abstract: A system for making a craft comprises a core and a sleeve. The core includes a molding portion. The sleeve has an exterior surface and defines an interior space. The sleeve comprises a collapsible portion that is collapsible towards the interior space. The sleeve is configured to cover the molding portion such that the molding portion of the core prevents collapsing of the collapsible portion interiorly. The core is configured to be releasable from the sleeve and when there is a layer of dried molding material on the exterior surface, the collapsible portion of the sleeve is articulable interiorly away from the layer of dried molding material to at least partially collapse the sleeve for removal from the layer of dried molding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Stephanie Lemoine, Kyra Crilly, Arta Alagheband
  • Publication number: 20170136380
    Abstract: Smart toys may comprise toy blocks or other shapes which may communicate electronically with one another and provide information regarding the toys or how they relate. For example, a user may arrange letter or number blocks to form words or mathematical equations, and smart toys may recite the resulting word or answer through a built-in speaker. Smart toys may contain internal electronics which allow the smart toys to operate and communicate with one another without the need for additional devices such as a mat or board, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew Creedican
  • Publication number: 20170136381
    Abstract: A magnetically connected block, including an electrically conductive connector, the electrically conductive connector defining therein a cavity and a magnet being arranged in the cavity, the electrically conductive connector being provided with a contact surface and a conductive device being provided on the contact surface. In this way, the electrically conductive connector achieves the electrical conduction between blocks by way of the conductive device and achieves the connection between two blocks by way of the magnet to ensure the connection by attraction and the electrical connection between blocks. Owing to the arrangement of the magnet, blocks can be attracted onto a magnetic attraction board surface to facilitate teaching use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Zhengpeng Wei
  • Publication number: 20170136382
    Abstract: An infant entertainment apparatus is disclosed. The infant entertainment apparatus includes a housing with an internal cavity and a lens mechanism disposed within the internal cavity. The lens mechanism is configured to project light from the housing in a first direction when the housing is coupled to a mobile arm and the lens mechanism is configured to project light from the housing in a second direction when the housing is decoupled from the mobile arm. Thus, the infant entertainment apparatus may project light downwards into a crib or upwards away from a crib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: John Thaddeus Smokowski, Michael Armbruster
  • Publication number: 20170136383
    Abstract: In a trickling apparatus (1) for producing thin vertical surfaces of a pressure-sensitive trickling material that floats downwards, the trickling material is received in a supply container (2) having an electrically driven roller (5) located underneath or in the supply container. The roller (5) has a smooth surface (8) and cams (9) on said surface that pick up and release the trickling material. When the roller or the tube (5) rotates, the material trickles into the open through the opening (4) in the base of the supply container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Axel STEIN
  • Publication number: 20170136384
    Abstract: An accelerated vapor recompression apparatus 10 converts incoming flow 35a to a concentrate 35c by developing a concentration profile 146 within a tank 30 holding a liquid 23 containing dissolved solids. The resulting curve 160 of saturation temperature of the stratified liquid 23 (such as a brine 23 or other material 23) moves away from the curve 162 corresponding to fully mixed conditions. The shift 174, 180 in saturation temperature results in increased boiling without increased energy from a heater 70 or compressor 50. A method 90, 200 of control of the system provides interventions 203, 204, 205, 206 at different levels 92, 94, 96, 98 of control, ranging from mass flows 35 to work of a compressor 50, heat from a heater 70, and a predictive processing 215 of feedback 217 for controlling commands 216 algorithmically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: J. Clair Batty, Neil W. Richardson, David A. Bell, Christopher M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170136385
    Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. BINKLEY
  • Publication number: 20170136386
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and equipment for treating industrial vapor and liquid waste streams to remove certain compounds and concentrate those compounds to produce a chemical product. Specifically, the invention related to methods and equipment for condensing vapor waste streams and combining those streams with other liquid waste streams, and processing those combined streams to separate certain compounds for further processing into a chemical product, such as a fertilizer, and to thereby to reduce pollution, odor, and nutrient loading to air and water resources and wastewater processing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen R. Temple, Howard Everett Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170136387
    Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Publication number: 20170136388
