Patents Issued in November 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 10131513
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for singulating articles in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a pressure sensor on a perforated drive belt assembly configured to sense the pressure exerted by a stack of articles. The sensed pressure may be used to control various portions of the automatic stack feeder, such as a belt or a paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: John W. Brown, Edward F. Houston, Juan A. Roman, Leung M. Shiu, Riley Houston Mayhall, III, William P. McConnell, Matthew G. Good, Robert E. Hume, Thomas A. Hillerich, Jr., Long K. Ha
  • Patent number: 10131514
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a processing unit which can move smoothly to accurate position in a proper posture. The processing unit is provided with a support mechanism that supports a processing unit 26 so as to allow the processing unit 26 to be moved to a sheet processing position (processing tray) 24. The support mechanism includes the processing unit 26 and first and second support portions 50 and 55 that support the processing unit 26. The first and second support portions 50 and 55 apply, to different positions (j and k) of the processing unit 26 which are spaced from each other, a support force Fa acting from below to above (in a direction opposite to a gravity acting direction) and a support force Fb acting from above to below (in a direction same as the gravity acting direction), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10131515
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing wire or cable, the apparatus including an enclosure with a top and a bottom portion and at least three side portions of a first height, a plurality of holes located in both the top and bottom portions of the enclosure, and a core of a second height located within the enclosure, wherein the core forms an area, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes has a first hole diameter and is located in the top and bottom of the enclosure and is located within the area formed by the core, and wherein the wire or cable is placed around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Weatherford, William T. Bigbee, Jr., Clifton S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10131516
    Abstract: A method of splicing a rope where the ends of the rope are taped and then cut, leaving a fresh face on both ends of the rope. A length of shrink-wrap tubing is placed over one of the rope ends and slid up out of the way. Next, epoxy is applied to the fresh cut ends, and the ends of the rope are brought together and clamped in a jig. The splice is wrapped in tape while the epoxy cures. Once cured, the tape is removed and the joint cleaned so that the diameter of the splice is the same thickness as the rope. Next, additional epoxy is added to the joint and the shrink-wrap tubing is slid over the splice. A heat gun is used to shrink the tubing. Any excess epoxy is removed with a small knife to complete the splice. The rope is then ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventors: Lynn Reynolds, Joseph F. Maestas
  • Patent number: 10131517
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a sheet cassette; an image former; a fixer; a discharge tray; a conveyor configured to convey a sheet along a conveyance passage; a return conveyor configured to convey the sheet from a branch position between the fixer and the discharge tray to a merge position between the sheet cassette and the image former along a return passage which is branched from the conveyance passage at the branch position, passes below the sheet cassette, and merges with the conveyance passage at the merge position; a switchback roller disposed between the branch position and the discharge tray in the conveyance passage and configured to convey the sheet to the discharge tray when it rotates forwardly and to the return passage when it rotates backwardly; and an intermediate conveyance roller disposed in the return passage at a height level intermediate between the fixer and the sheet cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritaka Iwama
  • Patent number: 10131518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in allocation of an elevator for a passenger of an elevator system, including a step of allocating an elevator for a passenger in a lobby of the elevator system, and thereafter a step of signaling the allocated elevator to the passenger before the arrival of the car of the allocated elevator at said lobby. The method includes the steps of obtaining traffic data describing traffic in said elevator lobby, and determining the signaling moment based on said traffic data, and thereafter signaling the allocated elevator to the passenger at the determined moment. The invention relates also to an elevator system implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jere Vuorenala, Niko Elomaa, Tuomas Susi, Johan Grönholm
  • Patent number: 10131519
    Abstract: A mechanism for generating information about passenger flows. Mobile devices of passengers are used for providing information about other devices in the vicinity. The location of the device providing information detects other devices in the vicinity and transmits the information to a central system. Then, the central system associates this information with a location of a person when this person is identified by using an identification device attached to a gate, elevator or other transportation device. When the location of the person identified is known, the location persons having mobile devices in the vicinity can be estimated. Based on this continuously collected information passenger flows can be estimated and based on passenger flows control information for controlling transportation devices can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Niko Elomaa
