Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9861970
    Abstract: This invention pertains to hydroformylation catalysts containing a mixture of isomeric forms of halo-phosphorus ligands. This invention also describes a procedure for preparing isomers of certain halophosphite ligands, which contain the phosphorus atom in a macrocyclic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Thomas Allen Puckette, Xiaopeng Shan, Jody Lee Rodgers, Brian E. Green
  • Patent number: 9861971
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for creating a Carbon-Carbon bond (C—C) or a Carbon-Heteroatom bond (C—HE) by reacting a compound carrying a leaving group with a nucleophilic compound carrying a carbon atom or a heteroatom (HE) that can substitute for the leaving group, creating a C—C or C—HE bond, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an effective quantity of a. a catalytic system comprising a ligand and at least a metal-based catalyst, such a metal catalyst being chosen among iron or copper compounds proviso that only a single metal is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S)
    Inventors: Marc Taillefer, Ning Xia, Florian Monnier, Anis Tlili
  • Patent number: 9861972
    Abstract: A hydrodemetallization (HDM) catalyst includes an alumina and carbon extrudate support having a weight ratio of about 1:1 alumina to carbon and bimodal type pore size distribution, i.e., both meso-porosity and macro-porosity. The support can be impregnated with at least one hydrogenation active metal and, optionally, at least one promoter metal from the transition metals of Groups 6, 8, 9, and 10 of the Periodic Table. The hydrogenation active metal can be, for example, Mo, W, and Fe. The promoter metal can be, for example, Co, Ni, and Fe. The catalyst may further include ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KUWAIT INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Mohan Singh Rana, Faisal S. Alhumaidan
  • Patent number: 9861973
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved films/coatings (e.g., catalyst films/coatings), and improved assemblies/methods for fabricating such films/coatings. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous assemblies/methods for fabricating or synthesizing catalytic material (e.g., catalytic nanostructures) in flame and depositing the catalytic material onto substrates. The present disclosure provides improved catalytic nanostructures, and improved assemblies and methods for their manufacture. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for methods/assemblies for synthesizing electrocatalytic nanostructures in flame and depositing such material or catalyst onto different substrates or supports. As such, the present disclosure provides advantageous assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to deposit fully dense, controlled porosity films (e.g., films of metals and oxides or core-shell particles) onto different substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Justin Roller, Radenka Maric
  • Patent number: 9861974
    Abstract: A film system includes a substrate and a film disposed on the substrate. The film includes a monolayer formed from a fluorocarbon and a plurality of regions disposed within the monolayer such that each of the plurality of regions abuts and is surrounded by the fluorocarbon. Each of the plurality of regions includes a photocatalytic material. A method of forming a film system includes depositing a monolayer formed from a fluorocarbon onto a substrate. After depositing, the method includes ablating the monolayer to define a plurality of cavities therein, wherein each of the plurality of cavities is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of cavities along the monolayer. After ablating, the method includes embedding a photocatalytic material into each of the plurality of cavities to form a film on the substrate and thereby form the film system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gayatri V. Dadheech, Thomas A. Seder, James A. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 9861975
    Abstract: A visible light response photocatalyst structure and a process for manufacturing the same are disclosed, where the structure is manufactured by the GRR for two times, so that the structure has a large surface area, high surface activity, being apt to get integrated with a silicon substrate and endurable to the environment, and further has the rapid and simple manufacturing characteristics without any additional energy required and has a high reproductively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Chun-Ting Lin, Ming-Hua Shiao, Mao-Nan Chang, Nien-Nan Chu, Chien-Nan Hsiao, Fan-Gang Tseng
  • Patent number: 9861976
