Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
  • Patent number: 9969602
    Abstract: An insulated boom knuckle cover for high voltage line truck includes an insulating sheathing unit disposed for expedient attachment to a boom arm of a high voltage line truck. The sheathing unit includes an upper section, attachable to the boom arm at a position proximal a knuckle of the boom arm, and an arched knuckle cover section disposed depending from the upper section. The arched knuckle cover section includes a lowermost portion disposed to overlie the knuckle of the boom arm when the boom arm is disposed in a lowered, folded position, and yet maintain appropriate coverage of the knuckle when the boom arm is also extended away from the lowered, folded position. The present invention therefore prevents direct contact of high voltage lines with the knuckle, or portions of the boom arm proximal the knuckle, and shields the knuckle from arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Lane Matthew Chomko
  • Patent number: 9969603
    Abstract: A filling element includes a common actuator that controls both a liquid valve and a gas valve. The actuator implements a two-stage control stroke. In a first operating state, both the liquid valve and the gas valve are closed. As a result of a first partial stroke in the second operating state, the gas valve opens but the liquid valve remains closed. Then, in a third operating state, as a result of a second partial stroke, the liquid valve is opens while the gas valve remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Andreas Fahldieck
  • Patent number: 9969604
    Abstract: A system for confirming that a liquid product is to be dispensed into a storage tank from a tanker compartment before dispensing the liquid product is disclosed. A wand computing device generates a liquid product identification signal that identifies the liquid product contained in the storage tank when positioned within proximity of a storage tank tag associated with the storage tank. A dispense monitoring computing device attempts to match the liquid product identified by the liquid product identification signal to the liquid products identified as contained in tanker compartments. The dispense monitoring computing device generates a signal to notify the operator that an appropriate tanker compartment contains liquid product that is the same as the liquid product contained by the storage tank and can be dispensed into the storage tank when the liquid product contained by the storage tank matches the liquid product contained by the appropriate tanker compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Koeninger, Brian DeYoung, Garth L. Dexter
  • Patent number: 9969605
    Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure dispensing nozzle for providing cryogenic fuel such as liquid natural gas (LNG) from a source to a filling receptacle, such as on a vehicle. The nozzle has a gun-style nozzle construction and a plurality of jaw members provided near a distal end for locking engagement with the filling receptacle. The nozzle further has a movable internal poppet to establish a fuel passageway through the nozzle for delivery of fuel therethrough. Two different triggers enable separate steps of locking of the nozzle onto the filling receptacle and initiating gas flow for ease of use. The two steps may also me combined and actuated by a single trigger. One nozzle disclosed includes a safety button for dispersing residual gas in the nozzle prior to disengagement to help avoid injury to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ACD, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Geipel, Sam Safi
  • Patent number: 9969606
    Abstract: A MEMS structure that provides an improved way to selectively control electromechanical properties of a MEMS device with an applied voltage. The MEMS structure includes a capacitor element that comprises at least one stator element, and at least one rotor element suspended for motion parallel to a first direction in relation to the stator element. The stator element and the rotor element form at least one capacitor element, the capacitance of which varies according to displacement of the rotor element from an initial position. The stator element and the rotor element are mutually oriented such that in at least one range of displacements of the rotor element from an initial position, the second derivative of the capacitance with respect to the displacement has negative values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Matti Liukku, Jaakko Ruohio, Hannu Vesterinen
  • Patent number: 9969607
    Abstract: A device and method utilizes interconnecting layers separated by an insulating layer. A layered structure comprises a first and a second layer of electrically conductive material, and a third layer of electrically insulating material between them. A via trench is fabricated that extends from the second layer through the third layer into the first layer, a surface on the first layer of electrically conductive material forming a bottom surface of the via trench. An ink-jetting set-up for a mixture of liquid carrier and nanoparticles of conductive material is formed, and a specific process period is determined. Capillary flow of nanoparticles to peripheral edges of an ink-jetted blob of said mixture is induced. The mixture is ink-jetted into a blob on the via trench; the layered structure is heated to evaporate the liquid carrier. The interconnection element is higher at a certain point than between opposing side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heikki Kuisma, Matti Mäntysalo