  • Patent number: 10131520
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to detect a failure situation wherein the machinery brake of an elevator does not open sufficiently. In the method for testing failure of a machinery brake of an elevator, the machinery brake is controlled to open. After this, the traction sheave is oscillated with a test torque, the movement of the elevator machine is measured in connection with the oscillation, and if the machine does not move in connection with the oscillation, it is deduced that the machinery brake has not opened and has therefore failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Tapio Tyni
  • Patent number: 10131521
    Abstract: An end termination for an elevator system may include an outer clamping member, an inner clamping member having a dimension in a first plane that is greater than a dimension in a second plane, the first plane being spaced from the second plane along a longitudinal axis of the end termination, the inner clamping member coaxially disposed in the outer clamping member, a housing holding the inner clamping member and the outer clamping member therein, and a tightening arrangement to clamp a belt between the inner clamping member and the outer clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG, ThyssenKrupp AG
    Inventors: Frank Dudde, Peter Feldhusen
  • Patent number: 10131522
    Abstract: A wind turbine blades lifting device including a structure for supporting a blade during lifting. The structure is made of a rigid material and defines a hollow closed contour with a geometry suitable for surrounding the blade, the device further comprising a pneumatic chamber attached to the structure and arranged in the hollow area of the closed contour defined by the structure such that the pneumatic chamber surrounds the blade at least partially. The pneumatic chamber is inflatable and is arranged in the closed contour defined by the structure, such that when it is inflated, the pneumatic chamber retains the blade, immobilizing it and preventing direct contact between the structure and the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventor: Raul Modrego Jimenez
  • Patent number: 10131523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ring element (1) for a lashing or attachment device (40), with a base (10) and with a ring section (2) that is closed in an opposite position to the base (10) and that forms a ring opening (4). In order to be able to attach in particular loop-shaped ropes or strips, but also attachment devices such as shackles, hanging elements, loop hooks, in a simpler way, the base (10) is divided according to the invention by an attachment channel that reaches into the ring opening (4). A closing element (42) that is formed in a way as to be insertable in the attachment channel (8) preferably fits flush with the base (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: RUD KETTEN RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH U. CO. K.G.
    Inventor: Reinhard Smetz
  • Patent number: 10131524
    Abstract: A gear reduction assembly may include a main input shaft, a carrier coupled to the main input shaft, and at least one carrier shaft coupled to the carrier and spaced from the main input shaft. The gear reduction assembly may also include at least one spur gear pair including a first spur gear coupled to the carrier shaft, and a second spur gear, wherein the first and second spur gears are coupled to one another such that they rotate together. The gear reduction assembly also includes a first internal gear engaged with the first spur gear, a second internal gear engaged with the second spur gear, and a hub associated with the first internal gear. The first internal gear has a first number of teeth, the second internal gear has a second number of teeth, and the first and second numbers of teeth differ by from one to five teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Wilkins IP, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen P. Wilkins, Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10131525
    Abstract: A load-bearing assembly including a clamping-force sensor in a pivoting support assembly that is adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad supported on the support assembly. A plurality of clamping-force sensors may be included in a plurality of pivoting clamp pad support assemblies to support a clamp pad and may be arranged to sense the magnitude of a clamping force exerted by a particular adjustable pivoting clamp pad support assembly and send signals indicative of the magnitude of the force to a controller. Force values sensed and transmitted to the controller may be used to evaluate and adjust the clamp arm assembly to grasp a load with a desired clamping force or distribution of clamping forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Sinclair White
  • Patent number: 10131526
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a container treatment unit, a weighing unit, container carriers, weighing cells, a conveying element, filling positions, container receptacles, and a container-conveying section. As the conveying element, on which the filling positions are formed, rotates, it introduces filling material into the containers. The conveying element includes the container-conveying section, which moves the containers in a container-conveying direction. The weighing unit, which is made in the conveying element, weighs containers on the container-conveying section. Each container receptacle forms a weighing position with an associated container carrier and weighing cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 10131527
