Patents Issued in December 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10150645
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for a hanging rotational hose reel includes a bracket for hanging the hose reel, a spool for winding a hose about a first rotational axis, a frame for supporting the spool, and a rotational assembly connecting the bracket and the frame. The rotational assembly allows rotation of the spool about a second rotational axis. The hanging hose reel may be secured to a surface or may hang from a wagon and/or stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Liberty Garden Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Pei, Kent Southard
  • Patent number: 10150646
    Abstract: An elevator device enabling efficient evacuation of people left in a building is provided. The elevator device includes: an evacuation operation mode request switch provided in a hall of an elevator on a rescue floor; a car that if the evacuation operation mode request switch is kept in an operated state, keeps operating in an evacuation operation mode in which the car moves between the rescue floor and an evacuation floor; and an operation control device that is provided in the hall of the elevator on the rescue floor, and if the operation control device is operated when the car is stopped at the rescue floor, moves the car to the evacuation floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Koba, Shinichi Kuroda, Takaharu Ueda, Ashiqur Rahman, David Willem Lodewijk Offerhaus
  • Patent number: 10150647
    Abstract: A system for controlling and configuration of an occupant evacuation operation (OEO) in a multi-story building has an elevator control system, a fire alarm detection system with a plurality of fire sensor devices, wherein the fire alarm detection system generates fire alarm information signals, and a central control system coupled with the elevator control system and the fire alarm detection system. The central control system has a data processing system with a processor and memory which provide a configurable model of the multi-story building, receive signals from the fire alarm detection system and receive signals and transmit control signals from/to the elevator control system. The configurable model allows configuration of the system creating a model of the functionalities in the multi-story building required for the OEO, and the central control system controls the OEO based on the signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andreas Huber, Axel Kunze
  • Patent number: 10150648
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a compensating sheave. The compensating sheave is provided with a housing. The tensioning device comprises: a first snap-fit member; a second snap-fit member; and a trigger mechanism comprising a resilient assembly and a limiting assembly, wherein the limiting assembly is provided with a limiting member, wherein the tensioning device has a first state in which the limiting member abuts against a second end of the first snap-fit member so that a certain clearance is kept between a first end of the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member and a second state in which the limiting assembly is moved downward so that the first end of the first snap-fit member is rotated downward until the first end is snap-fitted with the second snap-fit member. A compensating sheave is provided with the above-described tensioning device and an elevator is configured with the above-described compensating sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Yunzhu Shen
  • Patent number: 10150649
    Abstract: A hoist system for hoisting a conveyance from a mineshaft, comprising: a head frame mounted over the mineshaft; a hoist connected to the conveyance by an elongate flexible hoisting element so as to be operable to hoist the conveyance from the mineshaft by winding the hoisting element; an upper crash barrier located on the head frame so as to be engageable by the conveyance to prevent upward movement of the conveyance beyond the crash barrier in an overwind condition; and an upper conveyance retarder to retard upward movement of the conveyance as it approaches the crash barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Rocky Lynn Webb, Fredric Christopher Delabbio
  • Patent number: 10150650
    Abstract: This application relates to a method for installing a support structure for a passenger transport system in a construction. The support structure comprises a framework made of load-bearing framework components connected to each other. The method includes placing a plurality of individual framework components, having connection openings designed therein, at an installation position within the construction; and assembling the framework on or near the installation position within the construction by connecting the framework components to each other by way of load-bearing connector components, in that a respective connector component is arranged to reach through adjacently arranged connection openings of at least two adjacent framework components and is then deformed in respect of the outside geometry thereof, such that they completely fill out the connection openings they reach through, without play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Thomas Illedits, Christoph Makovec, David Krampl, Robert Schulz, Michael Matheisl, Uwe Hauer
  • Patent number: 10150651
    Abstract: A tank car lifting apparatus is provided. The lifting apparatus can include a spreader beam, a first arm rotatably connected to the spreader beam, a second arm rotatably connected to the spreader beam, and a synchronizing linkage to synchronize movement of the first arm and the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm move at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CRANEMASTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Barry Isringhausen, Britt Calloway, Jonathan Dip
  • Patent number: 10150652
    Abstract: A rod and casing handler according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a boom mount that is configured to be coupled to a boom. A clamp mounting structure is coupled to the boom mount and has a central portion, a first arm, and a second arm, where each arm extends from the central portion. A first clamp is coupled to the first arm and includes a first set of actuatable tongs and a first removable saddle plate. A second clamp is coupled to the second arm, and it includes a second set of actuatable tongs and a second removable saddle plate. The first removable saddle plate has a first arcuate surface sized and shaped to correspond to a cylindrical body having a first diameter, and the second saddle plate has a second arcuate surface sized and shaped to correspond to a cylindrical body having a second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: TEI ROCK DRILLS, INC.
