Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9950256
    Abstract: A device comprising a High Dimensional Touch Parameter (HDTP) touch capability that can selectively function, as desired by the user, as one or more of a game controller that connects to a game console via network connections, an independent portable/mobile game device with limited but sufficient capacity of processor/memory, a controller for a game console connected remotely through the internet and or a storage device/media player that can store gaming history, personal information, or media files. In an embodiment the device comprises at least one processor for executing at least one algorithm, the algorithm including at least a game, at least one touch sensor providing real-time tactile information to at least one algorithm, the algorithm implementing at least on HDTP function, and at least one networking element configured to network the device to at least the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NRI R&D PATENT LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Seung E. Lim
  • Patent number: 9950257
    Abstract: Active gameplay of a video game on a computer gaming device is overseen by a platform-level in-game recording companion that executes separately from any of a plurality of different video games. During active gameplay of the video game, the active gameplay is continuously and automatically buffered to a temporary storage buffer. During active gameplay the computer gaming device receives a command to save a segment of the active gameplay for subsequent viewing. Without interrupting the active gameplay, the segment of the active gameplay is saved from the temporary storage buffer to a library of the platform-level in-game recording companion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Trombetta, Edmund Samuel Victor Pinto, Todd Ryun Manion, James Andrew Goossen
  • Patent number: 9950258
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a transmission portion configured to transmit a two-dimensional image to a plurality of controllers through a network. The two-dimensional image is a simplification of a three-dimensional image based on information of a selected application. The transmission portion is further configured to transmit positional information for a first object to the plurality of controllers. The positional information for the first object is receivable from a first controller. The apparatus further includes a reception portion configured to receive positional information for a second object from a second controller through the network based on the positional information for the first object and the two-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: COLOPL, INC.
    Inventor: Atsushi Inomata
  • Patent number: 9950259
    Abstract: Ambient light control and calibration systems and methods are provided herein. According to some embodiments, exemplary systems may include a console that includes a processor that executes logic to control a plurality of nodes to reproduce a virtual lighting scheme of a virtual environment in a physical user environment. Additionally, the system may include a plurality of nodes that each includes a light emitting device, a receiver that communicatively couples the node to the console, and a processor that executes logic to control the light emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Watson
  • Patent number: 9950260
    Abstract: There is provided a game system capable of displaying appropriately a comment while suppressing decrease of visibility of a game screen. The game system includes a game apparatus allowing a user to play a game, and displays, on the game apparatus, comments to the user on the game screen to be displayed according to game status, wherein areas inappropriate for comment display on the game screen are determined as display restricted areas, and in each display restricted area, by hiding the comment for example, a predetermined restriction is applied to the comment display in the display restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawano, Kenichi Yamamoto, Masakazu Shibamiya
  • Patent number: 9950261
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artifact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artifact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artifact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 9950262
    Abstract: From a stored panorama moving image, panorama images are read and sequentially acquired every predetermined time for reproduction on a display device, each of the panorama images being a frame of the panorama moving image. A range to be displayed in a first display area is set in each of the acquired panorama images. A range to be displayed in a second display area is set in each of the acquired panorama images. The respective ranges of the acquired panorama images which are set to be displayed in the first display area are displayed in the first display area. The respective ranges of the acquired panorama images which are set to be displayed in the second display area are displayed in the second display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Osako, Toshiaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9950263
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may execute computer code and/or software from a non-transitory computer readable memory. A user may input commands via a plurality of user input controls. Control components may be substituted with one or more alternative control components to maximize a user's comfort when using said mobile gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan Moxon
  • Patent number: 9950264
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed towards providing walkthroughs. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are configured to allow for the recording, playback and usage of enhanced walkthroughs, such as for use with video games. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide multimedia walkthrough content in conjunction with visual representation of control utilization during playback of a video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Hain, Svetlana Astakhova, Maxim Gutchenko
  • Patent number: 9950265
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 9950266