    Abstract: A method for filling containers simultaneously with the filling-material sealing the containers against filling heads at the filling positions, and using a filling-material volumetric-flow-rate controller common to all of the filling positions to control flow of filling-material as a function of a target filling-curve by executing a filling phase with intervals that have different flow rates and controlling transition times between these intervals to ensure that each container finishes the filling phase with the correct amount of filling-material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hilmar Fickert
  • Patent number: 10131528
    Abstract: A flavoring dispensing apparatus, system, and method configured for use with a plurality of pump equipped flavoring containers such as bottles, operable to automatically dispense relatively precise or metered amounts of flavoring, and more specifically concentrated flavoring, into a beverage container, mixing vessel, or other receiver. The containers are easily removed and replaced and flavoring levels can be automatically monitored for replacement with a fresh container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, David L. Brandsma, Michael Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 10131529
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Jersey, William W. Segiet, Tom Siegel, Eddie Kali, Joseph H. Boggs, Robert Balstad
  • Patent number: 10131530
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a main body, a valve member, and a dome member. The dome member is attached to the valve member such that the valve member is slidable within the main body. Pressing on the dome member opens the valve so that fluid can flow out of a dispensing port in the main body. The main body has an outer flow surface and an inner flow surface. The valve has a face. In conjunction, the outer flow surface, inner flow surface, and face define a fluid passageway for fluid to flow exteriorly to the inner flow surface, interiorly to the outer flow surface, and exit the fluid dispenser via the dispensing port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DAVID S. SMITH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Trettin
  • Patent number: 10131531
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for managing a fuel dispensing account associated with fuel dispensing transactions. A fuel dispensing apparatus includes a receiver configured for wireless communication with a user device. The fuel dispensing apparatus receives a request to dispense fuel from the user device via the receiver and associates the fuel request with a primary user account stored in a computer database. A notification is sent to one or more users of the primary account requesting instructions regarding the fuel request. Fuel is dispensed from the fuel dispensing apparatus if instructions are received from a user of the primary account authorizing the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Bharat Prasad, Charles L. Oakes, III
  • Patent number: 10131532
    Abstract: An e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid for an electronic cigarette vaporizer system, the cartridge including a chip that stores and outputs (i) a unique identity for the cartridge and/or (ii) data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge, and the cartridge being adapted to be inserted into or form an integral part of the electronic vaporizer system. The data stored and output by the chip defines one or more of: flavor, nicotine strength, manufacturing batch number, date of manufacture, date of filling, tax data, quantity of e-liquid stored in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BEYOND TWENTY LTD.
    Inventors: Ian Murison, Stephen Marsh, Dmitry Gorilovsky
  • Patent number: 10131533
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a first structure including at least one first bump over a surface of the first structure, a second structure including a first side facing the surface of the first bump and a second side opposite to the first side, and a gap between the first structure and the second structure. The first structure and the second structure are configured to move in relation to each other. The first bump includes a plurality of first teeth over a stop surface of the first bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Shang-Ying Tsai, Kuei-Sung Chang, Yueh Kang Lee
  • Patent number: 10131534
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a via structure. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate and a first electromechanical systems device on a surface of the substrate. The first electromechanical systems device includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer. A first via structure can be included on the surface of the substrate. The first via structure includes the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and a third metal layer. The first metal layer of the first electromechanical systems device may be the same metal layer as the first metal layer of the first via structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SnapTrack, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaoling Pan, Lixia Zhou
  • Patent number: 10131535