    Inventor: William N. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10150653
    Abstract: A method and related device for reducing resonant vibrations and dynamic loads of cranes, where vertical motion of a pay load is controlled by a boom winch and a hoist winch. In an embodiment, the method includes determining resonance frequencies of the crane boom and pay load from inertia data of the boom and stiffness on at least the boom and hoist ropes, the resonance frequencies including a first frequency and a lower second frequency. In addition, the method includes automatically modifying the motion of the boom winch or the hoist winch to induce a damping inducing winch motion in the boom or hoist winch, by tuning a proportional integral (PI)-type boom winch speed controller or a PI-type hoist winch speed controller. The boom winch speed controller is tuned to absorb energy at the second frequency, the hoist winch speed controller is tuned to absorb energy at the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY AS
    Inventor: Age Kyllingstad
  • Patent number: 10150654
    Abstract: A system is provided for identifying an operator and managing access rights in connection with a crane. The crane includes a control system and a controller positioned at a distance from it. The control system maintains a plurality of operator-specific parameters that define operator rights. An identifier reader is placed in connection with the controller for reading the operator's identifier by using a first connection. A second connection is set up between the identifier reader and the control system to send the operator's identifier, or information derived from it, to the control system. The control system compares the operations requested through the controller with the operator-specific parameters, which define operator rights, and allows the operation of the crane only within the scope of rights associated with the operator's identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timo Vikman, Tuomas Martinkallio, Matti Kemppainen, Lasse Härkönen
  • Patent number: 10150655
    Abstract: An electric winch device including an electric motor that rotates a winch drum in a hoisting direction, and generates regenerative electric power when a rotation of the winch drum in a lowering direction is transmitted to the electric motor, a transmission device that transmits the rotation between the electric motor and the winch drum, a power calculating section that calculates power of the target object by freefall, and a control section that controls an operation of the transmission device. When the power calculated by the power calculating section exceeds reference electric power, the control section causes the transmission device to change the transmission rate of the rotation to a transmission rate at which the regenerative electric power generated by the electric motor is equal to or smaller than the reference electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Hiekata, Hiroaki Kawai, Toshiro Yamashita, Shintaro Sasai, Naoto Hori, Koichi Shimomura
  • Patent number: 10150656
    Abstract: The present application relates to a mobile counterweight mechanism of a hoisting machine, comprising a support portion, a drive portion and a counterweight which is articulated to said support portion by means of a first articulation portion, said drive portion connected between said support portion and the counterweight so that said counterweight turns over outwards about said first articulation portion relative to a center of rotation of said hoisting machine, so as to increase a distance between a center of gravity of said counterweight and a center of rotation of said hoisting machine. The present application also relates to a hoisting machine. The present application raises a movement distance of a mobile counterweight and improves the overall stability of a hoisting machine in a turnover manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: XUZHOU Heavy Machinery Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Quan Dong, Mengbing Zhu, Yongjian Deng, Hongshu Guo
  • Patent number: 10150657
    Abstract: The crane includes a swing brake device installed between a hydraulic motor and a control valve and having a flow restrictor; a first backpressure detector detecting a motor backpressure between the flow restrictor and one of ports of the hydraulic motor; a second backpressure detector detecting a motor backpressure between the flow restrictor and the other port of the hydraulic motor; and a control device. The control device has an external-force direction estimation unit that estimates a swing direction of an upperstructure under an external force acting on the upperstructure on the basis of a motor backpressure detected by the first backpuressure detector and a motor backpressure detected by the second backpressure during an operating state of the swing brake device. The control device has a notification control unit that causes the notification device to provide notification of the estimated swing direction of the upperstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kota Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 10150658