    Abstract: A dynamic demulsification system to facilitate the removal of water from oil for use in a gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) which has a dehydrator vessel in fluid communication with a desalter vessel which in turn is in fluid communication with a water/oil separator vessel includes the following system components: an in-line microwave treatment subsystem upstream of one or two of each of the dehydrator vessel, the desalter vessel and the water/oil separator vessel, each of which vessels receives a water-oil emulsion; a sensor for the real-time monitoring and transmission of data representing one or more properties of the water-oil emulsion in the respective vessel(s) and/or downstream of the respective vessel(s) with which the sensor is associated; and a processor/controller that receives the data from the sensor and transmits one or more signals to the one or both of the respective in-line microwave treatment subsystem(s) to generate and apply microwave energy of predetermined characteristics to the flowing
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Emad Naji AL-SHAFEI, M. Rashid KHAN
  • Publication number: 20170136389
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for degassing a supersaturated solution. An example degasser is described having a continuous body of gas-permeable tubing to remove an amount of a gas from the supersaturated solution below the gas's saturation point in the supersaturated solution. The degasser can be connected to at least one of a fraction collector or a detector. The example degasser is sized and/or positioned to cause a change in pressure (?P) across the degasser to drive removal of a dissolved gas from a supersaturated solution passing through the degasser. As a result of the reduction of gas, efficiencies in system flow and fraction collection are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael R. Jackson, Christopher Seith, Senthil Bala, Colin Fredette, Maruth Sok, Carlos Gomez, Joshua A. Shreve
  • Publication number: 20170136390
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Remembrance L. Newcombe, David G. Volkenand, Mark S. Lopp
  • Publication number: 20170136391
    Abstract: A filter screen brush apparatus includes a circular connecting portion that has an opening substantially centered on a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. At least one extension arm has one end coupled to the circular connecting portion and extends from the circular connecting portion along the longitudinal axis. The at least one extension arm includes an inner surface that faces the longitudinal axis. At least one brush is coupled to the inner surface of the at least one extension arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: James Michael Crandall, Joseph Keith Young
  • Publication number: 20170136392
    Abstract: A modular drainage filtration apparatus comprising a filtration container having an open-ended structure with a shape determined by the number of walls used during assembly, each wall being formed from a generally flat sheet of a rigid material and comprising a flat body portion with a plurality of formed tabs and an upper and lower overhanging portion, the walls being assembled to form a filtration container enclose an interior region and having open and opposite upper and lower faces and a plurality of filtration units each comprising a flat filter stage configured to be placed within a filtration container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ken Perry
  • Publication number: 20170136393
    Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to fluid treatment systems. In particular, several embodiments are directed toward filter supports configured to be positioned adjacent a filter belt within a filter belt filtration system. In one embodiment, the filter support can have a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the direction of movement of the filter belt. The filter support can include a plurality of struts spaced apart by a plurality of openings, and at least one of the plurality of struts extends across a portion of the filter support such that a longitudinal axis of the at least one strut is positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Cornelius J. Strain, Kyle Jennings
  • Publication number: 20170136394
    Abstract: A liquid separation device for the separation of liquid or liquid mist from a gas, with at least one pair of basic carriers being a first and a second plate-shaped basic carrier, where in each of the first and the second basic carrier, at least two separator elements are formed. The separator elements each have a passage pipe with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, which are arranged at opposite sides of the respective plate-shaped basic carrier in such a way that the passage pipe extends through the respective plate-shaped basic carrier. The first and the second basic carrier being arranged one next to the other in flow direction of the gas. Each of the two separator elements in both basic carriers in which the separator elements are arranged adjacent to each other, with their passage pipes form continuous flow paths for the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: REINZ-DICHTUNGS-GMBH
    Inventors: PHILIPP ZEDELMAIR, CHRISTOPH ERDMANN, FRANCESCO ZITAROSA
  • Publication number: 20170136395
    Abstract: A retainer arrangement exerts forces on a filter installed in a holder to increase the sealing pressure exerted by the filter against a holder flange on which the filter is seated when installed the arrangement, including a pair of substantially non stretchable but flexible retainer cables, each attached at either end to respective opposite holder sides at points located within the thickness of the air filter and of a length to enable drawing each cable around an outer edge of an air filter case and onto the surface thereof. An elastic stretch cord is connected at either end thereof to respective retainer cable extending over the surface of the filter at an intermediate point along the length thereof. The retainer cables are thereby tensioned and generate a reaction force acting on each filter perimeter edge contacted by a retainer cable, increasing the sealing pressure exerted by the filter on the holder flange on which it is seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Robert C. Zurmuehlen