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the regeneration of oxidative dehydrogenation (OXO-D) catalyst in an alternate or separate regeneration reactor by employing controlled steam:air and time/pressure/temperature conditions. The process avoids destruction of the catalyst, and wear/tear on an OXO-D reactor. The regenerated catalyst is an iron based oxide catalyst which can be zinc or zinc-free. The iron based oxide catalyst is regenerated in the regeneration reactor by feeding an air/steam stream over a set amount of time, preferably about 6 days to yield a regenerated OXO-D catalyst. The regenerated catalyst is activated and re-utilized to produce butadienes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TPC Group LLC
    Inventors: Joseph G. Duff, Jillian M. Horn
  • Patent number: 9861977
    Abstract: A multi-acid monomer disclosed herein has the formula wherein R is one or more units of a non-SO2F or non-SO2Cl portion of a polymer precursor in sulfonyl fluoride or sulfonyl chloride form, X is a non-sulfonyl halide group of a multi-sulfonyl halide compound having a minimum of two acid giving groups, and Y is remaining sulfonyl halide groups of the multi-sulfonyl halide compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Rameshwar Yadav
  • Patent number: 9861978
    Abstract: A mechanically-actuated vacuum-controlled fluid collection system includes a mechanically-actuated vacuum controller (MAVC) to draw fluid into a chamber through the opening to the chamber. The system may include a releasable seal to seal the opening, and the MAVC may include a spring-loaded plunger to create a vacuum within the chamber when sealed. The system includes multiple fluid chambers, and may further include a single actuator or multiple corresponding actuators. The system may be configured to add a pre-loadable reagent to fluid drawn into the one or more chambers, and may be configured to add the reagent in proportion to a volume of the fluid. The system may be controllable to release collected fluid to another device, such as for assay and/or transport. The system may be configured to draw a liquid biological sample such as urine, and may include a fluid interface to draw fluid from a biological sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON MICROFLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon T. Johnson, Kate E. Christian, Glenn H. Verner
  • Patent number: 9861979
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system for performing injection of multiple substantially controlled volumes into or out of a droplet, and methods and kits comprising the same. The system of the present invention comprises at least one microfluidic channel, one or more injection channels, an injection inlet associated with each of the one or more injection channels, and a mechanism for disrupting an interface between a droplet and a fluid and/or emulsion, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel comprises one or more droplets are flowing therein, and wherein each of the one or more injection channels comprises at least one fluid and/or emulsion therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Abate, Sepehr Kiani, Tony Hung, Pascaline Mary, Adnan Moez Esmail
  • Patent number: 9861980
    Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Enqing Tan, Vincent Linder, Jason Taylor, David Steinmiller
  • Patent number: 9861981
    Abstract: A particle processing device includes a chamber including an input portion and an output portion and providing a space for flowing of a fluid having a particle, at least two deformable membrane structures sequentially arranged in the chamber and controlling a sectional area of a fluid path through which the fluid flows, and at least two membrane control lines respectively applying pressure to the deformable membrane structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young-Ho Cho, Yoon-Ji Kim
  • Patent number: 9861982
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a removable pneumatic connector, comprises a body having a plurality of bores passing through, each bore surrounded by a sealing member on an inner surface of the body. A plurality of gas lines may be placed within a corresponding bore. A vacuum port is disposed on the inner surface of the body, and an outer seal on the inner surface of the body surrounds the sealing members and the vacuum port. A vacuum line may be placed within the vacuum port, and configured to deliver negative pressure to the vacuum port. A vacuum holding area is created in the volume between the outer seal and each of the sealing members when the inner surface of the body is placed against a substrate. When the vacuum line is activated, a vacuum is created within the vacuum holding area, creating a positive seal between the body and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Gaige, Andrew Zayac, Paul Sydlowski, Philip Lee
  • Patent number: 9861983