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a tornado yoyo, including two rotating disks and a connecting axle configured to connect back portions of the two rotating disks, in which a protruding cylinder provided with a bearing thereon is disposed in the rotating disk and located in the middle of the rotating disk; a rotating cap is disposed outside the rotating disk and provided with a connecting hole portion extending from the middle of the rotating cap to the rotating disk, and the connecting hole portion is sleeved on the bearing to realize a rotation of the rotating cap relative to the rotating disk; and an outer edge of the rotating cap is provided with an edgefold configured to envelop an edge of the rotating disk, so that when the yo-yo is held or pinched in a forward direction, the rotation of the rotating disk will not be influenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: ALPHA GROUP CO., LTD., GUANGZHOU ALPHA CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dongqing Cai
  • Patent number: 9950267
    Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing, an inner object, at least one sensor and a controller. The inner object is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the inner object. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the inner object if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventors: David Mcdonald, Anne N. Charbonneau, Hamid R. Hashemi, Victor Lai
  • Patent number: 9950268
    Abstract: An adjustable toe suspension arm for a vehicle is provided having a main suspension bracket coupled to a vehicle chassis. An outer swing bracket is pivotably coupled to the main suspension bracket. An adjustment mechanism is operably coupled to the main suspension bracket. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the adjustment mechanism. A portion of the actuating mechanism is in contact with the outer swing bracket. When the adjustment mechanism is manipulated, the actuating mechanism moves to rotate the outer swing bracket with respect to the main suspension bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Custom Works RC Products, LLC
    Inventor: E. Arnold Fie, II
  • Patent number: 9950269
    Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide an electrically-operated toy that uses an electric double-layer capacitor as a main power source and yet can secure an operation duration time per charge that is long enough to fully satisfy the users who are infants, younger school children, etc. [Solution] Provided is an electrically-operated toy that includes: an electric double-layer capacitor acting as a main power source; a movable mechanism for realizing toy functions; an electric motive power source for operating the movable mechanism; and a chopper-type step-up DC/DC converter that boosts a voltage received from the electric double-layer capacitor and supplies the voltage as a power source to at least the electric motive power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tomy Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimitaka Watanabe, Yoshio Suimon
  • Patent number: 9950270
    Abstract: A method of controlling a toy using an electronic device includes generating a control interface that includes at least one function button. The control interface is displayed on a 3D touch screen of the electronic device. A pressure value on the at least one function button is obtained, when the at least one function button is not divided into different areas. An acceleration speed for the toy is determined according to the detected pressure value. The toy is controlled to execute a function corresponding to the at least one function button based on the determined acceleration speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qing-Chen Meng
  • Patent number: 9950271
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Patent number: 9950272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device which is placed inside a distillation column and can precisely control the supply ratio of a liquid to continuously supply the liquid. The liquid dispensing device is placed inside a distillation column, thereby reducing the total installation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AMTPacific Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeong Kyeom Lee, Kwang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9950273
    Abstract: The present invention provides a separation method of separating (A) and (B), comprising: a step of separating at least either an active hydrogen-containing compound (A) or a compound (B) that reversibly reacts with (A) from a mixture containing (A) and (B) by distillation in a multistage distillation column; and a step of supplying the mixture to an inactive region formed within the multistage distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Shinohata, Nobuhisa Miyake
  • Patent number: 9950274
    Abstract: In a method for cooling a flow containing at least 35% carbon dioxide and at least 0.2 ?g/Nm3 of mercury, the mercury being in liquid and/or gas form, the flow is cooled in a first brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger from a first temperature to a second temperature higher than ?38.6° C. to form a cold flow at the second temperature, and the flow cooled to the second temperature is cooled in a second heat exchanger, which is a tube and shell heat exchanger, to a third temperature lower than ?38.6° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
    Inventors: Alain Briglia, Arthur Darde, Ludovic Granados, Mathieu Leclerc, Frederick Lockwood, Xavier Traversac
  • Patent number: 9950275
    Abstract: The invention is methodology of producing a variety of cannabis derivatives such as THC, CBD, Delta-11, and budder. The technique involves the steps of: grinding a whole cannabis plant, including the root ball thereof, freezing the ground plant, soaking the frozen ground plant in a selected solvent, and, removing the solvent, thereby producing desired derivative of cannabis. Solvents include coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable oils, avocado oil, and seed oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Aari Ruben, Robin James Bach
  • Patent number: 9950276
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of extracting water from a composition of an organic liquid and water, using a polyol which causes a phase separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Seton Hall University