  • Publication number: 20170136396
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Brian T. Dahl, Paul A. Beatty, Sumit Chandra, Jeffrey James Croxall
  • Publication number: 20170136397
    Abstract: A dust collection device (1) for removing fine particles from an atmosphere is provided with a filter (3), a blower (11), a dust removal device (7), and a pressure introduction device (9). The filter (3) removes fine particles from an atmosphere drawn into a filter chamber (5A). The blower (11) draws the atmosphere into the filter chamber (5A) and generates an air flow through the filter (3). The dust removal device (7) removes fine particles adhering to the filter (3). The pressure introduction device operates during operation of the dust removal device (7) and introduces an atmospheric pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure inside an air passage to the air passage downstream from the filter (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: U.S. URASAKI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morihiro URASAKI
  • Publication number: 20170136398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for absorbing organic constituents in ambient air formed by a cooking appliance. The device comprises a first reservoir (10) containing a first liquid (12) comprising a lipophilic solution. The first reservoir comprises an air inlet (14) and an air outlet (16), the outlet communicating with a space (18) over the liquid. The device also comprises a system (20) for pumping the ambient air to the first reservoir through the inlet. The device also comprises a first system (24,26) to bubble the pumped ambient air in the first liquid (12), to generate an output air stream exiting the first reservoir via the outlet (16). The lipophilic solution (12) comprises a plant oil. This invention provides a low cost and safe air filtering device which is effective in removing organic matter such as cooking fumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: XINZHONG LAI, WEIMIN XIAO, YANLING GAO, YI XU
  • Publication number: 20170136399
    Abstract: A sorbent for CO2 reduction from indoor air from an enclosed space. In some embodiments, the sorbent comprises a solid support and an amine-based compound being supported by the support. The sorbent captures at least a portion of the CO2 within the indoor air. The sorbent may be regenerated by streaming outdoor air through the sorbent to release at least a portion of the captured CO2. The sorbent is structured to allow indoor air to flow therein with relatively low flow resistance and relatively rapid reaction kinetics. Regeneration may be performed at relatively low outdoor air temperatures, thereby minimizing the thermal energy required for regenerating the sorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Udi MEIRAV, Israel BIRAN
  • Publication number: 20170136400
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a staged complementary swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Narasimhan SUNDARAM, Hans THOMANN, Edward W. CORCORAN, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170136401
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using pressure swing adsorption to separate and/or capture resulting emissions are provided. A stream of recycled exhaust gas is passed into a first swing adsorption reactor comprising a first adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. An enriched N2 stream is recovered from a forward end of the first swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the first swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The first swing adsorption reactor is purged with a portion of the first N2 stream recovered from the first swing adsorption reactor. The first purge output is passed to a second swing adsorption reactor comprising a second adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. A second N2 stream is recovered from the second swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the second swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The second swing adsorption reactor is purged with a steam purge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Narasimhan SUNDARAM, Hans THOMANN, Franklin F. MITTRICKER, Loren STARCHER
  • Publication number: 20170136402
    Abstract: A staged complementary pressure swing adsorption system and method for low energy fractionation of a mixed fluid. Two beds in a four-column PSA system are selective for component A, and another two columns are selective for component B. The cycle creates an intermittent A and B product, using the purge effluent from the complementary product fed at an intermediate pressure. This intermittent product is used as purge gas for low-pressure purged elsewhere in the cycle using appropriate storage tanks. The use of an intermediate pressure in this cycle enables continuous production of purified component A and B without the use of compressors. Columns may also be configured to enable pressure to equalize between complementary columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Narasimhan SUNDARAM, Hans THOMANN, Edward W. CORCORAN, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170136403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter element for filtering particulate materials in a fluid, comprising a first filtration zone comprising first-size particles and a second filtration zone comprising second-size particles, as well as a transition zone comprising a mixture of first-size particles and second-size particles and interconnecting the first filtration zone and the second filtration zone. Preferably, the filter element is a carbon block formed by sintering two types of activated carbon particles having different sizes and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene around them. The filter element of the present invention has both higher filtration capacity and higher absorption capacity. In addition, the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the filter element of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Kok Chiang CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20170136404