  • Patent number: 9969608
    Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging a MEMS device to measure the in-stream pressure within a pipe are provided. Embodiments herein avoid the use of a metal housing enclosing the MEMS device or die pad of the MEMS device. Instead, the MEMS device is mounted directly to the pipe using a ceramic carrier. In preferred embodiments, the ceramic carrier is soldered, brazed, welded or eutectic bonded to the metal pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DUNAN SENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Kwa, Danny Do, Gary Winzeler, Emir Vukotic
  • Patent number: 9969609
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) devices. The method includes providing a plurality of wafers; bonding a front surface of at least a first wafer onto a front surface of a second wafer; trimming an edge of and thinning the at least first wafer after the at least first wafer is bonded onto the second wafer; and bonding a first supporting plate onto a front surface of a third wafer. The method further includes thinning a back surface of the third wafer and forming alignment marks on a thinned back surface of the third wafer; bonding a second supporting plate onto the thinned back surface of the third wafer according to the alignment marks; and removing the first supporting plate and bonding the at least first wafer onto the third wafer according to the alignment marks to form a stack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wei Xu
  • Patent number: 9969610
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) package includes a substrate extending between a first pair of outer edges to define a length and a second pair of outer edges to define a width. A seal ring assembly is disposed on the substrate and includes at least one seal ring creating a first boundary point adjacent to at least one MEMS device and a second boundary point adjacent at least one of the outer edges. The package further includes a window lid on the seal ring assembly to define a seal gap containing the at least one MEMS device. The seal ring assembly anchors the window lid to the substrate at the second boundary point such that deflection of the window lid into the seal gap is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Buu Q. Diep, Adam M. Kennedy, Thomas Allan Kocian, Mark Lamb
  • Patent number: 9969611
    Abstract: An improved microelectromechanical device includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a spacing structure. The upper plate includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The lower plate is spaced from the upper plate. The lower plate includes a third surface that faces the first surface of the upper plate and a fourth surface that is opposite of the third surface. The lower plate also includes a series of structures disposed with the third surface of the lower plate. The spacing structure is coupled to the upper and lower plate. The spacing structure includes a base portion that is sealed to the first surface of the upper plate and the third surface of the lower plate. The spacing structure further includes a protrusion that extends from the base portion between the upper and lower plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Arlynn W. Smith, Dan Chilcott
  • Patent number: 9969612
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and systems for providing home and building security and condition monitoring. More particularly, the invention relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate dynamically with each other and a remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: William Joseph Carroll, Bradley Dean Molinsky, Michael J. Dunst, Thomas Andrew Tipton, Joseph S. Battaglini
  • Patent number: 9969613
    Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael T. Brigham, Christopher V. Jahnes, Cameron E. Luce, Jeffrey C. Maling, William J. Murphy, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 9969614
    Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) packages and methods of manufacture thereof are described. In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a MEMS package may include attaching a MEMS structure having a capping structure thereon to a device wafer comprising a plurality of first devices formed therein to form a wafer level MEMS package; and singulating the device wafer having the MEMS structure attached thereto to form a plurality of chip scale MEMS packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Kuo-Chung Yee
  • Patent number: 9969615