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermally isolated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) structure is provided. The method includes processing a first wafer of a first material with a glass wafer to form a composite substrate including at least one sacrificial structure of the first material and glass; forming a MEMS device in a second material; forming at least one temperature sensing element on at least one of: the composite substrate; and the MEMS device; and etching away the at least one sacrificial structure of the first material in the composite substrate to form at least one thermally isolating glass flexure. The MEMS device is thermally isolated on a thermal isolation stage by the at least one thermally isolating glass flexure. The at least one temperature sensing element in on a respective at least one of: the thermal isolation stage; and the MEMS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Reinke, Grant H. Lodden
  • Patent number: 10131536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a MEMs package having a heating element configured to adjust a pressure within a hermetically sealed chamber by inducing out-gassing of into the chamber, and an associated method. In some embodiments, the MEMs package has a CMOS substrate having one or more semiconductor devices arranged within a semiconductor body. A MEMs structure is connected to the CMOS substrate and has a micro-electromechanical (MEMs) device. The CMOS substrate and the MEMs structure form a hermetically sealed chamber abutting the MEMs device. A heating element is electrically coupled to the one or more semiconductor devices and is separated from the hermetically sealed chamber by an out-gassing layer arranged along an interior surface of the hermetically sealed chamber. By operating the heating element to cause the out-gassing layer to release a gas, the pressure of the hermetically sealed chamber can be adjusted after it is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shyh-Wei Cheng, Chih-Yu Wang, Hsi-Cheng Hsu, Hsin-Yu Chen, Ji-Hong Chiang, Jui-Chun Weng, Wei-Ding Wu
  • Patent number: 10131538
    Abstract: A MEMS device has a substrate with a structure surface and an opposing exterior surface, microstructure formed on the structure surface of the substrate, and a cap coupled with the substrate to form a hermetically sealed interior chamber containing the microstructure. The substrate forms a trench extending from, and being open to, the opposing exterior surface to produce a sensor region and a second region. Specifically, the second region is radially outward of the sensor region. The MEMS device also has a spring integrally formed at least in part within the trench to mechanically connect the sensor region and the second region, and other structure integral with the substrate. The spring or the other structure at least in part hermetically seal the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Kaanta, Kemiao Jia
  • Patent number: 10131539
    Abstract: A method for forming a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device structure is provided. The method includes forming a second substrate over a first substrate, and a cavity is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The method includes forming a hole through the second substrate using an etching process, and the hole is connected to the cavity. The etching process includes a plurality of etching cycles, and each of the etching cycles includes an etching step, and the etching step has a first stage and a second stage. The etching time of each of the etching steps during the second stage is gradually increased as the number of etching cycles is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Han Meng, Chih-Hsien Hsu, Chia-Chi Chung, Yu-Pei Chiang, Wen-Chih Chen, Chen-Huang Huang, Zhi-Sheng Xu, Jr-Sheng Chen, Kuo-Chin Liu, Lin-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 10131540
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) with a stress absorbing cap substrate. The cap substrate is bonded to a die through a bond ring and a bond pad arranged on an upper surface of the cap substrate. A through substrate via (TSV) extends from the bond pad, through the cap substrate, to a lower surface of the cap substrate. Further, recesses in the upper surface extend around the bond pad and along sidewalls of the bond ring. The recesses absorb induced stress, thereby mitigating any device offset in the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Allen Timothy Chang, Wen-Chuan Tai
  • Patent number: 10131541
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for fabricating a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device. In the method, a carrier wafer is received. A MEMS wafer, which includes a plurality of die, is bonded to the carrier wafer. A cavity is formed to separate an upper surface of the carrier wafer from a lower surface of a die of the MEMS wafer. A separation trench is formed to laterally surround the die, wherein formation of the cavity and the separation trench leaves a tethering structure suspending the die over the upper surface of the carrier wafer. The die and carrier wafer are translated with respect to one another to break the tethering structure and separate the die from the carrier wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 10131542
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for degassing liquid sulphur in a container, a first area of the container being flooded with liquid sulphur and a second area of the container being flooded with a gas, and a gas flow being injected into the first area, wherein liquid sulphur is sprayed into the second area. Embodiments of the invention include a device for degassing liquid sulphur having a container comprising two adjacent areas, the first area being flooded with liquid sulphur and the second area being flooded with gas, and having at least one device for injecting a gas flow into the first area, characterized by a device for spraying liquid sulphur opening into the second area. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions Germany GmbH, NGD Consult
