Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9862573
    Abstract: A method for introducing an elevator support into an elevator system includes a support brake device for controlling a drawing-in speed of the elevator support. The elevator support is wound on a support roller at a floor or in a machine room of a building. The elevator support is unwound from the roller and introduced into a shaft of the elevator system. The support brake device is arranged between the support roller and the shaft, and a drawing-in speed of the elevator support is adjusted by the support brake device. The support brake device contains a traction pulley for receiving the elevator support that is rotatably mounted in a support frame so that the elevator support can at least partly loop around the traction pulley. The traction pulley is braked by a pulley brake device, whereby the drawing-in speed can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Urs Püntener, Marcel Koch, Stefan Weber
  • Patent number: 9862574
    Abstract: An arrangement for installing a set of elevator ropes includes one or more rope reels storing the set of elevator ropes, a rope wheel arrangement mounted on a fixed base comprising one or more rope wheels, a first rope guide detachably mounted in proximity of said one or more rope wheels of the rope wheel arrangement, and a second rope guide detachably mounted in proximity of said one or more rope wheels of the rope wheel arrangement. The ropes of the set of elevator ropes are arranged to pass from the one or more rope reels to said one or more rope wheels of the rope wheel arrangement via the first rope guide, which is arranged to guide the ropes to converge a rim of said one or more rope wheels at least substantially vertically, to turn around said one or more rope wheels, and to pass away from the one or more rope wheels via the second rope guide, which is arranged to guide the ropes to diverge from a rim of said one or more rope wheels at least substantially vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hannu Lehtinen, Jarmo Reijonen
  • Patent number: 9862575
    Abstract: An escalator has a step belt or moving walkway has a plate belt, wherein the belt includes at least one link chain arranged to circulate between a first deflecting region and a second deflecting region of the escalator or the moving walkway. Guide rollers as well as steps or plates are arranged at the link chain. The link chain additionally includes system rollers. The guide rollers and the system rollers are arranged on at least three tracks lying adjacent to one another with respect to a direction of circulation of the link chain, wherein one of the tracks is occupied by the guide rollers and at least two of the tracks are occupied by the system rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Robert Schulz, Thomas Illedits, Michael Matheisl
  • Patent number: 9862576
    Abstract: A carrying device for large panels, such as drywall, plywood and the like. The carrying device includes a rigid one-piece panel receiving bracket with a dual flexible strap and adjustable handle extending therefrom. The panel is received on a platform portion of the bracket which has multiple impact surfaces for positioning, engaging and releasing the bracket from the panel so positioned thereon and a panel positioning strap handle attachment extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: John Stelmach
  • Patent number: 9862577
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a clamp device are provided for lifting equipment from a first position to a second elevated position. The present devices include a body member and either a door or a clamping member. In one embodiment, a chain member may be received within the body member and the door member may be closed about the body member to secure a chain member therewithin. In a second embodiment, a cord, cable or rope may be received within the body member and secured therein when a clamping member is attached thereto. Eyelets located on the body member may be used to attach various equipment and supplies thereto. A wench or other hoisting device may be used to raise the chain, cord, cable or rope associated with the present clamp devices and the equipment attached thereto to an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mechanical Devices Company
    Inventor: Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 9862578
    Abstract: A lifting pole assembly configured for removable attachment to a tower comprising a lifting pole, a bottom bracket assembly, a top bracket assembly and vertical tilt means. The lifting pole has a lower end and an upper end. The bottom bracket assembly includes a first end attached to the tower and a second end attached to the lifting pole proximal to the lower end thereof. Similarly, the top bracket assembly includes a first end attached to the tower at a position above the point where the bottom bracket is attached to the tower and a second end attached to the lifting pole at a position above the point where the bottom bracket is attached to the lifting pole. The vertical tilt means enables the lifting pole to pivot in the vertical plane about a point proximal to the connection between the bottom bracket and the lower end of the lifting pole. Horizontal pivot means for enabling the lifting pole to pivot in the horizontal plane relative to the tower may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kathy Jones
  • Patent number: 9862579
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 9862580