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical device layer is performed on a device wafer comprising a single layer of homogenous material. The method comprises patterning a first mask on a first face of the device wafer, the first mask patterning at least lateral dimensions of comb structures and outlines of large device structures. First trenches are etched, the first trenches defining the lateral dimensions of the at least comb structures and outlines of large device structures in a single deep etching process. Recession etching may be used on one or two faces of the device wafer for creating structures at least partially recessed below the respective surfaces of the device wafer. A double mask etching process may be used on one or two faces of the device wafer for creating structures at least partially recessed to mutually varying depths from the respective face of the device wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Antti Iihola, Altti Torkkeli
  • Patent number: 9969616
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a reformer of a device for preparing hydrogen with methanol and water and a manufacture process thereof, relating to the device for preparing hydrogen with methanol and water technical field. The reformer of the device for preparing hydrogen with methanol and water includes a reforming housing, the reforming housing includes a stainless steel internal shell, a thermal insulation layer and a mica external shell from inside to outside in sequence, a ratio of a diameter of the reforming housing to a thickness of the stainless steel internal shell is 150:0.8˜150:2.5, a ratio of the diameter of the reforming housing to a thickness of the thermal insulation layer is 150:10˜150:20, a ratio of the diameter of the reforming housing to a thickness of the mica external shell is 150:1.5˜150:3.5. Advantages of the disclosure include thermal preservation, high strength, corrosion resistance, lightweight, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGDONG HYDROGEN ENERGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY C
    Inventor: Hua Xiang
  • Patent number: 9969617
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the release of singlet oxygen by thermally activated decomposition of aromatic endoperoxide molecules in material systems [e.g. polymer (nano)particles or polymer films]. Due to the short lifespan and diffusion length of singlet oxygen, the technical problem is that the majority of the decomposition may only take place if the singlet oxygen molecules can reach the target region. For example, either the penetration of the polymer particles into the cancer cells to be killed, or the settlement of bacteria on an implant coated with the polymer film, must be accomplished. It is necessary to allow adaptation of the time progression of the decomposition for the application. The adaptation is performed by chemically and/or physically modifying the functional structures present in the material system, each made of the molecule forming the endoperoxide and at least one adjacent molecule or the cage formed by all adjacent molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Udo Bogner, Günther Bernhardt, Günther Knör
  • Patent number: 9969618
    Abstract: A method of making an ordered crystalline product includes hot pressing amorphous carbon at an elevated temperature and pressure to form an ordered crystalline product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Jonghak Lee, Barbaros Özyilmaz
  • Patent number: 9969619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon materials comprising carbon nanotubes, powders comprising carbon nanotubes and methods of making carbon nanotubes. In the methods of the present invention, the size and/or formation of floating catalyst particles is closely controlled. The resulting carbon nanotubes typically exhibit armchair chirality and typically have metallic properties. The carbon nanotubes produced by this method readily form bulk materials, which typically have a conductivity of at least 0.7×106 Sm?1 in at least one direction. The invention has particular application to the manufacture of components such as electrical conductors. Suitable electrical conductors include wires (e.g. for electrical motors) and cables (e.g. for transmitting electrical power).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
    Inventors: Rajyashree Sundaram, Krzysztof Kazimierz Koziol, Agnieszka Ewa Lekawa-Raus, Alan Windle
  • Patent number: 9969620
    Abstract: A method of forming nanoscale diamond particles comprises providing C2 and CH radicals at a low pressure, and nucleating the C2 and CH radicals to form carbon nanoparticles comprising a diamond phase and a non-diamond phase. The method further comprises removing at least a portion of the non-diamond phase in flight during the nucleation of the C2 and CH radicals to form a carbon powder comprising a plurality of nanoscale diamond particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: R. Mohan Sankaran, John C. Angus
  • Patent number: 9969621