    Abstract: A pump pulling apparatus that is adapted for attachment to a vertical LFG well for the purpose of moving a pump such as a dewatering pump up and down the well. The apparatus is an upright vertical column on which a reversible winch is mounted. The column may be secured to the wellhead and a cable attaches to the down-well pump and the winch is operable to lower the pump into the well and to raise the pump out of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Energyneering Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Benson, Chadbourne Lovegren, William Song, Nick Fornalski
  • Patent number: 10150659
    Abstract: An electric motor for a direct drive drawworks may be supported by one or more motor mounts. The motor mounts may include adjusting assemblies adapted to increase or decrease the length of the motor mounts. The motor mounts may include damping assemblies adapted to allow damped motion between the electric motor and the surface. The length and damping coefficients of the motor mounts may be adjusted to align the electric motor with the drum or shaft to reduce vibration. The electric motor may be removable from the drawworks by, for example, a splined shaft, a flange coupled shaft, or the rotor being selectively removable from the interior of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Beat Kuttel, Kevin R. Williams, Brian Ellis, Faisal Yousef
  • Patent number: 10150660
    Abstract: A parallel lift turret mount for a vehicle. A lift plate and lift mechanism vertically adjust the turret and pivot arm, which can support and guide rotation of, for example, a throw conveyor. The parallel lift turret mount can be used for processing, moving and slinging aggregate and can be coupled with a hopper or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Bay-Lynx Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Koppelaar, Kevin Koppelaar, Ron Dorombozi, Gregory D. Gall, John Vanderkolk
  • Patent number: 10150661
    Abstract: A telescoping platform system for providing workers and/or equipment up a cell tower includes a telescoping pole adapted to selectively extend vertically via an extension mechanism; a platform disposed to a top of the telescoping pole and adapted to support one or more workers and/or equipment for the cell tower; and a plurality of support connections to attach the telescoping pole while it is selectively extended to the cell tower to provide horizontal support to the telescoping pole and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ETAK Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Priest
  • Patent number: 10150662
    Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer and a delivery system. The delivery system includes a pump, a manifold fluidly connected with the pump, reels, hoses, valves situated between the manifold and a respective different one of the hoses, and fluid level sensors. There is also an additive injector fluidly connected with the delivery system and operable to introduce controlled amounts of an additive into the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Ricky Dean Shock
  • Patent number: 10150663
    Abstract: Automatic flavoring and water dispensing systems are disclosed. The systems may be used to add flavorings to medications, and to reconstitute medications by adding water. The systems include multiple flavoring containers communicating with a valve assembly that controls the type and amount of each flavoring to be delivered during a dispensing operation. Water for reconstitution purposes may be provided through the flavoring valve assembly and/or through a separate valve. An input device such as a code scanner may be used to input data regarding the type of medication to be flavored into the system, and a flavoring formulary may be used to provide multiple flavoring options. The dispensing system allows for automatic dispensing of medication flavorings and/or reconstitution water from a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Fillmaster Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Seay, Stuart R. Amos, Kevin Barnes, Joshua Barnes, Kevin Kubit, Brad Humbert, Adam Delecki
  • Patent number: 10150664
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structure having a stopper integrated with a MEMS substrate is provided. A first substrate has a dielectric layer arranged over the first substrate. The dielectric layer includes a device opening. A second substrate is arranged over and bonded to the first substrate through the dielectric layer. The second substrate includes a deflectable element arranged over the device opening. A stopper is integrated with the second substrate and protrudes from the deflectable element over the device opening. A method for manufacturing the MEMS structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Fung Chang, Lien-Yao Tsai, Len-Yi Leu
  • Patent number: 10150665
    Abstract: A micromechanical device capable of providing out-of-plane motion and force generation in response to an in-plane strain applied to the device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more islands that are operatively coupled with one or more hinges. The hinges are operative for inducing rotation of the islands when a lateral strain is applied to the structure. In some embodiments, the hinges are also electrically conductive such that they enable electrical communication between the one or more islands and devices external to the structure. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in biological applications. Some devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated using conventional planar processes, such as flex-circuit fabrication techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Infinite Corridor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca Elizabeth Taylor, Beth L. Pruitt, Mary C. Boyce, Christopher M. Boyce