    Abstract: An industrial lift truck with a tilt measuring accessory, which provides an operator with a visual indication of the mast assembly tilt angle by means of a flexible cable operated sliding weight indicator mounted on the mast assembly. The flexible cable is fixedly mounted by a mounting device to a roll-cage and extends parallel, or substantially so, to the surface on which the lift truck is operating, before passing over a pulley mounted on the mast assembly to extend downwardly and parallel, or substantially so, to the mast assembly. The sliding weight is received for sliding engagement within a guide, wherein, when the mast assembly is tilted, movement of the flexible cable causes a corresponding movement of the weight relative to the guide thereby giving the visual indication of the angle of tilt of the mast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Antony Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 9862581
    Abstract: The disclosure describes load supporting stands and methods of supporting a load. Such systems and methods may include providing a load supporting stand with a column having an outer diameter, and a first end opposite a second end, a saddle attached to the first end of the column, a load bearing pin that extends transversely through the column and may be fixedly attached to the column, and a conduit capable of receiving the column, and a plurality of pin receiving slots disposed in the conduit and capable of receiving the pin, wherein the conduit may be capable of receiving the column and pin through the first end of the conduit, and wherein the column may be configured to be rotated within the conduit to translate upward from a top of the conduit such that the saddle engages the load to be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Lageson, Corday Peterson, John T. May
  • Patent number: 9862582
    Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift includes a basket with controls which permit an operator standing in the basket to maneuver the basket. The safety device includes an alarm, a switch activation device proximate to the controls and two solenoid operated relays, one connected with a normally-closed manually operable emergency switch which is operable to cut electrical supply and prevent further movement of the basket, and one connected with a foot operable safety switch, which must be held closed by an operator to activate the controls. Each relay is held in a closed condition unless caused to change to an open condition to cut electrical supply. The relays are controlled by a programmable control box connected to the switch activation device, foot switch and alarm. The control box causes the alarm to operate in accordance with the condition of the foot operable safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BLUESKY SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Cummings, Kevin Gale
  • Patent number: 9862583
    Abstract: A container opening device facilitates opening of various types of containers including conventional five gallon buckets, various sizes of paint cans, and the like. the device includes a head coupled to a first end of a handle. The head has a pair of spaced flanges. Each of the flanges is coupled to and extending from a base of the head extending between the flanges. Each of the flanges has a planar distal portion positioned in spaced relationship to the base defining a gap therebetween for engaging and prying edges of a cover on a bucket. A first sidewall extends from the handle adjacent to a second end of the handle. The first sidewall has a thickness for insertion into a space between a lid and a top edge of a can to pry the lid away from the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Piccirilli
  • Patent number: 9862584
    Abstract: A method for processing containers includes introducing flushing gas into a container's interior while the interior remains connected to a vacuum source, and adjusting flow of the flushing gas and an underpressure of the vacuum source such that, while flushing gas flows through the interior, a flushing pressure in the interior lies between 0.46 and 0.9 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 9862585
    Abstract: A conveyor and carriage assembly are synchronized to increase the speed of operation and eliminate any dwell periods to improve the rate at which a linear container filler is able to fill containers with a material. The fill rate approaches or exceeds that of prior art linear and rotary filling machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PSR AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: David R. Ramnarain, Brian D. Ramnarain, Christopher D. Ramnarain
  • Patent number: 9862586
    Abstract: A filling element for filling a container includes a liquid channel configured in a filling element housing, a connector or inlet for feeding the liquid into the channel, a discharge opening for discharging the liquid into the container, and a liquid valve that controls liquid discharge into the container. The liquid valve is arranged in the channel and includes a valve seat and valve body movable to open and close the valve to engage the seat, and an insert configured as a swirl body or gas barrier. The insert is arranged, relative to a flow direction, upstream of the seat and is fixed in position in the channel so that it remains stationary relative to the valve body during opening and closing of the liquid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 9862587
