Abstract: A conveyor includes multiple conveying rollers to convey a sheet in a conveyance direction, and the multiple conveying rollers: arranged in the conveyance direction; and shifted with each other in a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes an accommodating unit, and a conveyance unit. The conveyance unit includes a first guide member, a second guide member, walls on both sides, a conveyance roller, and a first cover. The walls on both sides are arranged on both sides of the first guide member and the second guide member in a width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. Together with the first guide member and the second guide member, the walls on both sides forms a space of a conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed. The conveyance roller is disposed to project toward the conveyance path via a first opening of the first guide member and conveys the sheet in the conveyance path. The first cover encloses the space of the conveyance path in such a manner that the first cover covers the first opening and the conveyance roller.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a pair of conveying members, a detection processing portion, a first movement processing portion, and a second movement processing portion. The pair of conveying members nip and convey a sheet, the pair of conveying members being movably provided along a width direction of the sheet. The detection processing portion detects a deviation amount of the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying members in the width direction. The first movement processing portion causes the pair of conveying members that are nipping the sheet to move along the width direction based on the detected deviation amount. The second movement processing portion causes, when determined that a movement condition is satisfied in a case of moving the pair of conveying members, the pair of conveying members that have finished conveying the sheet to move to a reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus for unwinding a roll of material includes an unwinding roller, an idle roller, and a motor. The unwinding roller is for supporting the roll of material. The idle roller is spaced apart from the unwinding roller so that the roll of material can be supported on the idle roller and the unwinding roller. The motor is in mechanical communication with the unwinding roller and is configured to axially rotate the unwinding roller.

Abstract: A sheet supplying apparatus, which is capable of winding a sheet tightly, includes a driving unit configured to cause a roll including a wound consecutive sheet to rotate in a first direction for feeding the sheet or a second direction opposite to the first direction, a sensor that detects a leading end portion of the sheet separated from an outer circumferential surface of the roll, and a contact body that presses the outer circumferential surface. Before the sheet is fed, in a state in which the contact body presses the outer circumferential surface, the driving unit causes the roll to continuously rotate in the second direction until a detection cycle of the leading end portion by the sensor is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A roller for supporting a material according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a rotation shaft; a pipe having a space in which the rotation shaft is inserted; a deforming part that is connected to the rotation shaft and the pipe to deform the pipe; and a support part that is installed at the pipe to support the material. The deforming part includes: a thread portion provided on the rotation shaft; a nut part screwed to the thread portion; an inclined part that is disposed at an inner surface of the pipe and that is pressed by the nut part according to rotation of the rotation shaft; and a driving source that is connected to the rotation shaft to rotate the rotation shaft.

Abstract: A roller assembly having a central axis can comprise a roller having an outer surface and defining an inner bore. The apparatus can further comprise a bushing comprising a sleeve having an outer surface and defining an inner bore. The inner bore of the sleeve can have an operative circumference. The sleeve comprises a bladder that is configured to expand radially upon receipt of a fluid to reduce the operative circumference of the inner bore. The bushing can further comprise a flange extending radially outwardly from the sleeve. The flange defines a vessel containing fluid therein. The vessel is in fluid communication with the bladder of the sleeve. The bushing comprises an actuator that is configured to cause the fluid from the vessel of the flange to flow into the bladder of the sleeve. An alignment feature can be configured to rotationally position the roller relative to the bushing.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medium loading device includes a loading table on which a medium is loaded, a fence in contact with an end of the medium loaded on the loading table, and a processor configured to vibrate the fence when leaning of the medium against the fence is detected.

Abstract: A processor causes, when the number of initial insertion sheets is one or more, an insertion conveying portion and a takeover conveying portion to operate at either one of a conveying speed that is the same as a print conveying speed corresponding to a first recording sheet and a reference conveying speed according to a magnitude relationship between the number of initial insertion sheets and an initial sheet count in conveyance of the initial insertion sheets. In addition, the processor causes a body conveying portion and the takeover conveying portion to operate at the corresponding print conveying speed in conveyance of the recording sheet irrespective of the number of initial insertion sheets.

Abstract: A media ejecting apparatus includes: an imaging device to image a medium to generate an input image, an ejection roller located downstream from the imaging device in a media ejection direction to eject the medium imaged by the imaging device, a sensor located between the imaging device and the ejection roller to detect a part of a trailing end of the medium, and circuitry. The circuitry detects an amount of inclination of the medium. The circuitry determines whether an entire trailing end of the medium has passed an imaging position of the imaging device based on the amount of inclination when a part of the trailing end of the medium passes the sensor and generate a determination result. The circuitry controls the ejection roller based on the determination result.