    Abstract: Novel methods for processing fumed metallic oxides into globular metallic oxide agglomerates are provided. The methodology may allow for fumed metallic oxide particles, such as fumed silica and fumed alumina particles, to be processed into a globular morphology to improve handling while retaining a desirable surface area. The processes may include providing fumed metallic oxide particles, combining the particles with a liquid carrier to form a suspension, atomizing the solution of suspended particles, and subjecting the atomized droplets to a temperature range sufficient to remove the liquid carrier from the droplets, to produce metallic oxide-containing agglomerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Michele Louisa Ostraat
  • Patent number: 9969622
    Abstract: Ternary tungsten boride nitride (WBN) thin films and related methods of formation are provided. The films are have excellent thermal stability, tunable resistivity and good adhesion to oxides. Methods of forming the films can involve thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes in which boron-containing, nitrogen-containing and tungsten-containing reactants are sequentially pulsed into a reaction chamber to deposit the WBN films. In some embodiments, the processes include multiple cycles of boron-containing, nitrogen-containing and tungsten-containing reactant pulses, with each cycle including multiple boron-containing pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Lei, Juwen Gao
  • Patent number: 9969623
    Abstract: Described are methods of preparing silver azide comprising reacting a silver salt, an azide salt, ammonium hydroxide, and a hydrolysable ester at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Jon G. Bragg, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9969624
    Abstract: A simple to operate personal water purification device using membrane type filtration with almost constant pressure exerted to the membrane filter during the operation. The water inlet is connected to the high pressure chamber via a non-return valve. The water from the chamber is injected via the piston into the already pressurized circuit which maintenance filter working pressure. A pressurized circuit is formed in the concentrate cylinder and the filtration unit. The fluid circulation within the pressurized circuit is enabled via motion of a circulation piston. The permeate outlet produces potable water while the remaining concentrate is returned to the return chamber. The circulation piston and high pressure piston are connected via piston coupling and operated, preferably, by hand activating reciprocal motion of the piston rod. The membrane type filtration can be a ultra-filtration membrane, a nano-filtration membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: IZIT D.O.O.
    Inventors: Laszlo Sipos, Marko Baus, Ivor Zidaric, Igor Stanisljevic, Marinko Markic
  • Patent number: 9969625
    Abstract: A process for recycling aqueous quenching fluids, said process comprising: (a)(1) providing a metal quenching bath tank comprising a used metal aqueous quenching fluid containing contamination with a water insoluble, fire resistant hydraulic fluid; or (a)(2) collecting, in a collection tank in association with a quench barrel or quench ring, used metal aqueous quenching fluid after the fluid has been sprayed onto heated metal, wherein the collected used fluid is contaminated with a water insoluble, fire resistant hydraulic fluid; (b) heating the bath tank (a)(1) or collection tank (a)(2) to a temperature of about 105 to 200 ° F. with agitation for less than 12 hours; (c) recovering a resulting uncontaminated aqueous quenching phase from a lower portion of the bath tank (a)(1) or collection tank (a)(2); and (d) returning the recovered aqueous quenching phase to a functional quenching bath tank or functional quenching spray tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Houghton Technical Corp.
    Inventors: Alan Edward Cross, John Michael Burke
  • Patent number: 9969626
    Abstract: A system for enhancing evaporation from a body of liquid, in which heated or unheated air is distributed through a pipe network that is submerged in the evaporation pond, with the air being injected into the pond to produce air bubbles in the water. The air may be combined with water prior to the injection. The water may be drawn from the pond. The air and/or water may be heated by solar heating, electric heating, fuel burning, or waste heat recovery. In the case of solar heating, any of a transpired solar collector, a packed bed solar collector, a flat plate solar collector, a linear Fresnel collector, a parabolic solar collector, a paraboloid dish solar collector, or other could be used. The pipe network may be maintained at a desired depth below the upper surface of the pond by various means, with one example being flotation devices, from which the pipe network is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SOLAR MULTIPLE, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Gawlik, Eric Reitze, Diego A. Arias, William Hargett
  • Patent number: 9969627
    Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus for treating water to be treated, according to the present disclosure, includes a treatment tank, a dielectric partition wall dividing inside of the treatment tank into a first space in which the water to be treated is injected, and a second space in which an electrolytic solution is filled, a first electrode at least part of which is arranged in the first space of the treatment tank, a second electrode at least part of which is arranged in the second space of the treatment tank, and a power supply that applies a high-frequency AC voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin-Ichi Imai, Masaki Fujikane
  • Patent number: 9969628
    Abstract: An electrodialysis unit comprising at least two electrodialysis stacks (ED1 and ED2) connected in series, wherein: (a) stacks ED1 and ED2 comprise anion exchange membranes and cation exchange membranes; and (b) the anion exchange membranes in stack ED1 have a lower electrical resistance than the anion exchange membranes in stack ED2 and the cation exchange membranes in stack ED1 have a lower electrical resistance than the cation exchange membranes in stack ED2. Also claimed is a process for purifying liquids, e.g. for desalinating sea water or brackish water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Vinodnarain Bhikhi, Willem Van Baak
  • Patent number: 9969629
    Abstract: Provided are a water treatment system and a water treatment process, which are capable of reproducing water containing salts with high water recovery. A water treatment system 100 comprises a second demineralizing section 210a, 210b that separates water to be treated containing Ca ions, SO4 ions and carbonate ions into concentrated water in which the Ca ions and the SO4 ions are concentrated and treated water; a crystallizing section which is positioned on a downstream side of the second demineralizing section 210a, 210b and which includes a second crystallizing tank 221a, 221b that crystallizes gypsum from the concentrated water and a seed crystal supplying section that supplies seed crystals of gypsum to the second crystallizing tank 221a, 221b; and a separating section that is positioned on a downstream side of the crystallizing section and separates the gypsum from the concentrated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Masayuki Eda, Susumu Okino, Ryuji Yoshiyama, Hideaki Sakurai, Nobuyuki Ukai, Hideo Suzuki, Hiroshi Nakashoji, Shigeru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9969630
    Abstract: A method for removing the fluorine component from waste water which is produced during the manufacturing process of highly reactive polybutene and contains high concentration of fluorine component, is disclosed. The method comprises a step of adding to the waste water a treating agent selected from a group of Al compound, Ca compound and mixture thereof at temperature of 50 to 300° C. for reaction, whereby boron trifluoride neutralized salt is decomposed to form Al salt or Ca salt of fluorine component so that the fluorine component is removed in the form of the Al salt or the Ca salt of fluorine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DAELIM INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myeong Seok Kim, Min Sup Park, Sang Uk Jung, Myoung Gi Cho, Seong Mu Oh
  • Patent number: 9969631
    Abstract: A decomposer for an organohalogen compound, containing iron particles comprising iron and iron oxide, wherein the iron particles have a metallic iron content of 15% or more by mass, wherein the metallic iron content is a content of metallic iron in the outermost surface layer of the iron particles to which the ion beam etching has been applied twice under the following etching conditions: degree of vacuum in a chamber: 2.0×10?2 Pa accelerating voltage of an ion gun: 10 kV emission current: 10 mA etching time: 14 seconds. The decomposer need not contain copper and has the ability to satisfactorily decompose an organohalogen compound. A method for producing the decomposer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DOWA ECO-SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taishi Uehara
  • Patent number: 9969632
    Abstract: A system for and method of sanitizing water and waterway surfaces using ozone gas is disclosed wherein water is circulated from a water reservoir in a water ozonation loop means. Ozone is generated by an ozone generator and dispensed into the circulating water by an ozone feed means. In some embodiments the ozone is generated from gas in the water reservoir and dispensed into the water ozonation loop means at a venturi tube. A controller is provided for activating an ozonation cycle. In some embodiments, the ozonation cycle includes the actuation of a circulating water pump for a cycle interval, and the actuation of an ozone generator during an ozone generation interval, which is less than the cycle interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: LVD ACQUISITION, LLC
    Inventor: Louis Busick
  • Patent number: 9969633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater collection systems contaminated with fats, oils and grease (FOG), such as wet wells, transfer or lift stations, or main sewer lines, and more particularly to biological processes for removing the FOG from wastewater. This invention further relates to apparatus and methods for growing microbes on-site at a wastewater treatment facility or FOG-contaminated wastewater collection system location, and for economically inoculating sufficient microbes to solve various treatment problems rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Whiteman