    Inventors: Jean Nougayrede, Wolfgang Nehb, Eckhard Juengst
  • Patent number: 10131543
    Abstract: The method is for producing porous calcium deficient hydroxyapatite granules and comprises the following steps: (a) subjecting granules of calcium sulfate anhydrous (CSA), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) or calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), the granules comprising interconnected pores with a minimum mean diameter of 3 microns, to a first incubation in an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH-value of less than 10 and containing PO43? ions; (b) subjecting the granules to a second incubation in an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH-value of more than 10 and optionally PO43? ions; (c) filtering and drying the obtained porous granules of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite; and wherein (d) the sum of the amounts of PO43? ions present in the first and second incubation is at least as large as the amount of SO42? ions of the granules used for step (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: Bioventus, LLC., Mathys AG Bettlach
    Inventors: Alex DeGasparo, Noemie Van Garderen, Marc Bohner, Howard Seeherman, Eric Vanderploeg
  • Patent number: 10131544
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a graphene/porous iron oxide nanorod composite and a method for preparing the same. The composite includes graphene and Fe2O3 nanoparticles loaded on the graphene. The Fe2O3 nanoparticles have a honeycomb porous structure. The synthesis method of the composite is simple and the raw materials are inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Weiqin Sheng, Qiang Lv, Hesun Zhu
  • Patent number: 10131545
    Abstract: A method which can efficiently produce ammonia at low temperature and low pressure and which can respond flexibly to an unsteady electrical power supply condition. In addition, a catalyst which is excellent in activity for synthesizing ammonia and which is used in a method for efficiently producing ammonia without regard to supply condition and supply location of electrical power. The method is characterized in that a reactor for synthesizing ammonia is used, and the reactor has a pair of electrodes, a voltage applying means for applying voltage between the electrodes, a catalyst between the electrodes, a raw material gas inlet port, and an ammonia-containing gas discharge port, and including introducing at least nitrogen and hydrogen as a raw material gas into the reactor for synthesizing ammonia, and applying a voltage to the electrodes of the reactor for synthesizing ammonia, wherein electrical discharge does not occur by the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Sekine, Hideaki Tsuneki, Masatoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10131546
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing magnesium sulfate through flue gas desulfurization, and specifically provides an apparatus and a method suitable for producing magnesium sulfate through direct crystallization in a magnesium oxide based desulfurization waste liquid tower of flue gas with a small content of oxygen like a coal fired boiler flue gas. The apparatus includes an oxygenation equipment, a flue gas desulfurization equipment, a seriflux cycling equipment, an evaporation and concentration equipment, a cycling and precipitating equipment, an oxidation equipment, a crystallization equipment, a centrifugation equipment and a drying equipment, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Shanghui Tong
  • Patent number: 10131547
    Abstract: An amorphous mesoporous alumina with a median mesopore diameter by volume of 16 nm or more, a mesopore volume of 0.5 mL/g or more, and a total pore volume of more than 0.75 mL/g. A process for preparing said alumina, comprising: a) precipitating a basic precursor and an acidic precursor, at least one of which comprises aluminum, at a pH of 8.5 to 10.5, a temperature of 20° C. to 90° C. and for 2 minutes to 30 minutes, with a state of advance of 5% to 13%; b) heating the suspension; c) a second precipitating by adding another basic precursor and acidic precursor, at least one of which comprises aluminum, at a pH of 8.5 to 10.5, a temperature of 40° C. to 90° C. and for 2 to 50 minutes, with a state of advance of 87% to 95%; d) filtration; e) drying; f) shaping; g) heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Malika Boualleg, Celine Bouvry
  • Patent number: 10131548
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising, a. providing a material comprising a layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]q+(Xn?)q/n.bH2O wherein M and M? are metal cations, z is 1 or 2, x is 0.1 to 1, b is 0 to 5, y is 3 or 4, X is an anion, n is 1 to 3 and q is determined by x, y and z, b. optionally washing the material at least once with a mixture of water and a mixing solvent miscible with water, and c. washing the material obtained in step a or b at least once with at least one first solvent, the first solvent being miscible with water and having a solvent polarity P?