Abstract: An adhesive tape support substrate for supporting adhesive tape in use. The support substrate has an outer surface, an outwardly facing surface and/or an outermost surface of the support substrate that is or visually appears black or near black in colour, or is or appears visually as another colour other than black or near black and has a light reflection value (LRV) of approximately 65% or less and/or a light absorption value (LAV) of approximately 35% or more.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a cord reel assembly is provided. The bracket includes a base plate and a pair of side rails. The base plate has one or more mounting openings. The pair of side rails define a keyway between each of the side rails and the base plate. An assembly of a cord reel and the mounting bracket are also provided, as is a method of a method of installing a cord reel using the mounting bracket. In some embodiments, at least one rail of the pair of side rails includes a tongue extending therefrom. The tongue is configured for securement of a supply device thereto.

Abstract: A method for determining the vertical position of an elevator cab in a hoistway comprising the steps of: providing an elevator cab positioned in a hoistway; providing an accelerometer attached to the elevator cab; providing a monitoring controller communicatively coupled to the accelerometer; measuring an acceleration using the accelerometer for a run sequence of the elevator cab; calculating a double integration of the acceleration determining a first estimated position of the elevator cab in the hoistway; measuring a change in acceleration using the accelerometer and detecting at least one buffet; determining a second estimated position of the elevator cab in the hoistway based upon the at least one detected buffet; comparing the first and second estimated positions; and updating a position of the elevator cab in the hoistway and determining a floor level. A pressure sensor may also be used to detect the buffet.

Abstract: A handrail system for a moving walkway. The handrail includes multiple handgrasp apparatuses for a moving walkway wherein each handgrasp apparatus includes a handgrasp. The handrail system also includes a propulsion system for propelling the handgrasp apparatuses on a passenger side and a return side of a loop track the handgrasp apparatuses travel around. The handrail system further includes a side housing for supporting the handrail system and enclosing the return side for the handgrasps. Another handrail system for use with a moving walkway. This handrail system includes a handrail belt and a driver roller for moving the handrail belt. This handrail system also includes multiple handgrasps driven around a loop track by the handrail belt.

Abstract: A cable support is used for being mounted on a boom, and comprises two trusses symmetrically arranged with respect to the boom. In a first projection plane perpendicular to the length direction of the boom, truss rods of the trusses are arranged in a triangular shape. One end of a second truss rod and one end of a third truss rod are hingedly connected to two ends of a first truss rod, respectively. The other end of the second truss rod is hingedly connected to the other end of the third truss rod. The lengths of the first truss rod, the second truss rod and the third truss rod are all adjustable. The two ends of the first truss rod are respectively provided with detachable connection portions adapted to the boom, and the second truss rod or the third truss rod is provided with a cable rope guide portion.

Abstract: A method for operating a crane, comprising providing a crane with a jib element and an indicator element, wherein the jib element and the indicator element are arranged in a first position; moving the indicator element manually from the first position to a second position; triggering a movement of the jib element from the first position to the second position after the indicator element is arranged in the second position.

Abstract: The loader with multiple knucklebooms includes a platform, such as that associated with a standard semi trailer or a flatbed truck, as non-limiting examples, and at least a first knuckleboom and a second knuckleboom. The first knuckleboom is rotatably mounted on the platform and the second knuckleboom is mounted on the platform such that it is spaced apart from the first knuckleboom. The first knuckleboom includes a first boom and a first jib pivotally connected to the first boom. Similarly, the second knuckleboom includes a second boom and a second jib pivotally connected to the second boom. A proximal end of the first boom may be mounted on a turntable, and a cab associated with the platform may also be mounted on the turntable.