    Inventors: John R. Sowa, Wyatt R. Murphy, Jr., Mithilesh Desphande
  • Patent number: 9950277
    Abstract: A parallel assembly (2; 11; 51) of chromatography column modules (3a,b,c; 13a,b,c; 53a,b,c, 90a, b), the assembly having one common assembly inlet (15; 55) and one common assembly outlet (17; 57), each column module comprising a bed space (29) filled with chromatography medium and each column module comprises integrated fluid conduits which when the column module is connected with other column modules are adapted to connect the bed space (29) of the column module with the assembly inlet (15; 55) and the assembly outlet (17; 57), wherein the total length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the assembly inlet to one bed space together with the length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the same bed space to the assembly outlet is substantially the same for all bed spaces and modules installed in the parallel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIOPROCESS R&D AB
    Inventor: Klaus Gebauer
  • Patent number: 9950278
    Abstract: A chromatography column includes a shell containing packed stationary phase and includes an inlet and an outlet at one end of the shell. A plastic sleeve is positioned in the shell to isolate the stationary phase from the shell. A capillary tube extends from an upstream inlet at the one end of the shell to deliver mobile phase to the upstream end of the stationary phase. Mobile phase travels through the stationary phase and exits the column at the one end. Porous filters and seals are provided. A removable coupling adapter is attached to the one end of the column and provides short flow paths and connection ports for the column inlet and outlet. The coupling adapter may incorporate other chromatography components, such as temperature control elements or flow cell optical detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Yury Zelechonok
  • Patent number: 9950279
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of neutralizing apatite surfaces, for example after a flow-through collection of a target and prior to cleaning the chromatography solid support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 9950280
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for isolating chromatin from liquid samples. The devices have a rigid porous matrix on which a ligand is immobilized, with the ligand binding to a protein associated with the chromatin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Porvair Filtration Group Limited
    Inventors: Igor Chernukhin, Elena Klenova, David Cowieson, Samantha Brown
  • Patent number: 9950281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing produced water, comprising; a separator tank, at least one inlet tube (22, 27), at least one branch means (6) distributing the produced water stream, at least one outlet nozzle (7) and at least one guide vane (8.1) mounted under each outlet nozzle and leading water over the next outlet nozzle; at least one outlet (12) in the bottom of the tank for cleaned water and at least one outlet (9, 35, 36) rejecting rising gas with adherent oil droplets, at least one shroud (39) is arranged entirely or partly along the inside of at least one guide vane (8.1) in an angle of 30° to 150° related to the at least one guide vane (8.1). Further the invention relates to a process for separation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing produced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Jorn Folkvang
  • Patent number: 9950282
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid. That apparatus comprises a flow chamber with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A drive circuit configured to provide a drive signal to a filter circuit configured to receive the drive signal and provide a translated drive signal. An ultrasonic transducer is cooperatively arranged with the flow chamber, and transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to be driven by the current drive signal to create an acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber. At least one reflector opposing the ultrasonic transducer to reflect acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Ronald Musiak, Dane Mealey, Ali Shajii
  • Patent number: 9950283
    Abstract: To provide a supernatant water discharge device capable of preventing overflow from a settling pond due to severe rain. The supernatant water discharge device comprises: a submersible pump 10 provided in a first settling pond D; a floating member 30 that makes the submersible pump 10 float on a water surface; a distance sensor 41 that measures a distance to a sediment S; an anemometer 42; and a controller 50 that stops the submersible pump 10 if a measured value from the distance sensor 41 or the anemometer 42 reaches a threshold. By predicting severe rain, discharge of supernatant water W to a second settling pond P can be stopped. This can prevent overflow from the second settling pond P due to severe rain. If the sediment S gets close to the submersible pump 10 as a result of a drop in water level or increase in a deposition height, the submersible pump 10 can be stopped. This can prevent failure of the submersible pump 10 due to suction of a solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahide Tajika, Yoshiharu Nagamoto
  • Patent number: 9950284
    Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. In some embodiments, at least one layer of the filter media comprises synthetic polymer fibers. Certain filter media described herein may have desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventors: Cameron Thomson, Milind Godsay, Randall Keisler
  • Patent number: 9950285
    Abstract: A first engagement unit and a second engagement unit are formed to be engaged with each other at a divided portion formed in a substantially ring-shaped frame of a control valve filter. The first engagement unit includes a first inclination surface and a recessed portion. The second engagement unit includes a second inclination surface capable of coming into close contact with the first inclination surface and a projection portion engaged with the recessed portion. The recessed portion and the projection portion are engaged from the diameter direction of the frame, and the first inclination surface and the second inclination surface are in close contact with each other, whereby the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit are engaged with each there, and therefore, the recessed portion and the projection portion can be prevented from being deformed or damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9950286