    Abstract: A device for filling a container with a fill product, for example, in a beverage filling plant, is described. The device includes a housing for accommodating an electronics module for controlling an electromechanical actuator of a filler valve, an electronics module accommodated in the housing, and at least one opening provided in the housing for feeding through an electrical contacting for the electronics module from outside the housing. The opening is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a connecting device welded to the housing for feeding through the electrical contacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Josef Doblinger, Anton Hirschberger, Christian Brey, Florian Angerer, Stefan Poeschl
  • Patent number: 9862588
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fitment assembly used for dispensing liquids from flexible bags. The connector engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector. The external valve body through circumferentially placed apertures allows for substantially complete drainage of the flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9862589
    Abstract: Various apparatus and systems for chilled beverage dispensing are disclosed. The beverage dispenser can be configured such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is refrigerated to the appropriate temperature. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can extend from and retract into a refrigerated source. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can be built into a refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Cummer, Izaak Matthew Koller, Alexander Clinton Schacht
  • Patent number: 9862590
    Abstract: A liquid drawing device includes a main body assembly, a drawing pump mounted inside the main body assembly; an adjustable air intake is mounted outside the air intake hole of the connecting seat of the main body assembly, and the first liquid delivery pipe of the connecting seat is mounted with a drawing straw. With the drawing pump drawing liquid inside a container, the procedure of liquid drawing may not be restricted by whether an airtight condition of an opening of the container is well maintained, and an opened degree of the air intake hole of the connecting seat can be adjusted by the adjustable air intake. Besides, because the drawing straw is a telescopic pipe assembly with a plurality of sections, the liquid drawing device can be conveniently carried around after the drawing straw is retracted and shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MERCURIES ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Yeh-Yi Chung
  • Patent number: 9862591
    Abstract: A faucet for dispensing liquid with pulp or other suspended solids includes a valve chamber and a valve seat is located in the valve chamber. A valve element for controlling flow of liquid through the valve chamber from the inlet of the body to the outlet of the body includes a valve stem. The valve stem includes (i) a first portion that is closely slidably received in the outlet portion of the liquid flow passage adjacent the valve seat between the valve seat and the outlet; (ii) a second portion connected to the first portion and extending outwardly through the stem aperture of the bonnet such that an outer end of the second portion is located external to the valve chamber; and (iii) a seal located between the first portion and the second portion of the stem. The first portion of the stem cleans the valve seat when the stem moves from the second stem position to the first stem position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Meyer, Michael A. Kolar
  • Patent number: 9862592
    Abstract: A MEMS transducer includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate includes a piezoelectric diaphragm and a conductive contact structure. The conductive contact structure is electrically connected to the piezoelectric diaphragm, and protrudes beyond a principal surface of the first substrate. The second substrate includes a conductive receiving feature and an active device. The conductive receiving feature is aligned with and further bonded to the conductive contact structure. The active device is electrically connected to the piezoelectric diaphragm through the conductive receiving feature and the conductive contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Ren Cheng, Richard Yen, Yi-Hsien Chang, Wei-Cheng Shen
  • Patent number: 9862593
    Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed. The MEMS device includes a first substrate. At least one structure is formed within the first substrate. The first substrate includes at least one first conductive pad thereon. The MEMS device also includes a second substrate. The second substrate includes a passivation layer. The passivation layer includes a plurality of layers. A top layer of the plurality of layers comprises an outgassing barrier layer. At least one second conductive pad and at least one electrode are coupled to the top layer. At least one first conductive pad is coupled to the at least one second conductive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Smeys, Jong Il Shin, Jongwoo Shin
  • Patent number: 9862594
    Abstract: A wearable device is provided having multiple sensors configured to detect and measure different parameters of interest. The wearable device includes at least one monolithic integrated multi-sensor (MIMS) device. The MIMS device comprises at least two sensors of different types formed on a common semiconductor substrate. For example, the MIMS device can comprise an indirect sensor and a direct sensor. The wearable device couples a first parameter to be measured directly to the direct sensor. Conversely, the wearable device can couple a second parameter to be measured to the indirect sensor indirectly. Other sensors can be added to the wearable device by stacking a sensor to the MIMS device or to another substrate coupled to the MIMS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Versana Micro Inc.