Abstract: A control method for controlling retraction of a boom is applied to a hydraulic system which combines retraction of the boom by self-weight with retraction of the boom by pressure. The control method includes: when the boom is retracted, controlling the self-weight retraction proportional valve to be at a maximum opening; obtaining an actual speed at which the boom is retracted; controlling a rotation speed of the pressure retraction motor to rise or an opening degree of the pressure retraction proportional valve to increase when the actual speed is less than a preset speed; and controlling the rotation speed of the pressure retraction motor to reduce or the opening degree of the pressure retraction proportional valve to decrease when the actual speed is greater than the preset speed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobile crane comprising a mobile undercarriage, an upper carriage mounted rotatably on the undercarriage and a counterweight device that can be coupled to the upper carriage and has a counterweight base plate, a carrier plate and at least two suspension weights that can be releasably connected to the carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate can be placed on the counterweight base plate and comprises first connecting elements for producing a first suspension connection with first connecting elements of the suspension weights. According to the disclosure, the carrier plate and the suspension weights are designed as a jointly liftable assembly unit, wherein the suspension weights have slinging means for lifting the entire assembly unit. The carrier plate comprises second connecting elements for establishing a second connection with second connecting elements of the suspension weights.

Abstract: A disconnection device includes a shaft disposed within a housing and a base portion coupled to the housing. The base portion of the disconnection device, responsive to a force, laterally translates in relation to the housing when the force exceeds a predetermined threshold. The lateral translation of the base portion causes the shaft assembly to disengage a drive shaft.

Abstract: Described is an ascent/descent device including: motion transmission means, a worm screw mechanism having a main axis of extension, a first nut and a second nut which are both configured to engage with the worm screw mechanism to move along the axis, a pulley positioned concentrically with the worm screw mechanism with the first nut, and elastic means interposed between the first nut and the second nut.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting device, including a main body, including a first section removably disposed on at least a portion of a motor vehicle to elevate the motor vehicle to a first predetermined angle in response to inflating the first section, a second section disposed on at least a portion of the first section to elevate the motor vehicle to a second predetermined angle in response to inflating the second section, a third section disposed on at least a portion of the second section to elevate the motor vehicle to a third predetermined angle in response to inflating the third section, and a fourth section disposed on at least a portion of the third section to elevate the motor vehicle to a fourth predetermined angle in response to inflating the fourth section, an air inflation unit disposed on at least a portion of at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section to inflate at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth secti

Abstract: Systems and methods of leveling a vehicle are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: provide a plurality of air bag jacks under the vehicle; determine roll and pitch information of the vehicle; determine, using a computing system, an amount of air-adjustment to make for one or more of the plurality of air bag jacks, based on the roll and pitch information, to level the vehicle; and activate, via the computing system, an air compressor to make the determined air-adjustment.

Abstract: A jack assembly includes a jack base and a primary support assembly. The primary support assembly includes a lift arm movably coupled to the jack base such that the jack assembly is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a primary support member coupled to the lift arm and configured to engage a load when the jack assembly is in the raised position, and a handle configured to enable a user to cause movement of the lift arm. The jack assembly further includes a secondary support assembly. The secondary support assembly includes a secondary base supported by the jack base, a telescoping support movably coupled to the secondary base, and a secondary support member movably coupled to the telescoping support and coupled to the primary support member such that movement of the primary support member toward the raised position causes a corresponding movement in the secondary support member.

Abstract: A lifting device having two frame assemblies which lie vertically over each other, the lower frame assembly being suspended on the upper frame assembly via lifting pulling means that can be wound by means of a lifting/lowering device. To stabilize the lower frame assembly in a first lateral direction, each of the lifting pulling means is diverted at least once over the extension thereof such that a diagonal section, running in an inclined manner relative to vertical, of each lifting pulling means crosses a directly adjacent diagonal section of another lifting pulling means, the other diagonal section running in an oppositely inclined manner. Diagonal pulling means, which can be wound by a tensioning device, extend between the two frame assemblies, two directly adjacent diagonal pulling means crossing each other such that the second frame assembly is also stabilized in a second lateral direction with respect to the upper frame assembly.

Abstract: A transfer device comprising an automatic lifting unit, the transfer device includes: a barcode reader for reading a barcode attached to a box accommodating a bobbin loaded with raw materials; a fork unit for chucking the bobbin; a traveling drive unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls Z-axis centering of the fork unit in conjunction with the barcode reader and the distance sensor, X-axis centering of the fork unit in conjunction with the chucking sensor, and Z-axis elevation and Y-axis movement of the fork unit, respectively, to automatically control lifting of the bobbin.