    Abstract: A filter housing comprising an accommodation space for accommodating a filter is disclosed, wherein the filter housing further comprises at least one connector-like coupling element configured to indirectly or directly mate with at least one mating coupling element of a mating filter housing; and wherein the coupling element is integrally formed on a portion of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Maggiore, Robert Wright, Peter Makowenskyj, Kevin Walter, April Thelemann, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 9950287
    Abstract: A filter for fluid has a filter housing and a filter element disposed in the filter housing. An element-associated electrical connecting element associated with an electrical/electronic functional component is provided. A housing-associated electrical connecting element is provided. When the filter element is mounted in the filter housing, the element-associated electrical element and the housing-associated electrical connecting element are connected electrically with each other and form an electrical connection. A positioning assist device assists in positioning the element-associated electrical connecting element and the housing-associated electrical connecting element relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 9950288
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly of a filtration system is described. The filter assembly described includes a cover member and a filter cartridge having at least one filter element and a plate member. The plate member includes a seal surface on one side facing the cover member, and a seal surface on another side facing away from the cover member. The seal surface facing the cover member is configured to seal with the cover member, and the seal surface facing away from the cover member configured to seal with another component of the filtration system. The assembly provides a structure that can retain a seal between sealing surfaces of the cover and the filter cartridge, at least while the fluid filter assembly is being serviced, so as to at least minimize fluid dripping and leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Christopher E. Holm, Brian W. Schwandt, Mike J. Connor, Clint T. Deweese, Roger Zoch
  • Patent number: 9950289
    Abstract: An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a first air cleaning module including a first fan, a first filter, and a first inlet through which air is suctioned in a radial into the first filter; a second air cleaning module provided over the first air cleaner including a second fan, a second filter, and a second inlet through which air is suctioned in the radial direction to the second filter; and an air flow controller coupled with the second air cleaning module and including a third fan to control a flow of the air discharged from the second air cleaning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Soonki Jung, Hyunpil Ha, Yeongcheol Mun, Jaekyun Park, Soohyun Bae
  • Patent number: 9950290
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure correspond to, for example, a system for scrubbing a mixture of gases and/or contaminants from indoor air from an enclosed space to remove at least one gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants. The system may include one or more adsorbent materials configured to be cycled between adsorption and regeneration of at least one of gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants via a temperature swing adsorption cycle (for example), regeneration means configured to regenerate one or more adsorbent materials. The regeneration means may be configured at a regeneration temperature to regenerate the one or more adsorbent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ENVERID SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Udi Meirav, Israel Biran, Abraham Bechar
  • Patent number: 9950291
    Abstract: An air dryer having a heater associated with its inlet and exhaust valves to prevent freezing at cold temperatures. The air dryer includes a temperature sensor associated with the valve block and a controller that can inhibit the operation of the valves when the temperature falls is a predetermined threshold until the heater can sufficiently warm the valve block. To prevent overheating of the heater, the controller can adjust the duty cycle of the heater as the inlet air temperatures increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventor: Eric C. Wright
  • Patent number: 9950292
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a first air distribution assembly connected to a process air inlet for receiving process air, and to a regeneration air outlet for exhausting regeneration air; and a second air distribution assembly connected to a process air outlet for delivering process air, and to a regeneration air inlet for receiving regeneration air. The dehumidifier includes multiple stationary modules connected in parallel between the air distribution assemblies. Each module contains desiccant and has opposing apertures for connecting to the air distribution assemblies. The air distribution assemblies are configured to cycle between a number of positions equal to the number of modules. In each position, the air distribution assemblies establish a regeneration air flow from the regeneration air inlet to the regeneration air outlet via one module, and a plurality of process air flows from the process air inlet to the process air outlet via each remaining module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: META INDUSTRIAL INC.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Alberto Pedace, Pedro Miguel Gaio
  • Patent number: 9950293
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for lowering the water dew point subsea in a produced multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream containing water, the method comprising the steps of: separating (10) the hydrocarbon fluid stream (1) into a liquid phase (3) and a first gas phase (2); cooling (20) the first gas phase in a controlled manner to knock out water or condensing water and optionally other condensates while keeping the fluid above a hydrate formation temperature thereof; separating off condensed liquids (6) and a second gas phase; wherein the second gas phase (8) has a water dew point which is lower than that of the initial multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream. The invention also concerns a system for lowering the water dew point subsea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Baard Kaasa, Bernt Henning Rusten, Knut Arild Marak, Arne Olav Fredheim