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation and recovery system includes an adsorption tower, a regeneration tower, and a drying tower. The adsorption tower causes a target gas to contact an adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide contained in the target gas to the adsorbent. The regeneration tower causes a normal-pressure wet gas which is a gas mixture of the carbon dioxide and steam to contact the adsorbent having adsorbed the carbon dioxide to desorb the carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. The drying tower dries the adsorbent. In addition, the carbon dioxide separation and recovery system includes a compressor that compresses the carbon dioxide, and an ejector that expands the carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor while suctioning negative-pressure steam, to generate the wet gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi OKUMURA, Yoshiharu NONAKA, Tomoyuki OGINO, Shohei NISHIBE, Takatoshi SHOJI
  • Publication number: 20170136405
    Abstract: Methods of designing zeolite materials for adsorption of CO2. Zeolite materials and processes for CO2 adsorption using zeolite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Peter I. Ravikovitch, David Sholl, Charanjit Paur, Karl G. Strohmaier, Hanjun Fang, Ambarish R. Kulkarni, Rohan V. Awati, Preeti Kamakoti
  • Publication number: 20170136406
    Abstract: An absorber is provided which uses a liquid solvent formed into a myriad of bubbles and micro-droplets. The solvent froth is a solvent for a selected component in an incoming gas stream. A plurality of spaced apart screen assemblies is placed in a reaction vessel. Using screens having cross-sections that are substantially rectangular wave in design together with proper operating parameters, the phenomenon of solvent plug pulsing is induced and maintained, maximizing efficiency of the absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Westec Environmental Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Pellegrin, William Hargrove, Leonard Pecos, Craig Dugan, Bobby Liu Zhenshuo
  • Publication number: 20170136407
    Abstract: A device for arrangement in a container of a sorption dryer for a fluid, wherein a cartridge for accommodating a drying agent can be inserted into the container, wherein the device has at least one projection and/or at least one recess on a front side, wherein the projection and/or the recess is arranged eccentrically on the front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Abdelkhalic RBAYTl, Jens SCHAEFER, Wolfgang BONGARTZ, Susanne FULKO, Peter SCHAAF, Andreas LETTAU, Peter SCHWARZ, Roland WESTPHAL
  • Publication number: 20170136408
    Abstract: A treatment process of a gas containing zero-valent mercury and a mercury separation system, by which the amount of an iodine compound used can be reduced when the zero-valent mercury is separated from the gas containing the zero-valent mercury by using the iodine compound. The process has a step of oxidizing the zero-valent mercury contained in the gas with a first liquid phase containing an alkali metal iodide, thereby obtaining a second liquid phase containing a divalent mercury ion and an iodide ion; a step of separating the divalent mercury ion as mercury sulfide by adjusting the pH of the second liquid phase; and a step of circulating a third liquid phase which is obtained by separating the mercury sulfide in the mercury separation step to use the third liquid phase as the first liquid phase in the mercury oxidation step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: CHIYODA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dai Takeda, Eiji Awai, Jun Matsumoto, Masataka Uemura, Hironobu Marukawa
  • Publication number: 20170136409
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the content of controlled acidic pollutants in clinker kiln emissions are disclosed. The methods and apparatus include introducing bypass dust produced during production of clinker into one or more locations between the preheater exhaust and the inlet to a dust filter including into a gas conditioning tower. Total bypass dust separated from the kiln exhaust gas may be used. The bypass dust can be separated into a fine and coarse portions. Fine or total bypass dust can be mixed with water to form a bypass dust slurry that can be introduced into the gas conditioning tower. Bypass dust can be used to reduce the content of acidic pollutants such as hydrogen chloride HCl and sulfur oxides SOx from clinker kiln emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Hartmut Riess, Dusting Pham, George Hartman, Zuhair Hasan
  • Publication number: 20170136410
    Abstract: Systems are provided for a urea mixer. In one example, the urea mixer may include perforated tube having a toroid shape configured to receive a urea injection and exhaust flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20170136411