Abstract: A transfer robot that conveys a predetermined package loaded on a load-carrying platform includes: the load-carrying platform; a first determining device configured to determine whether an object is loaded on the load-carrying platform; a second determining device configured to determine whether the predetermined package is loaded on the load-carrying platform; and at least one of a controller configured to control the transfer robot such that the transfer robot performs a predetermined operation and a warning device configured to issue a warning, when the first determining device determines that the object is loaded on the load-carrying platform and the second determining device determines that the predetermined package is not loaded on the load-carrying platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module with a housing for fastening in particular to a fork carriage of an industrial truck. Within the housing 110, a mounting bracket 130 is mounted for holding at least one functional unit 120. According to the invention, an alternative design for the mounting bracket is proposed in order to be able to position the mounting bracket with the functional unit in different degrees of freedom within the housing. For this purpose, the present invention provides that in addition to the fastening screws 134, with which the mounting bracket is screwed from the inside to the housing wall 112 110, adjusting screws are also provided in order to be able to adjust the distance between the mounting bracket 130 and the housing wall 112 110 at specific points and thus also to variably adjust the different degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly including an adapter plate; a steer housing spaced apart from and secured to the adapter plate and including a boss extending toward the adapter plate; a bearing secured within the boss; a steering shaft coupled to the bearing to allow rotation about a steering axis; and one or more friction and/or spring discs positioned about the steering shaft between the shoulder and the bearing, in which the steering shaft includes a shoulder extending outwardly from an outer surface of a main body and positioned between the adapter plate and an upper surface of the boss. The shoulder and the bearing exert a load on the one or more friction and/or spring discs such that the one or more friction and/or spring discs provide a constant steering resistance. The steering shaft assembly may include a spacer that is configured to redirect condensation.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is operated by an operator to remotely support a moving body, and includes a communication device, a touch panel, and a processor. A motion of the moving body is controlled in accordance with an operation of the operator tilting the mobile terminal while touching the touch panel. The processor is configured to: determine, as a reference angle in a specific rotation direction of the mobile terminal, a tilt angle in the specific rotation direction at a time point of detection of a touch by the operator on the touch panel; generate a control signal for the motion based on the reference angle and the tilt angle in the specific rotation direction during a control validity period in which the touch is continued from the time point of the detection; and transmit the generated control signal to the moving body via the communication device.

Abstract: A method (30) of actuating a variable boom loading arrangement (1) that includes a variable length boom (2) that can be extended and retracted using a length actuator (3). A first end of the variable length boom (2) is pivotally attached to a frame, and the variable length boom (2) can be pivoted relative to the frame by means of a pivot actuator (5). A second end of the variable length boom (2) is used for handling loads. An input command that is given by an operator is modified if the variable boom loading arrangement (1) reaches a predefined tipping moment, resulting in a modified output command to the actuators (3, 5), so as to avoid a tipping of the variable boom loading arrangement (1).

Abstract: A continuous pull corkscrew has a long L-shaped handle that provides greater torque than traditional corkscrews, thus allowing for a cork to be removed with less force applied to the corkscrew. Unlike a T-shaped crossbar, the handle has an L-shape an extends outward a significant distance past the body of the corkscrew and the bottle being opened. The resultant reduction in the amount of required force allows for more consumers to use the corkscrew to open wine bottles. The handle is foldable into a closed configuration against the side of the corkscrew body to provide a slim profile for convenient storage.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: Implementations of fluid modifying and dispensing systems may include a fluid modifying assembly having a fluid modification unit including a gas dosing unit configured to infuse a fluid with a gas, a filter configured to filter the fluid, and a pH regulator configured to modify a pH of the fluid. The fluid modifying assembly may include a temperature regulation system coupled to the fluid modification unit. The fluid modifying assembly may also include a dosing system coupled to the fluid modification unit. The dosing system may be configured to add one or more supplements to the fluid. The fluid modifying and dispensing system may include a fluid dispensing assembly having a faucet coupled to the fluid modifying assembly and a vessel having a lid and a base. The base of the vessel may be configured to couple directly to the faucet to fill the vessel with the fluid.

Abstract: Ingredient containers for use in a beverage carbonation system are provided. The ingredient container includes a container body having a hollow interior and an opening leading into the hollow interior. The ingredient container also includes a cap positioned over the opening in the container body and including an inlet port and an outlet port. A cross-section of the cap extends substantially perpendicular to a central axis of each of the inlet port and the outlet port, and the cross-section of the cap has a shape that is a substantially circular triangle.

Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system and method of using same. An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system (1;1a;1b) serves for cleaning at least one dispensing line (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a?,6b?,6c?;6a?,6b?,6c?) between a take-off station (2) and a dispensing station (3) with dispensers (5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f) at the end of dispensing lines (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a?,6b?,6c?;6a?,6b?,6c?) and is operated by an electronic control system (17). A source of ozonated water (10) provides ozonated water through ozonated water conduit (12) via an ozonated water valve (OWV), and cleaning water (CW) is provide through water conduit (15) via a water valve (WV). A main conduit (14) in turns receives water from the water conduit (15) and ozonated water from the ozonated water conduit (12). The main conduit (14) extends into serially arranged flow distribution units (13;13.2;13.2;13?,13.1?,13.2?;13?,13.1,13.2?), each comprising serially arranged branch conduits (C1,C2;C1.1,C2.1;C1.2;C2.

Abstract: A tap for the removal of liquid from a container, such as a 5L party beer keg, comprises a sleeve, a piston which can be drawn at least partially out of the sleeve, an outlet head which adjoins the piston and can be pivoted, typically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the piston, and has an outlet, and an actuator which is generally assigned to the outlet or arranged downstream of the same. The actuator serves to draw the piston out of the sleeve and thereby activate the tap, and to pivot the outlet head and thereby open a flow path extending at least partially through the sleeve and the piston to the outlet for tapping purposes. The actuator comprises a handle for drawing the piston out of the sleeve (for activation) and an actuating lever which is connected to the handle for pivoting the outlet head (for tapping).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microstructured article (830, 930) including a thermoplastic polymer shaped to have a curve. At least a portion of the curve includes a microstructured surface (1010B, 10, 1110A, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 810, 840, 910, 940) of utilitarian discontinuities and the microstructured surface (101B, 10, 1110A, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 810, 840, 910, 940) includes peak structures and adjacent valleys (810, 910). The peak structures and the curve are formed of a single piece of the thermoplastic polymer. A method of making the microstructured articles is also provided including a) obtaining a tool (820, 920) shaped to include at least one of a protrusion or a concavity; b) disposing a microstructured film (800A, 800C, 900) on at least a portion of the tool (820, 920) including the protrusion and/or the concavity; and c) thermoforming a single piece of thermoplastic polymer onto the tool (820, 920) to form a microstructured article (830, 930) shaped to include a curve.

Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a dielectric layer formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a movable membrane formed over the dielectric layer. In addition, the movable membrane includes first recessed portions arranged in a ring shape in a top view and second recessed portions surrounded by the first recessed portions.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical component for interacting with a pressure gradient of a fluid. The component has a substrate with a through-cavity, a microelectromechanical transducer including a middle support layer and two diaphragm elements spaced apart from the middle support layer. The middle support layer has at least one center electrode. The diaphragm elements each have a separately contactable outer electrode. The diaphragm elements together with the middle support layer form one or more cavities on both sides of the middle support layer. The microelectromechanical transducer spans the through-cavity at least partially and is deformable along a vertical movement direction. The microelectromechanical transducer has a bending region. A deformation of the microelectromechanical transducer in the vertical movement direction results in a bending of the bending region. Spacers are arranged between the middle support layer and the diaphragm elements. At least one of the spacers is arranged in the bending region.

Abstract: Examples disclose a semiconductor package including a semiconductor chip, an encapsulation, and a metal structure. The semiconductor chip is at least partially embedded in the encapsulation. The metal structure is formed on an outer surface of the encapsulation and includes a floating portion. The floating portion is floating on the encapsulation and the metal structure is electrically coupled with the semiconductor chip. Further examples disclose a method for manufacturing a semiconductor package, the method including providing a semiconductor chip at least partially embedded in an encapsulation; providing a metal structure on the encapsulation; forming a floating portion of the metal structure by forming a recess in the encapsulation.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical component for interacting with a pressure gradient of a fluid. The microelectromechanical component has a substrate with a through-cavity, and a membrane structure which at least partially spans the through-cavity and has a central support structure and two membranes. A second membrane of the membrane structure has a second electrically conductive membrane electrode layer. The central support structure has a center electrode and a contacting element. The membranes are mechanically connected by spacer elements. The membrane structure has an inner region, an outer region, and a fastening region. The inner region is arranged centrally above the through-cavity. The outer region is arranged between the inner region and the fastening region. The fastening region is fastened to the substrate. The center electrode is arranged entirely within the inner region. The contacting element extends from the center electrode via the outer region into the fastening region.