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SCG CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dermot O'Hare, Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 10131549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote managed ballast water treatment system using augmented reality, in particular, a ballast water treatment system (hereinafter, referred to as “BWTS”) which receives operation and failure information from various sensors installed in each component within a device, the remote managed ballast water treatment system comprising: an augmented reality terminal having a software application installed therein, which can recognize each component of the BWTS through shape information in a shot image while shooting a real-time image and provides information on a state of the BWTS and information required for the BWTS (provides augmented reality information), through a computer graphic image, in addition to a real-time image of reality; an augmented reality maintenance apparatus for the BWTS, the apparatus comprising a BWTS interface, an augmented reality interface, a satellite communication interface, and a control unit; and a remote management system of a terrestrial base statio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: HANLA IMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suk Joon Ji, Young Gu Kim, In Tae Cho, Woo Jin Choi, Kwang Seob Lee, Chae Ho Lee, Chang Kook Kim
  • Patent number: 10131550
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater including a dissolved air flotation operation performed upon a portion of a mixed liquor output from a contact tank prior to the mixed liquor entering a biological treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Argun O. Erdogan, Michael L. Doyle
  • Patent number: 10131551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating an aqueous solution from a subterranean formation of an oil and gas operation. The aqueous solution can be removed from the subterranean formation and treated in a heated centrifugal separator. The heated centrifugal separator can separate the kinetic hydrate inhibitor from the aqueous solution, and then the aqueous solution can be reintroduced into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Joel Minier-Matar, Samir Gharfeh, Altaf Hussain, Samer Adham
  • Patent number: 10131552
    Abstract: Mobile treatment systems and methods for use in removing sulfates from contaminated water using a pre-treatment subsystem configured to remove particulates and debris from the contaminated water and to produce pre-treated water; a treatment subsystem configured to remove sulfates from the pre-treated water and to produce treated water, the treatment subsystem including at least one treatment tank with a collection unit having one or more filters with pore or inlet sizes of approximately 0.35-1.2 mm; and at least one storage tank configured to collect the treated water. Optionally, the systems and methods may use a backwash subsystem configured to backwash the treatment subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Amperage Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Allen Randal
  • Patent number: 10131553
    Abstract: Provided are water treatment systems where acid water from electrochemical devices are provided to waste streams of ion reduction devices. Specifically, electro-chemical cells having strong acid cation resins are operated to produce acid water that is supplied to the waste stream of an aqueous separation unit, for example an ion reduction device that includes, but it not limited to: deionization systems, continuous or batch-wise, and reverse-osmosis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Astle
  • Patent number: 10131554
    Abstract: Water supply vehicle comprising a water reservoir, a flow through descaling device having a water inlet, a water outlet, a detecting device for detecting a water characteristic in a water flow from the water inlet to the water outlet, a controllable water descaling device, and a controlling device being designed for controlling the water descaling device based on a water characteristic detected by the detection device, wherein the water reservoir is connected to the water inlet, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a water hose for supplying water to a water consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Reiss, Sebastian Flashaar, Ole Becker
  • Patent number: 10131555
    Abstract: The method includes a process of (i) and a process of (ii) in this order. In the process of (i), the potential of a first anode and the potential of a first cathode are adjusted in an aqueous solution containing chloride ions so as to increase the concentration of free chlorine in the aqueous solution. In the process of (ii), the potential of a second anode and the potential of a second cathode are adjusted in the aqueous solution so as to decrease the concentration of free chlorine in the aqueous solution. The difference between the potential of the second anode and the potential of the second cathode in the process of (ii) is smaller than the difference between the potential of the first anode and the potential of the first cathode in the process of (i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: NIKKISO CO., LTD., TANAH PROCESS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Tanahashi, Junichi Watanabe, Masato Fujiwara, Rongfu Lu
  • Patent number: 10131556
    Abstract: Hydrophobic nanoparticle compositions include silica nanoparticles capped with asphaltene succinimide alkoxy silane (ASAS). The nanoparticles can have a particle size ranging from about 20 nm to about 10000 ?m. The nanoparticle compositions can be used as a coating for raw sand to provide a super-hydrophobic sand. The nanoparticle compositions can be used as a coating for a polyurethane (PU) sponge to provide a super-hydrophobic sponge. The super-hydrophobic sand and/or super-hydrophobic sponge can be used to collect crude oil deposited in aquatic environments as a result of petroleum crude oil spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Ayman M. Atta, Mahmood M. S. Abdullah, Hamad A. Al-Lohedan