    Inventor: Bishnu Prasanna Gogoi
  • Patent number: 9862595
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a film support beam includes: providing a substrate having opposed first and second surfaces; coating a sacrificial layer on the first surface of the substrate, and patterning the sacrificial layer; depositing a dielectric film on the sacrificial layer to form a dielectric film layer, and depositing a metal film on the dielectric film layer to form a metal film layer; patterning the metal film layer, and dividing a patterned area of the metal film layer into a metal film pattern of a support beam portion and a metal film pattern of a non-support beam portion, wherein a width of the metal film pattern of the support beam portion is greater than a width of a final support beam pattern, and a width of the metal film pattern of the non-support beam portion is equal to a width of a width of a final non-support beam pattern at the moment; photoetching and etching on the metal film layer and the dielectric film layer to obtain the final support beam pattern, the final non-support beam patt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CSMC TECHNOLOGIES FAB1 CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Errong Jing
  • Patent number: 9862596
    Abstract: A micromechanical component formed from, a substrate (100) having a first cavity (112) and a second cavity (113), a first micromechanical structure (117) arranged in the first cavity (112), and a second micromechanical structure (118) arranged in the second cavity (113). The first cavity (112) and the second cavities having respective first and second gas pressures having different values. The first gas pressure is provided by a closed configuration of the first cavity (112) and a first channel (115) opens into the second cavity (113), and the second gas pressure is adjustable via the first channel (115).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Stefan Günthner, Bernhard Schmid
  • Patent number: 9862597
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component having a substrate and having a cap connected to the substrate and enclosing with the substrate a first cavity is provided, a first pressure existing, and a first gas mixture having a first chemical composition being enclosed, in the first cavity, in a first method step an access opening that connects the first cavity to an environment of the micromechanical component being constituted in the substrate or in the cap, in a second method step the first pressure and/or the first chemical composition being established in the first cavity, in a third method step the access opening being sealed with the aid of a laser by the introduction of energy or heat into an absorbing portion of the substrate or of the cap, the introduction of energy or heat being controlled by spatial displacement of a laser beam along a path proceeding substantially parallel to a surface, facing away from the first cavity, of the substrate or of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Mawuli Ametowobla, Philip Kappe
  • Patent number: 9862598
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a beam structure and an electrode on an insulator layer, remote from the beam structure. The method further includes forming at least one sacrificial layer over the beam structure, and remote from the electrode. The method further includes forming a lid structure over the at least one sacrificial layer and the electrode. The method further includes providing simultaneously a vent hole through the lid structure to expose the sacrificial layer and to form a partial via over the electrode. The method further includes venting the sacrificial layer to form a cavity. The method further includes sealing the vent hole with material. The method further includes forming a final via in the lid structure to the electrode, through the partial via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Russell T. Herrin, Jeffrey C. Maling, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 9862599
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an apparatus for harvesting and storing piezoelectric energy includes forming a groove at a side on a substrate. The method further includes embedding and planarizing a polymer in the groove, forming a piezoelectric energy harvesting device, which converts and stores an external vibration into electric energy, onto the substrate, and forming a piezoelectric MEMS cantilever by forming a hole at a side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting device and by removing the polymer in the groove through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sang Kyun Lee, Yil Suk Yang
  • Patent number: 9862600
    Abstract: One example discloses an chip, comprising: a substrate; a first side of a passivation layer coupled to the substrate; a device, having a device height and a cavity, wherein a first device surface is coupled to a second side of the passivation layer which is opposite to the first side of the passivation layer; and a set of structures coupled to the second side of the passivation layer and configured to have a structure height greater than or equal to the device height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AMS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Roel Daamen, Hendrik Bouman, Kailash Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 9862601