Abstract: A sensor system with a first semiconductor die part and with a second semiconductor die part is proposed, wherein the first semiconductor die part has a microelectromechanical sensor element, wherein the second semiconductor die part covers the microelectromechanical sensor element, wherein the second semiconductor die part has a via for electrically contacting the microelectromechanical sensor element, in particular directly. A method for producing a sensor system is also proposed.

Abstract: A micromechanical component. The micromechanical component includes at least one adjustable part, a first holder for the adjustable part, and a first connecting structure. The first connecting structure is designed to connect the adjustable part to the first holder along a first axis of symmetry of the adjustable part, which runs perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the adjustable part. The micromechanical component further includes a first electrical conductor for detecting a breakage within the first connecting structure. The electrical conductor runs along the first connecting structure at least partially at an angle to the first axis of symmetry of the adjustable part.

Abstract: A micromechanical diaphragm system including a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm and spacer elements which are arranged between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. At least one spacer element has a first supporting element and a second supporting element. The first supporting element faces the first diaphragm. The second supporting element faces the second diaphragm. The first supporting element and the second supporting element are connected via a spring element.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a handle layer with at least one cavity and suspension structure, a patterned polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) first device layer, where at least one structural element is suspended by the structure, and may include a seismic element. A second electrically insulating layer is present, followed by a second device layer of patterned single-crystal silicon (mono-Si) with at least one moveably suspended seismic element above the first layer. A cap layer finalizes the structure, with the handle layer, device layers, and the cap layer forming an enclosure's walls. The first and second insulating layers bond the handle and device layers. The enclosure includes at least one seismic element from the second device layer, and at least one static and moveable electrode for motion detection or causation, with the static electrode in the first device layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing hydrogen in an steam methane reformer (SMR) via ammonia cracking, wherein the SMR can include a furnace, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit, waste heat recovery sections, and a water scrubber, wherein the furnace has a plurality of SMR tubes and a plurality of burners. The method can include the steps of: withdrawing ammonia from an ammonia storage vessel; preheating the ammonia to form a warm ammonia stream; introducing the warm ammonia stream into the SMR tubes of the furnace under conditions effective for catalytically cracking the ammonia, thereby forming a crude stream comprising hydrogen, nitrogen, and unreacted ammonia; treating the crude stream with a water wash in order to remove the unreacted ammonia from the crude stream, thereby resulting in an aqueous ammonia stream and a washed crude stream; and introducing the washed crude stream into the PSA unit to produce a hydrogen product stream and a PSA off-gas.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing hydrogen in an existing steam methane reformer (SMR) via ammonia cracking, the apparatus comprising: an ammonia storage vessel; a furnace having a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of burners, wherein the reactor tubes and the burners are in fluid communication with the ammonia storage vessel, such that the reactor tubes and the burners are configured to receive a flow of ammonia gas sourced from the ammonia storage vessel, and catalytically crack the ammonia within the reactor tubes to produce a crude process gas and a flue gas; a plurality of waste heat recovery sections; a boiler feed water preparation system; means for treating the crude process gas in order to reduce the amount of the unreacted ammonia in the crude process gas, thereby resulting in an aqueous ammonia stream and a washed crude stream; and a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit disposed downstream the means for treating the crude process gas.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an existing steam methane reformer (SMR) for ammonia cracking is provided. In this embodiment, the existing SMR can include a pre-reformer, a desulfurization unit, a furnace, waste heat recovery sections, a water gas shift reactor, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit, wherein the furnace has a plurality of SMR tubes and a plurality of burners. In certain embodiments, the method can include the steps of: providing the existing SMR; taking the desulfurization unit offline such that no fluid flows through the desulfurization during operation; taking the pre-reformer offline such that no fluid flows through the pre-reformer during operation; and adding means for providing a gaseous ammonia stream to the SMR tubes.

Abstract: A method for thermal or thermochemical conversion of ammonia or methanol feedstocks into hydrogen (gas) in a related feedstock conversion facility is provided. The method comprises generating heated fluidic medium by at least one rotary apparatus, supplying a stream of thus generated heated fluidic medium into the feedstock conversion facility, and operating said at least one rotary apparatus and said feedstock conversion facility to carry out thermal or thermochemical conversion of the ammonia or methanol feedstocks into hydrogen at temperatures essentially equal to or exceeding about 500 degrees Celsius (° C.). Facility for production of hydrogen from ammonia or methanol feedstocks is further provided.