  • Patent number: 10150666
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device formed in a monolithic body of semiconductor material accommodating a first buried cavity; a sensitive region above the first buried cavity; and a second buried cavity extending in the sensitive region. A decoupling trench extends from a first face of the monolithic body as far as the first buried cavity and laterally surrounds the second buried cavity. The decoupling trench separates the sensitive region from a peripheral portion of the monolithic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Baldo, Enri Duqi, Flavio Francesco Villa
  • Patent number: 10150667
    Abstract: Conventional package for integration of MEMS and electronics suffer from profiles that are undesirably high to due to the thickness of the glass. Also in conventional package manufacturing, the MEMS and electronic devices are first individualized, and the individualized MEMS and electronics are combined into a package, and thus can be costly. To address these and other disadvantages, a panel level packaging is proposed. In this proposal, plural MEMS devices are integrated with plural semiconductor devices at a panel level, and the panel is then individualized into separate packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OBSIDIAN SENSORS, INC.
    Inventors: Yaoling Pan, Omar Bchir
  • Patent number: 10150668
    Abstract: In embodiments, a package assembly may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) having an active side and an inactive side. In embodiments, the MEMS may be coupled directly to the ASIC by way of one or more interconnects. The MEMS, ASIC, and one or more interconnects may define or form a cavity such that the active portion of the MEMS is within the cavity. In some embodiments, the package assembly may include a plurality of MEMS coupled directly to the ASIC by way of a plurality of one or more interconnects. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Ofner, Thorsten Meyer, Reinhard Mahnkopf, Christian Geissler, Andreas Augustin
  • Patent number: 10150669
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning a transfer head assembly with a substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment a pivot mount is used for generating a feedback signal in a closed-loop motion control system. In an embodiment, the pivot mount includes a plurality of spring arms, with each spring arm including a switch-back along an axial length of the spring arm such that a pair of first and second lengths of the spring arm are immediately adjacent the switch-back and are parallel to each other. A first strain sensing element is located at the first length, and a second strain sensing element is located at the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Bathurst, Paul Argus Parks, Nile Alexander Light
  • Patent number: 10150670
    Abstract: A novel process for synthesis gas generation comprises treating a hydrocarbon feed in a primary reformer (PR), compressing at least part of the flue gas from the primary reformer in a compressor (C1), and feeding the compressed flue gas to a secondary reformer (SR) together with the primary reformer effluent. In the process, enriched air (EA) is added either to the primary reformer, to the secondary reformer or both. The process is especially suited for co-production of ammonia and methanol or for production of either ammonia or methanol. The total CO2 emission is lowered considerably by using the process of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Niels Ulrik Andersen
  • Patent number: 10150671
    Abstract: The invention describes a process for producing sulfuric acid by catalytic oxidation of SO2 to SO3 and subsequent absorption of the SO3 in sulfuric acid, wherein the SO3 is introduced into a first absorption stage (primary absorber) and at least partly absorbed there in concentrated sulfuric acid, wherein the SO3 not absorbed in the first absorption stage is supplied to a second absorption stage (secondary absorber) for the further absorption in concentrated sulfuric acid, and wherein the sulfuric acid is cooled after passing through the two absorption stages. The cooling of the sulfuric acid is effected in at least two heat exchangers connected in parallel, wherein one of the at least two heat exchangers is operated as partial evaporator and is cooled with boiler feed water/steam and the other one is cooled with cooling water and operated as pure acid cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Daum, Peter Ernst, Hannes Storch, Wolfram Schalk
  • Patent number: 10150672
    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) to an incubation in an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH-value of less than 10 and containing PO43? ions; whereby the granules of calcium sulfate anhydrous (CSA), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) or calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) comprise interconnected pores with a minimum mean diameter of 3 microns; (b) washing with water the granules obtained after incubation of step a); (c) drying the obtained porous granules of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite; whereby (d) the amount-of PO43? ions present in the incubation of step a) is at least as large as the amount of SO42? ions of the granules used for step (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Bioventus, LLC.