    Abstract: A system (100) is described for characterizing and/or manipulating molecules. The system may especially be suitable for biological molecules, although the invention is not limited thereto. The system (100) comprises a substrate (110) comprising a nanostructure (120) being suitable for translocation of molecules through the nanostructure (120). It furthermore comprises a means (210) for translocating molecules through the nanostructure (120) and a plasmonic force field generating means (130) adapted for influencing the translocation speed of the particle by applying a plasmonic force field at the nanostructure (120). A corresponding method also is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: IMEC, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, KU LEUVEN R&D
    Inventors: Chang Chen, Pol Van Dorpe, Kai Cheng, Tim Stakenborg, Liesbet Lagae
  • Patent number: 9862602
    Abstract: A process gas (such as a hydrocarbon gas) is flowed through a thermal cracking apparatus to crack the process gas into constituent components (such as hydrogen gas and solid carbon nano-particles, e.g., carbon nano-onions, necked carbon nano-onions, carbon nanospheres, graphene, graphite, highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, single walled nanotubes, and/or multi-walled nanotubes). The thermal cracking apparatus has an elongated heating element disposed within an inner volume along a longitudinal axis thereof. The elongated heating element heats the process gas as it flows within a longitudinal elongated reaction zone to thermally crack molecules of the process gas into the constituent components of the molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Lyten, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Riso, Philip David Fulmer, Ryan Balmores, Hossein-Ali Ghezelbash, Bryce H. Anzelmo
  • Patent number: 9862603
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing and delivering a product. The system includes a chamber having an inlet end, an outlet end and quenching points positioned therebetween. The inlet end is configured to receive a plurality of precursors and the quenching points are configured to receive water to obtain quenching of the reaction in the chamber thereby providing varying concentration of the resultant product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: Bio-Cide International, Inc., CUDD Pressure Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Cochran, Robert Picek, Neeraj Khanna, Enrique M. Proano, Andrew D. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9862604
    Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) involves providing a one or more sources of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen to a stable induction plasma to form a reaction mixture of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen in the plasma, and cooling the reaction mixture to form BNNTs. The process is capable of very efficiently producing small (10 nm or less diameter), reasonably pure BNNTs continuously in high yield at or around atmospheric pressure without the need to use metals as the catalyst. The process may be further modified by providing one or more sources of carbon to produce BNNTs doped with carbon (e.g. BCNNT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Keun Su Kim, Christopher T Kingston, Benoit Simard
  • Patent number: 9862605
    Abstract: A problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a production method of a nitrogen-containing carbon alloy that has sufficiently high redox activity or has a large number of reaction electrons of redox reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Tanabe, Naoya Hatakeyama, Michio Ono
  • Patent number: 9862606
    Abstract: A nanoparticle or agglomerate which contains connected multi-walled spherical fullerenes coated in layers of graphite. In different embodiments, the nanoparticles and agglomerates have different combinations of: a high mass fraction compared to other carbon allotropes present, a low concentration of defects, a low concentration of elemental impurities, a high Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) specific surface area, and/or a high electrical conductivity. Methods are provided to produce the nanoparticles and agglomerates at a high production rate without using catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Lyten, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Cook, Hossein-Ali Ghezelbash, Bryce H. Anzelmo, David Tanner, Shreeyukta Singh
  • Patent number: 9862607
    Abstract: Fabricating a nanofiber sheet, ribbon, or yarn by a continuous process that includes synthesizing a nanofiber forest in a forest growth region on a substrate, wherein the nanofiber forest comprises a parallel array of nanofibers, and further includes drawing said nanofibers from the nanofiber forest to form a primary assembly that is a sheet, ribbon or yarn. The substrate continuously moves from the furnace growth region into a region where the nanofibers in the forest are drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Mei Zhang, Shaoli Fang, Ray H. Baughman, Anvar A. Zakhidov, Kenneth Ross Atkinson, Ali E. Aliev, Sergey Li, Chris Williams
  • Patent number: 9862608
