Control Element Responsive To A Sensed Operating Condition Patents (Class 422/105)
  • Patent number: 8070139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for dispensing an air treatment and audibly indicating the dispensing and/or a change in the dispensing intensity. An exemplary audible indicator may include a pattern of a plurality of audible indicators having the same or different durations, having the same or different intensities, separated by the same or different intervals, and having the same or different audible impressions. Different audible indicators are associated with different device states, such as not dispensing, dispensing to create ambiance, dispensing in response to a malodor, or dispensing to offset habituation. Different audible indicators may also be associated with different malodors, or different intensities of the same or different malodors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Sanam Nassirpour, Jeffrey Bankers, Jeff Gaunt
  • Patent number: 8066946
    Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are taught. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as taught herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Scott D. Redmond
  • Publication number: 20110286890
    Abstract: An electrically heated exhaust gas control apparatus includes: a hollow base member that has electroconductivity; a first insulation member that is disposed within the base member and that divides a vertically upper space and a vertically lower space from each other; a honeycomb catalyst formed in each of the vertically upper space and the vertically lower space; a pair of upper electrodes that heat the honeycomb catalyst in the vertically upper space and a pair of lower electrodes that heat the honeycomb catalyst in the vertically lower space; and a control portion that is able to stop electrifying the lower electrodes while continuing to electrify the upper electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Masaru KAKINOHANA, Takahiko Ido
  • Publication number: 20110280795
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for the combustion of hydrogen sulfide mixed with other gases for simultaneous recovery of sulfur and energy from hydrogen sulfide at higher efficiency. The amounts and velocity of the hydrogen sulfide into the reactor is selected in such a way that it is not possible to burn the hydrogen sulfide in a normal thin reaction zone during its combustion that normally prevails in almost all flame combustion devices. The injected hydrogen sulfide gas is mixed in a thermal reactor with fresh air and hot active combustion gases in the reactor on account of internal jet pump effect and self-induced entrainment. The reaction is exothermic so that the chemical energy present in hydrogen sulfide is recovered together with the sulfur that is tapped off from he process. The reactor process can also be used for other gas and chemicals that require controlled reactor thermo-chemical environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ashwani Gupta
  • Publication number: 20110274586
    Abstract: A plasmon filter may include an element supportive of plasmon energy and having a plurality of openings through which a material may pass. A system includes a fluid filter supportive of evanescent energy, an evanescent field generator, a sensor, and/or other components. A corresponding method may include generating plasmons on the filter and exposing a material to the plasmon energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8053060
    Abstract: A substrate for artificial leathers which is composed of a nonwoven fabric made of fiber bundles of microfine fibers having an average single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and an elastic polymer impregnated into the nonwoven fabric. The substrate for artificial leathers satisfies the following requirements 1 and 2: (1) the number of fiber bundles which are oriented to a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric is 75 to 300 per 1 cm of width which is perpendicular to the thickness direction, when measured on a cross section parallel to the thickness direction; and (2) the number of cross sections of the fiber bundles which are oriented to the thickness direction is 30 to 800 per 1 mm2, when measured on a cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michinori Fujisawa, Jiro Tanaka, Yoshiyuki Ando
  • Publication number: 20110268613
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for diagnosing the temperature state of a catalyst converter. The catalyst converter includes a catalyst for cleaning an emission, and a conductive carrier for carrying the catalyst. The conductive carrier is energized for temperature rise of the catalyst, and the conductive carrier has a characteristic in which resistance drops with temperature increase. In the apparatus, a first obtaining unit obtains a first parameter having a first correlation with supply power to the conductive carrier for energization of the conductive carrier. A second obtaining unit obtains a second parameter having a second correlation with a temperature of the conductive carrier. A diagnosing unit diagnoses the temperature state of the conductive carrier based on a comparison between the first parameter and the second parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taro HIRAI, Noriaki IKEMOTO, Takeshi HARADA, Naoyuki KAMIYA, Hisashi IIDA
  • Publication number: 20110266500
    Abstract: A system and process for modulating the carbon content of ash produced by a biomass gasification process, for example, to selected levels chosen by an operator, through the controlled injection of steam and controlled introduction of warm air during processing of a biomass feedstock. The system and process include delivering a carbon-containing biomass feedstock to a gasification reactor and producing a syngas and an ash from the biomass feedstock, and regulating the carbon content of the ash between a level at which carbon not present in the ash and a second level at which carbon is present in the ash. The regulating step entails selectively decreasing the moisture level of the biomass feedstock prior to the biomass feedstock being delivered to the gasification reactor and thereby increasing the carbon content of the ash, or increasing a moisture level of a mixture of the biomass feedstock, ash and gases within the gasification reactor and thereby decrease the carbon content of the ash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PACKER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Peter James Schubert