    Abstract: The present liquid purification method, carried out with the aid of a liquid purification system, includes a three-stage liquid filtration cycle, during which all of the drain liquid can be continuously fed back into the purification system until the liquid filtration cycle is complete. During this continuous recycling, a high liquid flow rate is maintained, and the feed rate of the liquid can be controlled during the continuous mixing of initial liquid and drain liquid. The common aim of this subject matter and the technical result achieved in the use of same is the development of a novel energy-efficient method and system for purifying liquids which makes it possible to improve the energy-efficiency of liquid purification while simultaneously increasing the degree of purification and the extent to which the initial liquid is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Lvovich Shmidt, Yurij Vladimirovich Tatuev, Evgenij Anatoljevich Zotkin, Mikhail Grigorjevich Vinogradov
  • Publication number: 20170136412
    Abstract: A fluid conditioning unit is provided that includes a housing, a cap, a cartridge device, and a filter cartridge. The cap is threadably secured to and unsecured from the housing by rotation about an axis of the housing. The cap forms a removable seal with the housing when secured thereto. The cartridge device is secured to the cap in a manner that restricts movement of the cartridge device with respect to the cap along the axis but allows rotation of the cartridge device with respect to the cap about the axis. The filter cartridge is removably secured to the cartridge device and is disposed in the housing along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Huda, Kai Hirsch, James M. Buckley
  • Publication number: 20170136413
    Abstract: A reverse electrodialysis device, including an anode, a cathode, one or more single cells spaced apart from each other between the anode and the cathode, each single cell including a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane, and a shielding membrane disposed to define spaces between the anode and the single cell and/or between the cathode and the single cell. The cation exchange membrane and the shielding membrane include a porous polymer substrate and a polymer electrolyte incorporated into pores in the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Young-Woo Choi, Misoon Lee, Young-Gi Yoon, Chan-Soo Kim, Namjo Jeong, Han-Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20170136414
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a water treatment method is a method configured to use a working medium that includes a draw solution and a water-containing solution to be treated. The draw solution is a hyperosmotic solution which generates an osmotic pressure difference with water. The method includes generating a flux of a mixture of water and a draw solution by an osmotic pressure difference generated between a solution to be treated and the draw solution in an osmotic pressure generator compartmentalized by an osmosis membrane, transferring the flux of the mixture to a vaporization-separation unit, separating the mixture into the water and the draw solution by a pressure difference, and recycling the draw solution separated by the vaporization-separation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomohito IDE, Kenji Sano, Toshihiro Imada
  • Publication number: 20170136415
    Abstract: A hollow fiber module (1, 1?) is made by inserting a bundle of hollow fibers (3) into a housing (2, 2?) that has an end closed by a cap (17). A fluid first component (27) that can assume a solid state is introduced into a space adjacent the cap (17) and forms a spacer into which ends of the hollow fibers (6, 7) project. A fluid curable second component (4) is introduced before the first component (27) via a second inflow (28) and is cured to form a sealing layer (9) that embeds the bundle of hollow fibers (3) and seals it with respect to the adjacent housing wall (29, 29?). The cap (17) is removed from the module housing (2, 2?) along with the first component (27) and ends of the hollow fibers (6) embedded in the first component (27).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Wilhelm Requate, Gerid Hellwig, Johannes Wortmeyer, Ulrich Apelt
  • Publication number: 20170136416
    Abstract: A filtration device (1, 1?) has a housing (2, 2?) with an inlet (3, 3?) to supply fluid to be filtered and an outlet (4, 4?) to discharge filtered permeate. A filter module (5, 5?) is between the inlet and outlet and has membrane layers (9, 9?) connected to the housing (2, 2?) in a fluid-tight manner. An inflow channel (11, 11?) is at the inlet side (3, 3?) and an outflow channel (12, 12?) is at the outlet side (4, 4?). A compressible and flow-permeable intermediate layer (10, 10?) is arranged between at least two membrane layers (9, 9?). The intermediate layer (10, 10?) is made of a nonwoven material with: a thickness corresponding to 20 to 200% of the thickness of the membrane layers (9, 9?), a basis weight of 10 to 150 g/m2, and an air flow rate therethrough of 150 to 5000 L/(m2 * s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Leuthold
  • Publication number: 20170136417
    Abstract: A method for controlling scale and/or fouling on a separation membrane. The method comprises forming a thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degradable coating layer on the membrane; using the membrane under conditions that result in the formation of scale and/or fouling species on the membrane; and removing at least some of the scale and/or fouling species from the membrane by thermally, physically, electrically or chemically degrading the coating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Hiep Thanh Huynh LE, Marcus John FABIG
  • Publication number: 20170136418