    Abstract: A patterned graphene or graphitic body is produced by providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body; coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and annealing the coated body under time and temperature conditions effective to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ronen Polsky, Xiaoyin Xiao, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Susan M. Brozik, Thomas Edwin Beechem
  • Patent number: 9862609
    Abstract: Compositions and methods directed to producing metal-doped graphene and the metal-doped graphene derivatives from pitch are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Eva M. Deemer, Russell R. Chianelli
  • Patent number: 9862610
    Abstract: Methods and systems for converting a biomass and biogenic wastes to hydrogen with integrated carbon dioxide capture and storage are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: mixing at least one of a dry solid or liquid or liquid hydroxide and catalysts with a biomass to form a biomass mixture; heating the biomass mixture until the hydroxide and the biomass react to produce hydrogen, carbonate, biochar, and potentially fertilizer; calcining the carbonate or performing double replacement reactions of the carbonate to produce sequestration-ready carbon dioxide and a hydroxide; storing the carbon dioxide produced; transferring the hydrogen produced to a fuel cell; and generating electricity with the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Thomas E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9862611
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a carbon nanotube, including supplying a carbon nanotube and a catalyst to a reactor in a predetermined order or simultaneously and fluidizing them to form a fluidized bed, wherein a difference in minimum fluidization velocities (?V) according to Formula 1 below is 5 cm/s or less: [Formula 1] Difference in minimum fluidization velocities (?V, cm/s)=|Vcat?Vcntproduct| wherein Vcat is a minimum fluidization velocity of catalyst, and VCNTproduct is a minimum fluidization velocity of carbon nanotubes supplied to a reactor in the step of forming a fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: SK Innovation Co., Ltd., SK Global Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Min Kim, Min-Ji Sung, Yong-Tak Kwon, Sang-Uk Kim, Ok-Youn Kim, Sung-Real Son, Jung-Yul Son
  • Patent number: 9862612
    Abstract: The method for producing silicon metal and porous carbon from rice hulls is provided. The method comprises a first step S1 of producing a rice hull charcoal M2 containing SiO2 and C by heat treatment of rice hulls M1; a second step S4 of exposing the rice hull charcoal M4 to at least any one of heated first inert gas G2 or reducing gas to produce SiC; a third step S5 of exposing SiC to a heating atmosphere containing Cl2 gas to produce SiCl4 and porous carbon P1; a fourth step S7 of reacting SiCl4 and Zn to produce silicon metal P2 and ZnCl2; and a fifth step S9 of electrolyzing ZnCl2 to produce Zn and Cl2 gas. The Cl2 gas in the fifth step S9 is used in the third step S5, and Zn in the fifth step S9 is used in the fourth step S7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Toru Adachi, Taiichiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9862613
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing dimeric and/or trimeric silanes by conversion of monosilane in a plasma and to a plant for performance of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Erwin Lang, Hartwig Rauleder, Ekkehard Mueh
  • Patent number: 9862614
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a hydrophobic silica aerogel by using a Soxhlet extraction, and a hydrophobic silica aerogel prepared by using the method. Since the preparation method according to the present invention may simultaneously perform washing and drying of a hydrophobic silica wet gel as well as solvent substitution and may remove an extraction solvent without an additional separation process, a hydrophobic silica aerogel having low tap density and high specific surface area may be easily prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Shil Oh, Jin Hee Oh, Ye Hon Kim, Dong Hyun Cho, Mi Ri Kim, Sung Min Yu, Je Kyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9862615
    Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of hydrated alkaline silicate compositions for making intumescent layers for fireproof glazing, said compositions being such that, when applied between glass sheets, they form a solid gel without drying, wherein the compositions are obtained from a stable and fluid solution subjected to partial dehydration at a limited temperature and under a reduced pressure for a duration shorter than that required for the mass curing of the final composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Pierre Goelff, Eric Jordan
  • Patent number: 9862616
    Abstract: TiO2 based scrubbing granules, and methods of making and using such TiO2 based scrubbing granules are described. TiO2-based scrubbing granules include granulated TiO2 and about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight inorganic salt binder. Other TiO2 based scrubbing granules include unsintered granulated TiO2 and about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight inorganic salt binder. Inorganic salt binder include sodium aluminate. Methods of making TiO2 based scrubbing granules include i) combining TiO2 particles with inorganic salt binder to form TiO2-binder mixture comprising from about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight binder; ii) granulating the TiO2-binder mixture; and drying the granulated TiO2-binder mixture to form TiO2-based scrubbing granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cristal USA Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata Ramana Reddy Sama, Kit Stacey Eremchuk, Mark D. Pomponi, Gabor Feher, Alexandre Jean Fines