  • Publication number: 20110269038
    Abstract: The possibility of carbon deposition from a raw material gas is made lower than before in a pressure compensating operation carried out after stopping the stop process of a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including the hydrogen generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Yukimasa, Junji Morita, Akinari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8048391
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas purifier containing a filtering media having a photocatalytic action, a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation, a time-delay means or a volatile organic compound analyzer, and a means for automatically adjusting the speed of the gas passing through the media or for adjusting the intensity of the UV illumination, said adjusting being carried out as a function of the time determined by the time-delay means or as a function of the content of a volatile organic compound analyzed by the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Quartz S.A.S
    Inventor: Laurent Molins
  • Publication number: 20110262308
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a) an alkylation reactor holding an ionic liquid catalyst and a reactant mixture, b) a means for measuring levels of a halide in an effluent from the alkylation reactor, and c) a control system that receives a signal in response to the measuring and communicates changes in an operating condition that influences the yield of products from the reactant mixture. The control system is responsive to deviations outside a predetermined range of halide level that has been selected to obtain a ratio of a yield of an alkylate gasoline and a yield of a middle distillate from 0.31 to 4.0 in the product from the alkylation reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Howard S. Lacheen
  • Publication number: 20110256027
    Abstract: An ozonated water spraying system with energy resource conversion is disclosed. The system includes an ozonated water spraying apparatus and an energy resource conversion device. The ozonated water spraying apparatus has an ozone generation unit, a mixing and spraying unit, and a water flow detection unit, in which the ozone generation unit is for generating ozone. The mixing and spraying unit couples with the ozone generation unit, for mixing the generated ozone with water and spraying the ozonated water out. Further, the water flow detection unit, coupled to the ozone generation unit and the mixing and spraying unit, is capable of detecting whether water flows through the mixing and spraying unit so as to control the ozone generation unit in response to the detection result. Additionally, the energy resource conversion unit is for converting energy resource into electrical power to provide the requisite power to the ozonated water spraying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Shih-Chang CHEN, Tsair-Rong Chen, Chun-Ling Chiu
  • Publication number: 20110257307
    Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a complex hydrocarbon is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process. The complex hydrocarbon may be suitable for use as a substitute or additive to petroleum-based asphalt binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVENTOR, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard P. Lux, Christopher M. Reeves, Gary Eugene Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110256028
    Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8034629
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for high precision scanning of hydrogel microparticles. The high precision is achieved by one or more modifications to the microparticle composition, or microfluidics apparatus that align the microparticles in a detection channel, or method of preparing a sample for introduction into the apparatus, or some combination. An apparatus comprises a body structure having formed therein a central channel and multiple focusing channels in fluid communication with the central channel through multiple junctions. A width of the central channel is smaller in a portion downstream of each junction. A particle comprises a hydrogel matrix and a probe molecule. The particle has an aspect ratio greater than about three. A method includes loading into a sample fluid inlet a mixture, wherein a number of particles lies within a range from about 15 to about 20 particles/?l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen C. Chapin, Patrick Seamus Doyle, Daniel Colin Pregibon
  • Publication number: 20110239904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufactured aggregate material that converts waste materials and/or recyclable materials (136) into construction material (154). By mixing waste materials (156) with a metal oxide and an acid, any harmful contaminates in the waste materials (136) are encapsulated and rendered into hard pellets (154) that are suitable for use in conglomerates or composites such as concrete. The manufactured aggregate material (154) may be adjusted for moisture content, density, heat capacity, and other parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ENVIROPRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Terry L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8029735
    Abstract: A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon. The electrical contacts encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has an auto-calibration feature externally located thereon. The testing device is adapted to determine the analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements that communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device is adapted to determine the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. The encoded calibration information is determined without inserting the sensor container or the calibration label into the testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Schell
  • Publication number: 20110236280