  • Patent number: 9969634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaft/frame system for high capacity rotors for wastewater treatment for sanitation purposes and to reduce the pollutant organic load; of the type formed by a drive shaft with supports at the ends and for its coupling to a drive motor, comprising a plurality of intermediate annular collars and two end annular collars distributed equidistantly from one another, adapted to fixedly receive a plurality of radially distributed structural arms, characterized in that said structural arms are substantially T-shaped and are joined each other to form rings adapted to receive and fix each other, packs of media consisting of a plurality of biomass support sheets, which are self-supported by four tubes fixed in T-shaped structural elements; wherein said tubes are hollow, and internally accommodate a volume of air and are obturated at both ends by means of plugs, with one or more threaded blind bore(s) adapted to receive the fixation means, with which it is fixed to the T-shaped structura
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Francisco Xavier Valdes Simancas
  • Patent number: 9969635
    Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems for treating water or wastewater. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system may utilize a vessel with a plurality of filter beds, at least one inlet, and at least one outlet, and the system may include: a first filtration bed comprising a first granular and/or angular media, the first media having a high surface area and configured for biological and physical treatment of the water or wastewater; a second filtration bed including a second granular and/or angular media, the second media having a lower surface area than the first media; wherein the water or wastewater enters the vessel via the at least one inlet, flows through the first filtration bed and the second filtration bed, and exits the vessel through the at least one outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Infilco Degremont, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Kaldate, Mudit Gangal, John Dyson
  • Patent number: 9969636
    Abstract: Provided is a septic tank for generating methane gas, including: a water-saving type toilet installed in a restroom of a building and discharging excreta of users, wherein high-density excreta is discharged from the water-saving type toilet by using a reduced amount of water to discharge the excreta; an excreta storage tank buried underground and connected to the water-saving type toilet to store the excreta discharged from the water-saving type toilet; a heating unit for heating the excreta storage tank so as to increase a fermentation speed of the excreta in the excreta storage tank; a methane gas supply unit for collecting and discharging methane gas generated as the excreta in the excreta storage tank is fermented; and a gas storage tank connected to the methane gas supply unit to store the methane gas discharged from the methane gas supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: JONGHO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong-Tai Park
  • Patent number: 9969637
    Abstract: A process and an associated facility for treating ammonium-containing wastewater are specified. Ammonium present in the wastewater is first oxidized to nitrite by use of aerobically oxidizing bacteria in an activation unit. Then ammonium and nitrite are reduced to elemental nitrogen anaerobically by use of ANAMMOX bacteria. Excess sludge arising in this operation is removed from the activation unit. ANAMMOX bacteria removed with the excess sludge are separated and returned to the activation unit. To facilitate the returning of the ANAMMOX bacteria, magnetic or magnetizable expanded glass particles are added, as colonization bodies for the ANAMMOX bacteria, to the wastewater in the activation unit. Expanded glass particles removed from the activation unit with the excess sludge are separated from the excess sludge magnetically and returned to the activation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Dennert Poraver GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Weinberger
  • Patent number: 9969638
    Abstract: Water treatment systems and associated methods are generally described. Certain of the water treatment systems and methods described herein can be used to pre-treat an aqueous stream that is subsequently transported to a desalination apparatus and/or post-treat an aqueous stream that has been produced by a desalination apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Gradiant Corporation
    Inventors: Prakash Narayan Govindan, Steven Lam, Maximus G. St. John
  • Patent number: 9969639