  • Patent number: 10131557
    Abstract: There is described a process for treatment of a fluid comprising an oxidizable contaminant. The process comprises the step of contacting the wastewater with a combination of: (i) a sulfide, (ii) a complex of Fe(III) and a chelating agent, and (iii) an oxidant. It has been discovered that of treatment of a fluid containing an oxidizable contaminant employing iron(III)-chelates as the Fenton catalyst may be significantly improved by including a sulfide in the reaction scheme. As described herein, by employing sulfide ion, the present inventors have been able to: (i) increase the rate of iron recycling from minutes or hours to a few seconds, and (ii) destroy benzene in an oil and gas refinery (OGR) wastewater in less than one minute. It is believed that these findings in OGR wastewater can be extended to other fluids containing other oxidizable contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Ali Safarzdeh-Amiri, John R. Walton, Michael Fagan
  • Patent number: 10131558
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, and/or composition of matter configured for, adapted for, and/or resulting from, and/or a method for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, causing reactions, between sulfides in contaminated water with a ferric chelate and between sulfides in the contaminated water with an oxidizing agent, to form substantially sulfide-free water, the substantially sulfide-free water comprising the ferric chelate and the oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BioSystems Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wilmore Cox, Jr., Jefferson W. Cox
  • Patent number: 10131559
    Abstract: A bioreactor has a biofilm supporting bed with at least two types of media. An upper media is relatively porous, preferably porous enough to admit particles of a lower media. In use, wastewater flows downwards through the bed. Soluble nitrogen is reduced in the upper media and converted into nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas bubbles rise through the upper media and escape from the bed. Selenium is reduced in the lower media and converted into elemental selenium. The elemental selenium is released periodically by backwashing the bed, which may cause fluidization or other expansion of the lower media into the upper media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson Fonseca, Jeffrey Ronald Cumin, Joel Alexander Citulski
  • Patent number: 10131560
    Abstract: A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system along with a bypass system that directs liquid waste during power outages. The bypass system utilizes a mechanically activated bypass valve moved by a float. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste. The method includes mixing enzymes into the fluid waste material, compressing the fluid waste material with the compressor, injecting air into the compressed fluid waste material, and determining whether the fluid waste material is at a desired cleanliness, and if not, recirculating the fluid waste material through the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Kistner, Carolyn R. Kistner
  • Patent number: 10131561
    Abstract: Water, for example produced water from a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) or cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) heavy oil recovery operation, is treated, for example to recover water re-use in creating steam. The produced water is concentrated, for example in one or more thermal treatment devices such as an evaporator and a crystallizer. A solvent and a compound or solution comprising multivalent cations is added to the concentrate. Solids precipitate and are separated from the concentrate. The solvent may be recovered for re-use in treating more concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiyang Xia, Hai Yang, Wenqing Peng, Yiwen Sun, Chunjie Liu
  • Patent number: 10131562
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating water for potable use or consumption are described. In an embodiment, a method for treating water for potable may include adding an effective amount of a magnesium compound to supply water to be treated. The method may also include adding an effective amount of a flocculation aiding metal salt to the supply water. The method may further include removing one or more contaminants from the supply water to provide treated water. Other methods and systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Premier Magnesia, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Madolora, J. Peter Ahl
  • Patent number: 10131563
    Abstract: Submerged combustion burners having a burner body and a burner tip connected thereto. The burner body has an external conduit and first and second internal conduits substantially concentric therewith, forming first and second annuli for passing a cooling fluid therethrough. A burner tip body is connected to the burner body at ends of the external and second internal conduits. The burner tip includes a generally central flow passage for a combustible mixture, the flow passage defined by an inner wall of the burner tip. The burner tip further has an outer wall and a crown connecting the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls, and the crown are comprised of same or different materials having greater corrosion and/or fatigue resistance than at least the external burner conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Subray R Hegde