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for segregating particles on the basis of their ability to flow through a stepped passageway. At least some of the particles are unable to pass through a narrower passageway bounded by a segregating step, resulting in segregation of the particles. The breadth of the leading edge of at least one step of the apparatus is significantly greater than the overall width of the passageway in which the step occurs, permitting high and rapid sample throughput. The apparatus and methods described herein can be used to segregate particles of a wide variety of types. By way of example, they can be used to segregate circulating tumor cells from a human blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ANGLE North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Georgi Hvichia
  • Patent number: 9861984
    Abstract: A microchip includes a channel permitting a sheath liquid to flow therethrough; and a microtube for introducing a sample liquid into a laminar flow of the sheath liquid flowing through the channel; wherein liquid feeding is performed in the condition where a laminar flow of the sample liquid introduced through the microtube is surrounded by the laminar flow of the sheath liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Shinoda, Toru Takashimizu
  • Patent number: 9861985
    Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides methods and systems for controlling slugs using temperature dependent fluorescent dyes. In some embodiments, the present invention uses one or more techniques to enhance the visibility of slugs, enhance a system's ability to differentiate between slugs, and enhance a system's ability to identify the positions of slugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnathan S. Coursey, Kenton C. Hasson, Sami Kanderian, Gregory H. Owen, Hongye Liang, Scott Corey, Brian Bean
  • Patent number: 9861986
    Abstract: The invention provides droplet actuators and droplet actuator cassettes including reagent storage capabilities, as well as methods of making and using the droplet actuators and cassettes. The invention also provides continuous flow channel elements and techniques for using electrodes to manipulate droplets in flowing streams. The invention also discloses methods of separating compounds on a droplet actuator. Various other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Pollack, Prasanna Thwar, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan, Allen E. Eckhardt, Alexander Shenderov, Dwayne J. Allen
  • Patent number: 9861987
    Abstract: Provided herein is generally tubular container, preferably including a plurality of reservoirs defined therein. The container can be adapted for acoustic ejection of a fluid disposed within at least one of the reservoirs of the plurality of reservoirs. Alternatively, the container can be adapted for extraction of a fluid disposed within at least one of the reservoirs of the plurality of reservoirs using a non-acoustic liquid handling method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LABCYTE INC.
    Inventor: Richard N. Ellson
  • Patent number: 9861988
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reclaiming of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for reclaiming carpet components such as yarn, tufting primary, binder, and secondary backing from post-industrial and post-consumer carpet waste in a substantially continuous flow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. M. Rees, Leonard Lee Hixon, Jr., Marten Hutchison
  • Patent number: 9861989
    Abstract: A sluice including an upper channel that includes a material deck and a tilted classification screen. Below the classification screen is a lower cavity located between two longitudinally aligned plenums located under the upper channel. Each plenum includes a front opening and a rear opening and an interior sidewall. Extending between the plenums is a floor plate. Fluidization holes are formed on each interior sidewall. During use, the sluice is positioned in a stream so water flows simultaneously over the upper channel and the through the front openings of the plenums. Water flowing over the upper channel separates mined material placed on the material deck so that small particles fall through the classification screen. The water entering the front openings of the two plenums flows through the plenums and partially exits through the fluidization holes and sprays over the small particles deposited in the lower cavity further separating the fine gold particles from the small particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin P Bell
  • Patent number: 9861990
    Abstract: A filter assembly for an active field polarized media air cleaner includes a conductive screen that conducts a high voltage therethrough, a probe that delivers voltage to the conductive screen, and a conductive patch adhered to the conductive screen. The probe delivers the high voltage to the conductive screen through the conductive patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Environmental Management Confederation, Inc.