  • Patent number: 9950294
    Abstract: A method for cool drying gas by guiding gas through the secondary section of a heat exchanger whose primary section forms the evaporator of a closed cooling circuit in which a coolant can circulate by means of a compressor that is followed by a condenser and expansion means through which the coolant can circulate, whereby use is made of an air-cooled condenser with a frequency controlled fan, and the method comprises the step of controlling the speed of the aforementioned fan so that the condenser pressure is kept equal to a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventors: Maarten Kooyman, Johan Hendrik R. De Herdt, Frank Jacques E. Roelants, Frits Cornelis A. Baltus
  • Patent number: 9950295
    Abstract: Methods related generally to the removal of atmospheric pollutants from the gas phase, are provided, as well as related apparatus, processes and uses thereof. A single-stage air scrubbing apparatus is provided that includes at least one reaction vessel, at least one introduction duct, and a turbulence component, wherein a residence time is sufficient to allow the conversion of at least one atmospheric pollution compound to at least one other compound, molecule or atom. In some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric pollution compound comprises nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide or a combination thereof. Additionally, methods of removing atmospheric pollution compounds from a waste gas stream are disclosed that include introducing a waste gas stream and at least one additional gas stream, mist stream, liquid stream or combination thereof into a single-stage air scrubbing apparatus at a flow rate sufficient to allow for conversion of the at least one atmospheric pollution compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Alloys Cleaning, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Glenn Miller, Larry Kent Barnthouse, Robert George Richardson
  • Patent number: 9950296
    Abstract: In a carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus according to an embodiment, a control device calculates a flow rate range of a carbon dioxide gas based on the concentration of the carbon dioxide gas and an output range of a blower. The control device determines a flow rate of the carbon dioxide gas in which the sum of energy is the least based on relationships, corresponding to a preset target amount of carbon dioxide gas to be captured, between a flow rate of the carbon dioxide gas, and sum of energy obtained by summing the amount of heat to be supplied by a heating medium from the external, power of the blower and power of a pump. The control device controls output of the blower, an opening degree of the first flow rate control valve, and an opening degree of the second flow rate control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Keita Nagano, Satoshi Saito, Masatoshi Hodotsuka, Mitsuru Udatsu
  • Patent number: 9950297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of concentrating an aqueous solution at low pressure under a zero osmotic pressure difference condition, and more particularly, to a method of concentrating an aqueous solution containing a solute to be concentrated, at low pressure under a zero osmotic pressure difference condition. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) discharging water of a solute-containing aqueous solution to be concentrated, from a reverse osmosis separator to the outside, and transferring the concentrated aqueous solution to a zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator; (b) further concentrating the concentrated aqueous solution using the zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator comprising a feed chamber and a draw chamber, which are separated from each other by a reverse osmosis membrane or a forward osmosis membrane; and (c) recovering the solute and water from the aqueous solution further concentrated in the zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ho Nam Chang, Kwonsu Jung, Gwon Woo Park, Yeu-Chun Kim, Charles Seo
  • Patent number: 9950298
    Abstract: Described are water-on-water valves for use in reverse osmosis filtration systems. The water-on-water valves are regulated by the pressure in a product line, which contains fluid from a product line of the filter module and/or the product side of a water-on-water storage tank. Exemplary valves are shuttle valves that are regulated by the pressure downstream of the product side of a reverse osmosis filter module. The valves may comprise a piston within a housing, and an end of the piston may have an enlarged diameter relative to the maximum diameter of the remainder of the piston. The body of the piston may have sections of differing diameters, where the smaller diameter sections form flow channels, or the body may a diameter that is substantially the same along its length in conjunction with gratings and flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, Dian Zheng, David A. Carbo
  • Patent number: 9950299
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the treatment of an incoming fluid, comprising: a bottom part connecting a common feed stream to individual membrane filter modules through a tailor made connecting piece; a top part connecting individual membrane filter modules to a common retentate stream through a tailor made connecting piece. According to the invention the apparatus is assembled out of tailor-made parts with the object to reduce material costs and labor costs, and the part are made such that footprint of the contraption is minimized. Furthermore, the individual parts form a sub-unit with such dimensions that multiple sub-units can be combined into one main unit, without the need to execute any alterations to the sub-units in terms of sizing, by which means modularity and scalability is introduced into the main units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: X-Flow B.V.