    Abstract: A method is provided for purifying exhaust gas from an engine having an exhaust passage with a selective reducing catalyst and an oxidation catalyst upstream of the selective reducing catalyst. The method calculates an amount of NOx that flows into the selective reducing catalyst; sets an amount of an additive agent to be supplied to the selective reducing catalyst based on the calculated amount of NOx; determines a degradation degree of the oxidation catalyst; determines whether a correction to the amount of the additive agent is necessary based on the determined degradation degree of the oxidation catalyst; corrects the amount of the additive agent to be supplied when the correction is necessary; and supplies the additive agent to the selective reducing catalyst in the corrected amount if the amount is determined to be corrected and in the uncorrected amount if the amount is determined not to be corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Gotan, Yoshiaki Tomita, Masashi Naono, Tamiharu Nakamura, Hiroaki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20110237848
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and to an apparatus for saving fuel in furnaces for thermal dissociation of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, especially of 1,2-dichloroethane, using chemical dissociation promoters or physical measures which initiate the dissociation reaction. The initiation of the dissociation reaction lowers the temperature level in the reaction mixture with the same conversion. This can also lower the mean firing chamber temperature and save fuel. In a preferred process variant, flue gas leaving the convection zone of the dissociation oven is analyzed and its dew point is calculated. The dew point of the flue gas or the conversion of the dissociation reaction serves as command parameter for the intensity of the physical measure for initiation and/or for the amount of the chemical dissociation promoter added and/or for the amount of fuel. In a further preferred process variant, the latent heat content of the flue gas is used to preheat the burner air or other media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Benje, Peter Kammerhofer, Klaus Krejci, Rainer Kampschulte, Helmut Grumann
  • Publication number: 20110230573
    Abstract: Reactor vessels with pressure and heat transfer features for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative reactor system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first reaction zone and a heat path positioned to direct heat into the first reaction zone, a reactant source coupled to the first reaction zone, and a first actuator coupled to cyclically pressurize the first reaction zone. The system can further include a second reaction zone in fluid communication with the first, a valve coupled between the first and second reaction zones to control a flow rate therebetween, and a second actuator coupled in fluid communication with the second reaction zone to cyclically pressurize the second reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110229369
    Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and apparatus for disinfecting a space, e.g., a hospital room, using chlorine dioxide. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting a space. The apparatus includes: a chlorine dioxide gas generator; a sensor adapted and configured to measure the relative pressure inside the space and outside the space; and a computer operatively connected to the sensor and the chlorine dioxide generator, the computer adapted and configured to control the chlorine dioxide generator to operate only when the space is under negative pressure as compared to outside the space. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of disinfecting a space. The method includes: setting an apparatus as described herein in the space; and allowing the apparatus to determine if the space is under negative pressure. If the space is under negative pressure, the apparatus generates chlorine dioxide gas to disinfect the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: TBS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Carson, Paul Sabin, Thomas J. Dee
  • Patent number: 8021446
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: Patton M. Adams, David J. Edlund, Vernon Wade Popham, Mesa Scharf, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 8017100
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for converting urea into reactants useful for removing NOX from industrial emissions. The system includes a urea inlet, a steam inlet, and a reactor in fluid communication with the urea inlet and the steam inlet. The reactor is configured and adapted to inject urea from the urea inlet into a steam flow from the steam inlet to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture. The invention also provides a method of converting urea into reactants for reducing NOX out of industrial emissions. The method includes injecting urea into a steam flow to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Babcock Power Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin E. Phelps, Sr., Clayton A. Erickson, Rajaram Jambhekar, John R. Harold
  • Publication number: 20110209979
    Abstract: Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: McAllster Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8007717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating a region with a gaseous or vaporous decontaminant (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide) without dehumidification (e.g., without the use of a dryer). The saturation concentration of the decontaminant inside the region is monitored, and the concentration of the decontaminant inside the region is regulated to prevent condensation of the decontaminant. The bioburden reduction is continuously monitored during a decontamination phase to ascertain successful completion of a decontamination process in accordance with a target bioburden reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Aaron L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8007730
    Abstract: An automatic synthesis device for fluorine-18-ACETATE ([18F]fluoroacetate) consists of a machinery housing that has multiple reactors and multiple raw material containers, and uses multiple control valves between each reactor and container, and operates the control valves through a control system to charge the raw material from each container to each reactor in an automatic and sequential fashion to execute the six procedures: fluorination, azeotropic dewatering, synthesis (reaction with precursors), purification and separation, hydrolysis and neutralization, purification and collection. The operation simply requires adding raw materials to the containers in advance, turning on power, charging reactive gases. In 50 minutes, the process to produce the product will be completed. The operation is really simple and can effectively improve production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Ming-Hsin Li, Hsin-EII Wang, Chun-Yi Wu, Wuu-Jyh Lin