    Inventor: Forwood C Wiser
  • Patent number: 9861991
    Abstract: A torque sensing device capable of measuring the force exerted by a torque arm on a lever is positioned between the torque arm and the lever. The torque arm is connected to the pinion of a planetary gearbox for rotating the bowl and screw conveyer of a decanter centrifuge at different speeds. The torque sensing device measures the torque between the pinion gear and the planetary gearbox. The sensor can be connected to a controller which can reduce the flow of the liquid/solid mixture to the decanter centrifuge thereby/reducing the torque and avoiding substantial damage to the planetary gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Engip, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Hilpert
  • Patent number: 9861992
    Abstract: A gardening water spray gun may include a barrel portion and a handle, and a water control chamber laterally penetrates through the water spray gun. A water control valve pivotally secured inside the water control chamber is controlled by an operating unit. The water control valve is a circular shaft which has an upper arc edge and a lower arc edge, and a central portion of the lower arc edge comprises a through hole which penetrates through the water control valve from a side to another. Moreover, a recess formed at an end of the through hole is located close to the upper arc edge, and with the communication between the through hole and the recess, the water spray gun is configured to allow more water to flow through and to provide a large amount of spraying water at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9861993
    Abstract: A gyrating nozzle head spray gun includes grip including air inlet, valve seat, gas-delivery tube connected to valve seat and terminating in mating connection screw rod and trigger operable for letting external compressed air go into air inlet and gas-delivery tube, attachment tube connected to mating connection screw rod of the gas-delivery tube, gyrating nozzle head assembly including gas-supply tube connected to mating connection screw rod and suspended in attachment tube, bearing, cap, linking module and gyrating nozzle head mounted on one end of the gas-supply tube, and water-delivery tube having one end extended bottom of coupling hole of gas-delivery tube and connected to water tank for sucking in water and opposite end thereof inserted through gyrating nozzle head for ejecting fluid for creating mist of fine droplets upon ejection of compressed air through the gas-supply tube and oblique jet hole and central axle hole of the gyrating nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neutek International Inc.
    Inventor: Den-Nan Fu
  • Patent number: 9861994
    Abstract: The present invention involves providing a viscous fluid in a particular format and implementations thereof. In particular, a viscous slave fluid is provided in a particular format, wherein the particular format can be an end result or an intermediate result for the viscous fluid. In the case of an intermediate result, the viscous fluid in the second format may be further processed to a third format. Implementations or applications include supercharged fuel injection systems, methods, and apparatuses for internal combustion, lean-burn oil pre-mixing systems, methods, and apparatuses for liquid fuel combustion, and medical or biomedical devices, systems, and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Robert Safarik, Prashanth Sridharan
  • Patent number: 9861995
    Abstract: A dispenser device for a container containing a product to be dispensed, the device comprising a body for connecting to the container and presenting a chamber that is open at a bottom end of the body and in which a pump is arranged, connected to a top dispenser head. The dispenser device also comprises a driver that is suitable for being moved so as to cause the dispenser head to move between a storage position in which the dispenser head is substantially retracted inside the body, and a dispensing position in which the dispenser head projects beyond a top end of the body. The dispenser device further comprises a sealing diaphragm that defines a top end of the chamber and that presents a movable end that is connected to the pump, and a stationary end that is suitable for being connected to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR
    Inventors: Savine Lefevre, Francois Gautier
  • Patent number: 9861996
    Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a deposition source; a rotatable dome provided with an opening which covers the source; a first lever provided outside of the dome; and a tray holder including a frame including a first rotating member and a rotating part including a second rotating member and being attached to the frame such that the rotating part rotates with the second rotating member around an axis supported by the frame. The rotating part includes work-holding trays arranged around the axis, the tray holder is installed on the dome such that a side of one of the trays covers the opening, the first rotating member is rotated by the first lever during rotation of the dome, and the second rotating member is rotated with the rotating part by the first rotating member so as to change the tray a side of which covers the opening to another one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NALUX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiro Higuchi, Hiroshi Ueno, Hitoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9861997
    Abstract: A belt conveyor including a conveyor belt that has hollow injectors for injecting a process fluid into a conveyed layer of bulk products and a method for injecting a process fluid into a layer of bulk products conveyed on a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David W. Bogle