  • Patent number: 9862617
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the fabrication and manufacture of efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells. The p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells can include a pyrite thin cell component, a window layer component, and a top surface contact component. The pyrite thin cell component can be fabricated from nanocrystal paint deposited onto metal foils or microcrystalline pyrite deposited onto foil by chemical vapor deposition. A method of synthesizing colloidal pyrite nanocrystals is provided. Methods of manufacturing the efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Matthew Law, Sean Seefeld, James Puthussery
  • Patent number: 9862618
    Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly reverse-osmosis system, comprising a water line with a plurality of filter stages, is characterized in that before and after at least one filter stage a respective line branches off from the water line, which is provided with a valve adapted to be switched by a control device and leads to a pressure sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Vivonic GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Patent number: 9862619
    Abstract: A water discharge management system is provided. The water discharge management system includes a water processing system, a controller provided with an executable recapture protocol, and a plurality of controllable multi-way valves which control and implement a regeneration cycle of the water processing system based upon the recapture protocol. Each controllable multi-way valve is in operable communication with the controller through a signal path. The controllable multi-way valves are responsive to a signal exchanged with the controller through the signal path and operable between a first position connecting an input from the water processing system to a first output, and a second position connecting the input from the water processing system to a second output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Hellenbrand, Edward T. Maas, Jill E. McDonald, John P. Fetzer
  • Patent number: 9862620
    Abstract: A system reclaiming contaminated water includes a heat exchanger that receives the contaminated water and converts at least a portion of the contaminated water into steam and collects at least a portion of the contaminants within the heat exchanger. A thermal transfer fluid is heated by a heat exchanger is communication with a heat source. The heated fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger to heat the contaminated water. A steam engine is coupled to a generator, the steam engine receives the steam from the heat exchanger to drive the generator to provide power for the system. Steam exhausted from the steam engine is supplied to supplemental heat loads and then condensed in a modular condensing system. The collected contaminants are directed to an evaporation device to remove residual liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Morningside Venture Investments Limited
    Inventor: Frank Schubert
  • Patent number: 9862621
    Abstract: A desalination apparatus that includes: a water-repellent particle layer that is located below a water tank, contains water-repellent particles, and allows passage of water vapor generated by evaporation of the liquid stored in the water tank, the water tank being a space for storing the liquid; and a liquefying layer that is located below the water-repellent particle layer, and liquefies the water vapor that has passed through the water-repellent particle layer to obtain the fresh water. The water-repellent particle layer includes: a first layer that contains first water-repellent particles among the water-repellent particles, and faces the water tank; and a second layer that contains second water-repellent particles among the water-repellent particles, and is provided below the first layer. The second water-repellent particles have a larger average particle size than the first water-repellent particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ono, Hisaaki Gyoten, Norihisa Mino, Morio Tomiyama, Akira Taomoto, Stephen William John
  • Patent number: 9862622
    Abstract: A filter structure capable of efficiently separating water and oil using wettability is provided. The filter structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first filter layer including a plurality of openings, a second filter layer including a plurality of openings and positioned so as to be overlapped with the first filter layer at a distance from each other, and a hydrophobic polymer layer formed on surfaces of the first filter layer and the second filter layer. The first filter layer and the second filter layer include surfaces each having a dual-scale protrusion and depression structure as a combination of a micro-scale structure and a nano-scale structure, and the hydrophobic polymer layer is formed along curves of the protrusion and depression structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Woon Bong Hwang, Handong Jo, Dong Seob Kim, Yeong Ae Kim