    Inventors: Rob Borgerink, Derk Rudolf Journeé, Robert Martinua Van Opdorp, Bastiaan Blankert
  • Patent number: 9950300
    Abstract: [Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a polyamide hollow fiber membrane having such properties that the transmission of fine particles through the membrane can be prevented effectively, the membrane has an excellent water transmissibility, the entire surface of the membrane has excellent hydrophilicity, and impurities such as metal elements are rarely eluted through the membrane. [Solution] A polyamide hollow fiber membrane produced by a TIPS method under specific production conditions has the following characteristic properties: (1) the contact angle of water on the surface of the membrane is 80° or less; (2) the external pressure water transmissibility of the membrane is 50 L/(m2·atm·h) or more; and (3) the 50 nm-particles blocking ratio of the membrane is 90% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITIKA LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Hara, Takahiro Ono, Terumi Murata, Kuniko Inoue
  • Patent number: 9950301
    Abstract: A mixing machine 1 comprising a mixing head 3 having element(s) for connecting to a receptacle to form a mixing container. The mixing head 3 is pivotably supported in a frame 2 such that the mixing container can pivot for the mixing process. The mixing head 3 has at least one rotationally driven mixing tool whose drive shaft 23 extends through the wall of the mixing head 3. The mixing head 3 has a double wall with a perforated inner wall 8. The perforations form a fluid path from the chamber surrounded by the inner wall 8 to the intermediate wall chamber 10. The intermediate wall chamber 10 is connected to a pressure adjustment device for adjusting the pressure. A flexible liner 15 is arranged in the mixing head 3 on its inner surface, which liner 15 can be fixed to the inner wall 8 of the mixing head by applying a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DR. HERFELD GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rüberg, Ulrich Tölle
  • Patent number: 9950302
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for stand-alone chemical dispensers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Crossford International, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Walsh, Joseph J. Franzino
  • Patent number: 9950303
    Abstract: Provided is a method for the production of a hollow particle, which can easily produce a hollow particle having plural spaces formed inside. The method for the production of a hollow particle is a method for the production of a hollow particle having plural spaces inside thereof, which comprises dispersing an oil-phase liquid prepared by dissolving or dispersing a polymerizable monomer and an oil-soluble polymerization initiator having polymerization initiation ability for the polymerizable monomer in a hydrophobic solvent, in an aqueous medium containing a water-soluble polymerization initiator having polymerization initiation ability for the polymerizable monomer, to form an oil droplet; and applying the oil-soluble polymerization initiator and the water-soluble polymerization initiator at the same time to the polymerizable monomer, and polymerizing the polymerizable monomer, to form a shell dividing plural spaces in a particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tomoo Sakimura, Kunihiro Ogura
  • Patent number: 9950304
    Abstract: A system for operating parallel reactors includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly including: a flow-through reactor, a reactor feed line, a reactor effluent line, a primary fluid source, and a flow splitter which is arranged downstream of the primary fluid source and upstream of the reactor assemblies. All passive flow restrictors have an substantially equal resistance to fluid flow. A feed line pressure measurement device and a pressure control arrangement controls backpressure regulators such that the measured feed line pressure becomes substantially the same as a feed line pressure setpoint in the reactor assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Avantium Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roelandus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Moonen
  • Patent number: 9950305
    Abstract: A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Paul H. Humble, Shankar Krishnan, Steven D. Leith, Daniel R. Palo, Robert A. Dagle