  • Patent number: 9861998
    Abstract: A process and assembly for mass producing a plasticized coated and structurally supporting insert including a first conveyor for advancing a plurality of lay-flat inserts and at least one lift and transfer mechanism for transferring the inserts between the first conveyor and a second overhead conveyor. A dual function robot is positioned aside the first conveyor and has a first numerically controlled gripping portion for engaging and raising a selected one of the lay flat supported inserts. The robot further has a second numerically controlled and articulating arm for spray coating a plasticized material upon the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 9861999
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device includes an electrostatic discharge protection system. Accumulation and discharge of electrostatic energy created by operation of the device is reduced or prevented by the electrostatic discharge protection system without an earth ground connection. The electrostatic discharge protection system may include a number of features, such as a static wick, nonconductive components that electrically isolate the spray tip of the device, nonconductive isolation barriers, nonconductive fluid reservoir and suction tube components, a nonconductive coating of a control valve component, and a nonconductive spring retainer of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kinne, Steven R. Kuczenski, Bradley H. Hines, Dale C. Pemberton, Jimmy W. Tam
  • Patent number: 9862000
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for producing an electrically conductive pattern on a surface. Electrically conductive solid particles are transferred onto an area of predetermined form on a surface of a substrate. The electrically conductive solid particles are heated to a temperature that is higher than a characteristic melting point of the electrically conductive solid particles, thus creating a melt. The melt is pressed against the substrate in a nip, wherein a surface temperature of a portion of the nip that comes against the melt is lower than said characteristic melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STORA ENSO OYJ
    Inventors: Petri Sirviö, Juha Maijala
  • Patent number: 9862001
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a drive unit, a detector and a controller. The drive unit is configured to operate a material dispenser. The detector is configured to detect a velocity of the material sensor. The controller is programmed to maintain the material dispenser at a constant velocity based on the velocity detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SULZER MIXPAC AG
    Inventors: Hayden Turner, Victor Clemens, Jes Hickman, Robert Lindsey
  • Patent number: 9862002
    Abstract: A process for producing a layer system is provided wherein the layer system has at least a substrate, a ceramic layer, which is applied to a surface structured in a targeted manner, in which process the intermediate layer, in particular the metallic layer, is applied in such a way that the recesses form during the coating. By introducing recesses into a surface, the stresses in the ceramic layer on the metallic substrate are reduced in such a manner that a longer lifespan for the ceramic layer is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Fathi Ahmad, Christian Amann, Björn Beckmann, Björn Buchholz, Giuseppe Gaio, Thomas Hille, Eckart Schumann, Rostislav Teteruk
  • Patent number: 9862003
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibrating material sorting screen with a substantially variable tilt angle and a tilt angle measuring device where the screen has a gear box which is horizontal when the screen is horizontal and inclined when the screen is inclined and further where the gear box has a plurality of oil level sensors or indicators therein which are sized, placed and configured to provide proper oil volume while the screen is oriented horizontally or at various inclines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Terex USA, LLC
    Inventor: Edwin J. Sauser
  • Patent number: 9862004
    Abstract: A method and system for removing foreign grains from oat grains to establish gluten-free oats, i.e., oat grains having gluten levels below 20 ppm and, more preferably, below 10 ppm, relies upon performing a series of mechanical differentiation operations on a combination of grains, including oats and foreign, or gluten containing, grains. The various operations include aspiration, width grading and length grading steps, as well as a late stage density separating step. The resulting oats can be used to make a wide range of gluten-free oat food products, including cereal and granola products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip K Zietlow, Daniel J Winderl, Jay Romsa, Kara M Hobart, John M Hellweg, Troy D Bierbaum
  • Patent number: 9862005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for sorting plant material units (101), such as seedlings. The plant material units are arranged in a supply tray and distributed over a plurality of further trays, each further tray being dedicated to plant material units with a specific classification value assigned to it. In the method, first, the supply tray (105) is provided. An image of the plant material units in the supply tray is obtained, and on the basis of the obtained image, a classification value is assigned to each of the plant material units. Finally, the plant material units are sorted on the basis of the assigned classification value by transferring plant material units with the same assigned classification value by means of a robot directly from the supply tray to the corresponding further tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: IG SPECIALS B.V.