    Abstract: A filter system comprises a hollow fiber membrane filter having pores; and an electrostatic adsorption filter partially or wholly having positive charges to be ion adsorbed with nanoparticles of negative charges by an electrostatic attraction, the nanoparticles which exist in the water, and the electrostatic adsorption filter configured to remove in advance the nanoparticles from the water to be supplied to the hollow fiber membrane filter, to prevent a water passing amount of the hollow fiber membrane filter from being rapidly reduced. According to the present invention, the viruses existing in raw water may be removed in accordance with a size exclusion mechanism of the hollow fiber membrane filter, and the nanoparticles, which cause the reduction of the water passing amount of the hollow fiber membrane filter, may be removed using the electrostatic adsorption filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Yuseung CHOI, Junseok LEE
  • Publication number: 20170136419
    Abstract: Ultra-thin nanometer-sealer freestanding polymeric membranes and methods for producing ultra-thin nanometer-scale freestanding recast membranes and ultra-thin nanometer-scale freestanding cross-linked membranes with solid internal backbone are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jirachai Getpreecharsawas, David A. Borkholder
  • Publication number: 20170136420
    Abstract: Asymmetric membrane structures are provided that are suitable for various types of separations, such as separations by reverse osmosis. Methods for making an asymmetric membrane structure are also provided. The membrane structure can include at least one polymer layer. Pyrolysis can be used to convert the polymer layer to a porous carbon structure with a higher ratio of carbon to hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicants: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin A. McCOOL, Harry W. DECKMAN, Ryan P. LIVELY, Dong-Yeun KOH
  • Publication number: 20170136421
    Abstract: The present invention is an integral multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer made by cocasting or sequentially casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a multilayered composite membrane having at least one ultrafiltration layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel Tkacik, Willem Kools, Nitin Satav, Philip Goddard
  • Publication number: 20170136422
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composite semipermeable membrane which has practical water permeability and removing properties and has a high boron removal ratio even after contact with chlorine. A composite semipermeable membrane of the present invention is a composite semipermeable membrane including a substrate, a porous supporting layer and a separation functional layer, which are superposed in this order, in which the separation functional layer includes a crosslinked fully aromatic polyamide, and the crosslinked fully aromatic polyamide has a molar ratio (amide group content) between a total molar proportion of a polyfunctional amine and a polyfunctional aromatic acid halide and a molar proportion of an amide group of 0.86-1.20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Takafumi OGAWA, Harutoki SHIMURA, Shuji FURUNO, Kiyohiko TAKAYA, Takao SASAKI, Masahiro KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170136423
    Abstract: An elongate device for dispersing a paste-like or sticky substance in a liquid for consumption, injection, or topical use has an integral, outwardly directed hook at a first end for suspending the elongate device from the rim of a container such as a glass, cup, bottle or the like into the interior of the container. The elongate device has one or more scale markings at least on an inner face spaced from the second end of the device for indicating an amount of paste-like substance adhered to a second end portion between a scale marking and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Nodari Rizun
  • Publication number: 20170136424
    Abstract: A fluid path set includes a first fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a first fluid and a second fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a second fluid. A flow mixing device is in fluid communication with distal ends of the first and second fluid lines. The flow mixing device includes a housing, a first fluid port provided for receiving the first fluid, and a second fluid port for receiving the second fluid. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports. A third fluid port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for discharging a mixed solution of the first and second fluids. A turbulent flow inducing member is disposed within the mixing chamber for promoting turbulent mixing of the first and second fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: RALPH H. SCHRIVER, ANDREAS MAIHOEFER, JAMES A. DEDIG, MICHAEL A. SPOHN, HERBERT M. GRUBIC, MICHAEL J. SWANTNER, ADAM CARUSO
  • Publication number: 20170136425
    Abstract: A static mixer for mixing exhaust gases to be supplied to a selective catalytic reduction device located at the back of a boiler, includes a gas accommodation part having a first inlet and a plurality of second inlets partitioned from each other to introduce gases having different temperatures thereinto so that the gases introduced through the first inlet and the plurality of second inlets flow to a plurality of divided sections. A discharge part is provided that communicates with the gas accommodation part to collect and discharge the gases and a mixing plate part is provided, which has a plurality of unit plates disposed on the upper and lower portions of a hollow portion of the discharge part in such a manner as to have a given angle with respect to the directions of the gases discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joong Hyun LIM, Jongho HONG, Woochul KWON, Sangrin LEE