    Inventors: Alex DeGasparo, Noemie Van Garderen, Marc Bohner, Howard Seeherman, Eric Vanderploeg
  • Patent number: 10150673
    Abstract: Techniques for supporting USB and video communication over an extension medium are provided. In some embodiments, an upstream facing port device (UFP device) is coupled to legacy connectors of a host device, and a downstream facing port device (DFP device) is coupled to a USB Type-C receptacle of the sink device that may provide both USB and DisplayPort information. The UFP device and DFP device communicate to properly configure the USB Type-C connection for use in the extension environment. In some embodiments, a source device is coupled to the UFP device via a USB Type-C connection, and legacy video and USB devices are coupled to the DFP device. The UFP device and DFP device again communicate to cause the source device to properly configure the USB Type-C connection for use in the extension environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Icron Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sukhdeep Singh Hundal, Remco van Steeden
  • Patent number: 10150674
    Abstract: A process for the formation of a graphene membrane component includes arranging a graphene membrane in a relaxed condition of the graphene membrane on a surface of a supportive substrate. The graphene membrane extends across a cut-out with an opening at the surface of the supportive substrate. The graphene membrane is moreover arranged so that a first portion of the graphene membrane is arranged on the surface of the supportive substrate and a second portion of the graphene membrane is arranged over the opening of the cut-out. The process further includes tensioning of the second portion of the graphene membrane, in order to convert the second portion of the graphene membrane to a tensioned condition, so that the second portion of the graphene membrane is permanently in the tensioned condition in an operating temperature range of the graphene membrane component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Guenther Ruhl, Matthias Koenig
  • Patent number: 10150675
    Abstract: The native oxide layer on silicon support rods in the Siemens polysilicon production process is removed by heating the rods to a temperature of 1100-1200° C. and contacting the rods with hydrogen at a system pressure of 1.1E5 to 6E6 Pa. Oxide is rapidly removed, reducing overall process time and increasing space time yield. The use of hydrogen, optionally purified from a polysilicon deposition and containing only traces of HCl reduces reactor corrosion and loss of silicon from the support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Harald Hertlein, Friedrich Popp
  • Patent number: 10150676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-52x prepared using a quaternary ammonium cation templating agent, for example, having the structure: wherein X? is an anion which is not detrimental to the formation of the SSZ-52x. SSZ-52x is useful as a catalyst and shows improved durability, particularly with regard to NOx conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy Davis
  • Patent number: 10150677
    Abstract: A method for increasing the evaporation rate of an evaporative pond containing pond liquor comprising water and at least 1% by weight of sodium carbonate, said evaporative pond being in contact with an ambient air at an ambient air temperature of more than 0° C., the method comprising the following steps: feeding part of the pond liquor to a heat exchanger; heating the pond liquor in the heat exchanger with heat and producing a heated pond liquor; feeding the heated pond liquor into a spraying device at an operating temperature of at least 10° C. above the ambient air temperature; and spraying the heated pond liquor into an open area of the evaporative pond with the spraying device, so as to evaporate at least part of the water of the pond liquor when sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Solvay SA
    Inventors: Alain Vandendoren, Jessica A. Mote
  • Patent number: 10150678