    Inventors: Wim Struijk, Wim Van der El
  • Patent number: 9862006
    Abstract: A system for processing solar cells is disclosed which includes a separation module for separating a processing frame from solar cells that are fed along a conveyance line. The processing frame can be separated without requiring manual lifting of the processing frame by feeding the processing frame and solar cells into a magnetic roller system. The magnetic roller system can gradually lift the processing frame away from the solar cells and divert the processing frame to a separate roller system. The solar cells can remain on the main conveyance line for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Chung, Pablo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9862007
    Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate liquid processing apparatus and method for performing a liquid processing on a substrate using a processing liquid, and a computer-readable recording medium with a substrate liquid processing program recorded therein. In the method, a first chemical liquid supply step is performed to supply a first chemical liquid from a first chemical liquid supply unit to a processing liquid storage unit, a first chemical liquid purifying step is performed to purify the first chemical liquid in a chemical liquid purifying unit, a second chemical liquid supply step is performed to supply a second chemical liquid from a second chemical liquid supply unit to the processing liquid storage unit, and a processing liquid supply step is performed to supply the processing liquid obtained by mixing the first and second chemical liquids from the processing liquid supply unit to substrate liquid processing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Saiki, Shogo Mizota, Takashi Yabuta, Jun Nonaka, Tatsuya Nagamatsu, Koji Tanaka, Tomiyasu Maezono
  • Patent number: 9862008
    Abstract: A method for removing residual filter cakes that remain adhered to a filter after typical particulate removal methodologies have been employed, such as pulse-jet filter element cleaning, for all cleanable filters used for air pollution control, dust control, or powder control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Energy and Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Jay C. Almlie, Stanley J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9862009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a structured surface (1) of a press tool (2), in particular a press plate or an endless press belt, the contaminations on the surface being burnt away by at least one laser beam and combustion residues being subsequently removed from the surface by means of an air or gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HUECK Rheinische GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Niggemann
  • Patent number: 9862010
    Abstract: Described herein is a pipe cleaning apparatus of relatively uncomplicated construction. The apparatus includes a pipe support assembly having a number of cradles for supporting oilfield pipe. The cradles are positioned side-by-side with one pair of cradles supporting the opposite ends of each pipe. A number of lances are positioned side-by-side and are adapted to simultaneously penetrate the oilfield pipe in the pipe support. A mill is affixed to the free end of one of the lances. An air-driven tube cleaner is affixed to the free end of another one of the lances. A water jet nozzle is affixed to the free end of still another one of the lances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Wayne Snow
  • Patent number: 9862011
    Abstract: A dart assembly for cleaning tubes including at least one annular disk having a first end, a second end, an outer perimeter and at least one longitudinal groove in the outer perimeter extending from the first end to the second end and at least one cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is positioned within the groove such that a portion of the cutting wheel extends into the groove and a portion extends beyond the outer perimeter of the annular disk. The dart assembly may also include at least one scraper disk and the annular disk and the scraper disk may be positioned at opposite ends of a shaft. Also, a method of cleaning a tube where a dart assembly is inserted into the inner diameter of the tube and forced through the tube using pressurized fluid. The dart assembly may have any or all of the features described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: National Heat Exchange Cleaning Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Antal, Carroll E. Joseph
  • Patent number: 9862012
    Abstract: An apparatus for forging a hollow body from a pre-perforated hollow block includes forging tools that can be driven radially in relation to a forging axis, a clamping head which is displaceable on a guide bed in the direction of the forging axis and includes collet chucks for the hollow block, and a mandrel carriage which is arranged on the side of the clamping head facing away from forging tools, which is displaceable independently of the clamping head along the guide bed, and whose mandrel bar provided with the forging mandrel penetrates the clamping head coaxially to the forging axis. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions the mandrel carriage includes an axial actuating drive for the mandrel bar and can be coupled in a tension-proof manner to the clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GFM—GmbH
    Inventors: Rupert Wieser, Robert Koppensteiner
  • Patent number: 9862013