    Abstract: A system may include a reactor, in which an anaerobic environment exists, that includes a slurry of at least contaminated water and a mixed bacterial culture of facultative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. The mixed bacterial culture may be suspended within the slurry. The contaminated water may include contaminants associated with a non-metal, a metal, or a metalloid. The mixed bacterial culture may react with the contaminated water to reduce or remove the contaminants from the contaminated water to create a treated slurry. The reactor may output the treated slurry. The system may also include a filtration device to receive the treated slurry; remove, from the treated slurry, the mixed bacterial culture and the contaminants, reduced or removed from the contaminated water, to create treated water; and output the treated water. The system may also include an aeration device to add dissolved oxygen to the treated water, and output the treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce Merrill Thomson, Jean-Claude Yacoub Younan, Joseph D. Chwirka
  • Patent number: 9969640
    Abstract: Provided is a sludge drying composite conditioner. The sludge drying composite conditioner comprises a Fenton's reagent or/and Fenton-like reagent and a matrix construct, the weight ratio between the Fenton's reagent or/and the Fenton-like reagent and the matrix construct is 1:0.05 to 300, and the matrix construct is powder. Further provided is an application method of the sludge drying composite conditioner, which comprises the steps of: adding a Fenton's reagent or/and Fenton-like reagent in a sludge, performing stirring and mixing, and performing an oxidation reaction; and adding a matrix construct to the sludge added with the Fenton's reagent or/and Fenton-like reagent and performing stirring and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSTAR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jiakuan Yang, Huan Liu, Shu He, Rong Wang, Changzhu Yang, Yafei Shi, Yalin Li, Wei Mao
  • Patent number: 9969641
    Abstract: A sludge drying bed for effective separation or decanting of water from sludge and the storage of treated sludge comprising of a sloping floor (6,7) to drain the water towards the sluice door (2) located in the front wall, two side-walls and a valve controlled filler inlet pipe (9) at the back wall where the sludge enters the bed. The sludge drying bed is covered by an openable pitched roof utilizing a breathable, waterproof, black membrane as roof material for ventilation, heat absorption and surface water runoff. The sluice door (2) contains alternating plates to facilitate the filling of the sludge drying beds and the decanting of the water at multiple levels within the sludge, with a sump (3) located at the front wall to facilitate the efficient removal of the dried sludge from the beds. A telescopic handle, sludge drying bed cleaning tool is provided to facilitate the cleaning and maintenance of the sludge drying bed. The sludge drying beds are modular in design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: John Mooney
  • Patent number: 9969642
    Abstract: There are provided a one-press manufacturing method for a glass container that can form uneven shapes on an inner peripheral surface of a glass container and a glass container that is obtained by the one-press manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KOA GLASS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sato, Daisuke Date
  • Patent number: 9969643
    Abstract: A method includes forming a continuous ribbon of glass. The continuous ribbon includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first edge region, a second edge region opposite the first edge region, and a central region extending between the first edge region and the second edge region. Each of the first edge region and the second edge region has a greater thickness than the central region of the continuous ribbon. An indented pattern is formed longitudinally along the first edge region of the continuous ribbon by forming a first series of indentations in the first surface of the continuous ribbon and forming a second series of indentations in the second surface of the continuous ribbon. The indented pattern includes intermediate segments interconnected with one another by webs. Each intermediate segment is thicker than adjacent webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles Michael Darcangelo
  • Patent number: 9969644
    Abstract: Ion exchangeable glasses having coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) at least about 90×10?7° C.?1. The glasses undergo rapid ion exchange, for example, in a molten KNO3 salt bath to a depth of layer of greater than 30 microns in less than 2 hours at temperatures of 370° C. to 390° C. When ion-exchanged to a depth of layer between 30 to 50 microns, the glasses exhibit a Vickers median/radial crack initiation threshold exceeding 30 kilograms force (kgf). The glasses are fusion formable and, in some embodiments, compatible with zircon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Gross, Xiaoju Guo
  • Patent number: 9969645