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide, in an industrially advantageous method, ?-lithium aluminate which has various favorable physical properties as a MCFC electrolyte holding plate with excellent heat stability and chemical stability, even when the ?-lithium aluminate is minute with the BET specific surface area being 10 m2/g or greater. A method for producing ?-lithium aluminate is characterized by mixing hydrated alumina and lithium carbonate in an Al/Li molar ratio of 0.95-1.01 and subjecting the obtained mixture (a) to a first firing reaction to obtain a fired product, and then subjecting a mixture (b) which is the obtained fired product to which an aluminum compound is added to a second firing reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON CHEMICAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junya Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 10150679
    Abstract: An expandable water filtering pitcher having a pitcher with a top portion, a base portion and an inner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top portion at a pitcher opening, a handle attached to an exterior of the pitcher, a filter adapter mounted within the pitcher top portion. The filter adapter is within a reservoir comprising an opening therethrough from the top portion to the base portion of the pitcher and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the reservoir and top portion, at least one of the reservoir and the reservoir sleeve moveable in relation to the other between a retracted position defining a first reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve, and an expanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the first reservoir volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Bonvi Water, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Scott Klug
  • Patent number: 10150680
    Abstract: A water monitoring device monitors and maintains swimming pool chemistry. The device includes sensors that detect water chemistry. The water monitoring device can communicate with computers and servers. This system can be used to determine if corrections to the water chemistry are required to maintain water sanitation. The device can monitor: pH, air temperature, water temperature, free chlorine levels, oxidation reduction potential, alkalinity, oxygen demand, water movement and velocity, and electrical conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SUTRO CONNECT INC.
    Inventors: Ravi Kurani, Andrew Redfern, Alexandr Valeyev, Delia Gratta
  • Patent number: 10150681
    Abstract: A system and method for distilling water is disclosed. The system comprises a heat source, and a plurality of open-cycle adsorption stages, each stage comprising a plurality of beds and an evaporator and a condenser between a first bed and a second bed, wherein each bed comprises at least two vapor valves, a plurality of hollow tubes, a plurality of channels adapted for transferring water vapor to and from at least one of the condenser or the evaporator, a porous media, a hygroscopic material, and a plurality of graphite flakes, and wherein each vapor valve connects a bed to either the condenser or the evaporator. The method utilizes a number of open-cycle adsorption stages operate in an alternating cycle of forcing and relaxing, whereby both the latent heat of vaporization and the latent heat of adsorption are multiply reused to distill water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Howard Y. Yuh
  • Patent number: 10150682
    Abstract: A filter system for removing and/or neutralizing undissolved oils, greases, and salts on/in water-containing emulsions from, in particular, tanks and baths that are used to hold and store emulsions, which are used to cool and lubricate workpieces and tools during machining, comprising at least one emulsifier filter, a downstream suction/pressure pump, a unit for gas enrichment, an adhesion filter having an automatic deaerator, a downstream oil-collecting vessel, and a capillary filter, wherein these are combined as a unit, such that the oil/grease film and the emulsion can be mechanically, chemically, and biologically treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NEWFLUID GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Tilz
  • Patent number: 10150683