    Abstract: An equal channel angular extrusion tool comprising a punch assembly, a die set assembly, a base assembly, and a bottom slider assembly. The punch assembly comprises a punch, a punch nose, and a punch trolley. The die set assembly comprises an inlet channel and a removable core. The base assembly comprises a lifting mechanism which further comprises a die lift cylinder and a hold down ram. The bottom slider assembly comprises an ejection ram. The tool also includes a billet. The billet may be disposed in the bottom slider assembly. Severe plastic deformation is applied to the billet in the bottom slider assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Shear Form, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Barber, Karl T. Hartwig
  • Patent number: 9862014
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electric resistance welded steel tube including: forming a steel tube material into an almost cylindrical open pipe, the steel tube material being a steel sheet wherein Ti and N satisfy (N/14)<(Ti/47.9); forming an electric resistance welded steel tube by bonding ends of the open pipe to each other by induction resistance welding with heat input controlled so that the bond width is 30 to 65 ?m; heating the electric resistance welded steel tube to a temperature equal to or higher than the Ac3 transformation temperature; and diameter-reducing rolling the heated electric resistance welded steel tube with rolling reduction expressed by an outer diameter ratio greater than (1?25/the bond width before diameter-reducing rolling (?m))×100% such that the bond width is 25 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kawabata, Masayuki Sakaguchi, Kei Sakata
  • Patent number: 9862015
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe straightener, which consists of three roller wheel units and a restraining sleeve, wherein each of the roller wheel units is juxtaposed, and the roller wheel units enclose and are configured to form a long straight-formed passageway. The passageway is used to enable metal pipes to pass therethrough. The restraining sleeve encloses and covers each of the roller wheel units, thereby restraining each of the roller wheel units. Each of the roller wheel units is mainly structured from a wheel carrier and a plurality of roller wheels. One side of the wheel carrier is a first side, and the other side is a second side. The first side is adjacent to the passageway, and the second side is adjacent to the restraining sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jia-Rong Lin
  • Patent number: 9862016
    Abstract: Provided is a mandrel which is inserted into a pipe material when the pipe material is bent, the mandrel including: a core member having a rod-shaped main body portion and a small-diameter portion which is provided on one end side of the main body portion and which is thinner than the main body portion; and a front end member which is provided on one end side of the core member and which is formed integrally with the core member so as to cover the small-diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawamoto, Toyoaki Yasui, Kunihiro Kuroi, Tomone Kishida
  • Patent number: 9862017
    Abstract: A workpiece is formed into a shape having curvatures in the longitudinal and width directions required for a final closed cross-sectional shape, and bend-facilitating lines are provided at positions corresponding to bent lines in the closed cross-sectional shape. The workpiece formed in the first step is bent in a direction that left and right side wall portions approach each other by clamping the bottom portions between a punch and pad in the plate thickness direction and by pressing a punch into a space between dies. A plug having an outer shape the same as the final closed cross-sectional shape is placed on the bottom portion of the workpiece formed in the second step, and the bottom portion and the left and right side wall portions are bent along the bend-facilitating lines by pressing the bottom portion and the left and right side wall portions against a periphery of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Higai, Toyohisa Shinmiya, Yuji Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9862018
    Abstract: A forming apparatus comprises: a machine bed; a tool holder mounted movably relative to the machine bed; a drive unit connected to the tool holder; a disconnector unit; a machine control for operating the drive unit; and a monitoring device to monitor movements of the tool holder and to activate the disconnector unit. The monitoring unit includes two distance measuring systems that respectively generate first and second position signals at different rates for determining a position of the tool holder relative to the machine bed. At least one radiation beam detector is deactivated in response to a different between the first and second position signals undershooting a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FIESSLER ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Lutz Fiessler
  • Patent number: 9862019
    Abstract: A pneumatically powered fastener installation tool (2) comprising floating pull (24) and return (26) pistons which are free to move axially within the main channel (22), thereby providing compliance when transmitting pressure from a double-acting pneumatic piston (16) and intensifier rod (18) to a head piston (6) thereby to install a fastener such as a lockbolt and preventing the generation of a vacuum condition on oil loss during the pull stroke of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Infastech Intellectual Properties PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Simon Andrew