    Abstract: An improved method of sealing a ceramic part to a solid part made of ceramic, metal, cermet or a ceramic coated metal is provided. The improved method includes placing a bond agent comprising an Al2O3 and SiO2 based glass-ceramic material and organic binder material on adjoining surfaces of the ceramic part and the solid part. The assembly is heated to a first target temperature that removes or dissolves the organic binder material from the bond agent and the assembly is subjected to a second induction heating step at a temperature ramp rate of between about 100° C. and 200° C. per minute to temperatures where the glass-ceramic material flows and wets the interface between adjoining surfaces. The assembly is rapidly cooled at a cooling rate of about 140° C. per minute or more to induce nucleation and re-crystallization of the glass-ceramic material to form a dense, durable and gas-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Javier E. Gonzalez, Arthur F. Grant
  • Patent number: 9969646
    Abstract: A process allowing to obtain ceramic glass material in the form of sheets of large dimensions usable in constructions for panelling or for flooring is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Colorobbia Italia S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Baldi, Gaudenzio Borelli, Alessio Antonini, Marco Bitossi
  • Patent number: 9969647
    Abstract: Gradient refractive index (GRIN) materials can include multi-phase composites having substances with differing refractive indices disposed non-uniformly within one another. Particular glass composites having a gradient index of refraction can include: an amorphous phase, and a phase-separated region disposed non-uniformly within the amorphous phase. The glass composites include a mixture containing: GeZ2 and A2Z3 in a combined molar ratio of about 60% to about 95%, and CsX and PbZ in a combined molar ratio of about 5% to about 40%, where A is As, Sb or Ga, X is Cl, Br or I, and Z is S or Se. When A is As, the glass composites include PbZ in a molar ratio of about 15% or less. The amorphous phase and the phase-separated region have refractive indices that differ from one another. More particularly, A is Ga or As, X is Cl, and Z is Se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: LOCKHEED MARTIN ENERGY, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Clara Rivero Baleine, Kathleen Richardson, Charmayne Smith
  • Patent number: 9969648
    Abstract: A method of sealing at least two inorganic substrates together using an induction energy source comprising applying to at least one of the substrates a paste composition including a glass frit, and an induction coupling additive, bringing at least a second substrate into contact with the paste composition, and subjecting the substrates and paste to induction heating, thereby forming a hermetic seal between the two inorganic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ferro Corporation
    Inventors: Srinivasan Sridharan, George E. Sakoske, Chandrashekhar S. Khadilkar, Gregory R. Prinzbach, John J. Maloney
  • Patent number: 9969649
    Abstract: Plastomer-modified asphalt binders meeting MSCR specifications, asphalt paving materials with such asphalt binders, and methods for fabricating such asphalt binders are provided. The asphalt binder contains a base asphalt and a plastomer. If the plastomer has a drop point no greater than about 139° C., the asphalt binder further contains sulfur; sulfur-containing compounds, such as hydrocarbyl polysulfides and thiuram disulfides; phenolic resins; metal oxides; or a combination thereof. The asphalt binder is substantially free of elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yonghong Ruan, Scott M. Hacker
  • Patent number: 9969650
    Abstract: The invention concerns a batch for the production of a refractory magnesia-carbon product or a refractory alumina-magnesia-carbon product, a process for the production of a refractory magnesia-carbon product or a refractory alumina-magnesia-carbon product, a refractory magnesia-carbon product or a refractory alumina-magnesia-carbon product as well as the use of a magnesia-carbon product or a refractory alumina-magnesia-carbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: REFRACTORY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Clemens Ebner, Bernd Neubauer, Andreas Rief, Alexander Maranitsch, Bernd Trummer
  • Patent number: 9969651
    Abstract: A functional ink that includes a precursor sol-gel solution and a solvent is provided. The precursor sol-gel solution is used for forming an oxide dielectric film having a perovskite structure represented by a general formula ABO3, and has been subjected to a partial hydrolysis process in which a viscosity change resulting from the partial hydrolysis process is controlled to be less than or equal to 50%, and water contained in the precursor sol-gel solution is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.50 times and less than or equal to 10 times by molar ratio with respect to a B site atom contained in the precursor sol-gel solution. The functional ink has a metal oxide concentration and a viscosity that renders the functional ink suitable for being discharged from a nozzle of a liquid droplet discharge apparatus included in a thin film fabrication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Takeuchi, Osamu Machida, Akira Shimofuku