    Abstract: A dechlorination composition for dechlorinating water, such as treated water, includes at least one alkali metal sulfite, at least one alkali metal thiosulfate, at least one hydrogenated vegetable oil, and at least one saccharide. The dechlorination composition can also include at least one colorant and at least one halide salt. The dechlorination composition can be formed into a compressed solid. Methods of preparing compressed solids of dechlorination compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: EAGLE US 2 LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Kareis
  • Patent number: 10150684
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method are provided for preventing or reducing ammonia rebound during periods of warming weather. The system may be operated in first and second modes of operation. During the first mode of operation, wastewater may pass directly from a reactor to a partial mix cell and then to a polishing cell. During the second mode of operation, which typically occurs during a springtime warmup period, wastewater is retained within the partial mix cell until sludge and biosolids therein are substantially digested, while wastewater exiting the reactor is temporarily directed to the polishing cell, thereby bypassing the partial mix cell. Upon digestion and stabilization of the sludge and biosolids in the partial mix cell, the system may return to the first mode of operation. Sludge and biosolids may optionally be removed from the reactor during the first and second modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Charles E. Tharp
  • Patent number: 10150685
    Abstract: A water reclamation method on the basis of integrated use of magnetic resin adsorption and electrosorption is provided. It belongs to the water reclamation field, including the following steps: pump the biotreated effluent into a reactor that is filled with magnetic resin particles so that the chromaticity, organic pollutants, total nitrogen, total phosphorus contained in the wastewater can be effectively reduced; channel the fully reacted mixture into a precipitation tank for separation; part of the separated magnetic resin is pumped back into the reactor while the rest of the separated magnetic resin flows into a regeneration tank; the wastewater treated by magnetic resin adsorption then flows into an electrosorption unit for a desalting process; the remaining organic pollutants and inorganic pollutants are further removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: NANJING UNIVERSITY, NANJING UNIVERSITY YANCHENG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE, EST WATER AND TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Aimin Li, Changming Wang, Haiou Song, Bojun Wang, Xiaowei Sun, Yeli Jiang, Zhaolian Zhu, Xun Chen, Jun Wang, Zhijian Yao, Chendong Shuang, Haibo Li, Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 10150686
    Abstract: Processes for the removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions such as contaminated waters and process solutions are disclosed. Arsenic is removed from process solutions/effluents either by precipitation with a soluble iron compound, or solvent extraction and subsequent treatment with engineered materials, such as granular iron oxide. Arsenic may also be directly removed from arsenic contaminated ground and/or surface waters using engineered materials, especially by contacting ground and/or surface waters with silica, granular iron oxide and optionally natural zeolite in sequence. The treated solutions/effluents and waters may be released into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventors: Vaikuntam I. Lakshmanan, Md. Abdul Halim
  • Patent number: 10150687
    Abstract: In a sludge thickener water/wastewater treatment system, sludge solids are recirculated with a mixer positioned in the influent column or offset from the center column and within the stilling well, in order to produce essentially constant sludge solids concentration in the sludge withdrawn from the thickener. This solves the problem of thickeners producing inconsistent underflow solids concentration and often exhibiting problems with binding of rake arms due to sometimes very high sludge concentrations. Also, dewatering steps that follow thickening typically require a relatively constant solids concentration for efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ovivo Inc.
    Inventors: Tor Heimdal, Ryan Clark, Scott Hawkins, John Vorwaller
  • Patent number: 10150688
    Abstract: A closing mechanism for the mold halves of an I.S. machine, including two yoke-like mold holders mounted on parallel guides and movable between a closed position and an open position by means of a drive. A spindle transmission is provided laterally to at least one guide, the spindle transmission including a threaded spindle that is connected to the drive via a transmission and is in engagement with two threaded sleeves, each of which is connected to one of the two mold holders via two threaded sections running in opposite directions. By means of the drive, a servomotor, the opening and closing movement of the mold holders is carried out. Two pneumatically actuated piston-cylinder units are provided in order to apply the clamping force required between the mold holders or the mold halves in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: HEYE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Engelking, Dirk Winkelhake, Benedikt Felgenhauer
  • Patent number: 10150689
    Abstract: Provided is apparatus for fabricating materials, including: a first mold including a first forming unit pressing a first material, and a second forming mold arranged at a bottom surface of the first forming unit to have an opening exposing the first material and to form at least a part of the first material by being meshed at a part with the first forming unit; a second mold arranged at a bottom surface of the first mold to support a second material; and an interlocking mold including a fixing unit interposed between the first and second molds to fix the second material arranged at the second mold by pressing the second material, and an interlocking unit ascendably and descendibly coupled to the fixing unit to form the second material by pressing the second material in association with the forming of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chang Min Cho, Dongil Lee, Han Jong Yoo, Jin Hyuk Lee, Changshik Minn
  • Patent number: 10150690
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber, including a drawing portion, a coating portion, and a curing portion; wherein a direction changer which changes a direction of the bare optical fiber is disposed in any position from the drawing portion to the coating portion, the direction changer includes a guide groove which guides the bare optical fiber, a blowout port of a fluid which floats the bare optical fiber wired along the guide groove is formed along the guide groove in the guide groove, and an average flow rate or a highest flow rate of the fluid in an inlet wire portion of the bare optical fiber to the guide groove, and an outlet wire portion from the guide groove is faster than a lowest flow rate of the fluid in an intermediate portion between the inlet wire portion and the outlet wire portion in the blowout port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Okada
  • Patent number: 10150691
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a glass article may include SiO2, Al2O3, Li2O and Na2O. The glass article may have a softening point less than or equal to about 810° C. The glass article may also have a high temperature CTE less than or equal to about 27×10?6/° C. The glass article may also be ion exchangeable such that the glass has a compressive stress greater than or equal to about 600 MPa and a depth of layer greater than or equal to about 25 ?m after ion exchange in a salt bath comprising KNO3 at a temperature in a range from about 390° C. to about 450° C. for less than or equal to approximately 15 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Marie Jacqueline Monique Comte, Melinda Ann Drake, Karen Leslie Geisinger, Sinue Gomez, Robert Michael Morena, Charlene Marie Smith, Randall Eugene Youngman
  • Patent number: 10150692
    Abstract: A photochromic glass that includes a base glass and a photochromic agent is described. The base glass is a modified boroaluminosilicate glass and the photochromic agent is a nanocrystalline cuprous halide phase. The photochromic glass exhibits a sharp cutoff in the UV or short wavelength visible portion of the spectrum along with an absorption band at longer wavelengths in the visible. The nanocrystalline cuprous halide phase includes Cu2+, which provides states within the bandgap of the cuprous halide that permit the glass to absorb visible light. Absorption of visible light drives a photochromic transition without compromising the sharp cutoff. The nanocrystalline cuprous halide phase may optionally include Ag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Jerome Araujo, Nicholas Francis Borrelli, Nadja Teresia Lönnroth, David Lathrop Morse, Thomas Philip Seward, III
  • Patent number: 10150693
    Abstract: To provide a near infrared cutoff filter glass which is excellent in optical properties such that the transmittance of light in the visible range is high and the transmittance of near infrared light is low. A near infrared cutoff filter glass comprising P, F, O, Cu and Ce, wherein by cation %, from 0.1 to 15% of Cu2+ is contained, and the ratio of Cu2+ to Ce4+ (Cu2+/Ce4+) is from 3.5 to 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Shiratori
  • Patent number: 10150694
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are opaque glass-ceramics comprising at least one nepheline crystal phase and comprising from about 30 mol % to about 65 mol % SiO2, from about 15 mol % to about 40 mol % Al2O3, from about 10 mol % to about 20 mol % (Na2+K2O), and from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol % (ZnO+MgO). Also disclosed herein are opaque-glass ceramics comprising at least one nepheline crystal phase and at least one spinel-structure phase doped with at least one colorant chosen from transition metals and rare earth elements. Further disclosed herein are methods for making these opaque glass-ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam James Ellison, Lisa Anne Moore, Taheisha Linette Werner