  • Publication number: 20110203970
    Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Lenny Lee Albin
  • Publication number: 20110197566
    Abstract: A method for operating a catalytic reforming assembly. The method includes injecting a quantity of oxidizer gas and a quantity of combustion gas into a reformer to form a mixture. The mixture is channeled across a catalyst bed to form a reformate gas stream. A temperature of the catalyst bed is measured using at least one temperature sensor. A level of the oxidizer gas in the reformate stream is measured using at least one oxidizer gas sensor. A health of the catalyst bed is determined based on at least one of a catalyst bed temperature measurement and an oxidizer gas level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Chetan Babu Velkur, Hasan Karim
  • Publication number: 20110201699
    Abstract: Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lucas, Peter G. Tiverios, James R. Jones, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110201701
    Abstract: Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lucas, Peter G. Tiverios, James R. Jones, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110200488
    Abstract: A fragrance apparatus comprising a fragrance dispensing unit having a plurality of fragrance dispensers being refillable, the fragrance dispensing unit being disposed in a modular housing unit and a control unit disposed in the modular housing unit, the control unit configured to control the fragrance apparatus such that the fragrance dispensing unit generates a spatio-temporal pattern of fragrance and/or removes the generated spatio-temporal pattern of fragrance is disclosed. The disclosed fragrance apparatus is useful in atmosphere creation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Giovanni Cennini, Pieter Jacob Snijder, Dmitri Chestakov
  • Publication number: 20110195365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting up a gasifying reactor comprising a plurality of burners. Each burner is thereby charged with combustible dust from a metering vessel (1) via a dense flow conveyor line (51, 52, 53, 54), which is assigned thereto, and with fuel gas via a gas conveyor line (62, 63), wherein a fuel mixture of combustible dust and combustible gas is provided prior to a moment of ignition of a burner, wherein a first composition of combustible dust and combustible gas, with which a first burner is charged for ignition, is regulated as a function of the fuel quantity, which was supplied to the second burner for ignition, after the ignition of a second burner, which is charged with a second composition of combustible dust and combustible gas for ignition, following the ignition of the first burner, so that the starting up of each of the plurality of burners of the gasifying reactor takes place under a regulated supply of the fuel load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Olaf Schulze, Anton Althapp, Michael Gätke, Burkhard Möller, Reinhold Grunwald, Wolfgang Rabe, Günter Scholz
  • Publication number: 20110192072
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device to produce esterified, olefinated/esterified, or thermochemolytic reacted bio-oils as fuels. The olefinated/esterified product may be utilized as a biocrude for input to a refinery, either alone or in combination with petroleum crude oils. The bio-oil esterification reaction is catalyzed by addition of alcohol and acid catalyst. The olefination/esterification reaction is catalyzed by addition of resin acid or other heterogeneous catalyst to catalyze olefins added to previously etherified bio-oil; the olefins and alcohol may also be simultaneously combined and catalyzed by addition of resin acid or other heterogeneous catalyst to produce the olefinated/esterified product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Philip H. Steele, Charles U. Pittman, JR., Leonard L. Ingram, JR., Sanjeev Gajjela, Zhijun Zhang, Priyanka Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 7993585
    Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Rodney S. Black, Jeffrey P. Carpenter, Johnway Gao, Jerome U. Gilberry, John J. Kester, Clark A. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7995200
    Abstract: An analyzer in which optical measurement is performed with respect to a sample placed in optically transparent cells of an analysis tool includes a light source unit, a light-receiving unit, a tray on which the tool is placed, and a drive mechanism for driving the tray. The tray includes a holding section that holds the tool in a predetermined position. The drive mechanism reciprocates the tray between a first position where the tool placed on the tray is exposed to the outside of the analyzer and a second position where the tool is accommodated inside the analyzer. The light source unit is disposed so that emitted light is incident on a cell of the tool when the tray is located in the second position. The light-receiving unit is disposed so as to receive light transmitted through the cell when the tray is located in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110185624
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for recycling municipal domestic waste comprises subjecting the waste to steam at 150° C.-200°. After steam treatment, the resultant material is separated into constituent parts and biomass and/or plastics subjected to further treatment. The further treatment preferably produces bioethanol from the biomass and diesel from the plastics. As an alternative, some or all of the biomass may be gasified in order to produce hydrogen which may, in turn be fed to a fuel cell to produce an electrical output. The bio diesel or bioalcohol can also be used to produce electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Philip Hall
  • Publication number: 20110189695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing conjugates comprising or consisting of a metallic nanoparticulate component and an organic component. Said method enables activated or reactive nanoparticles containing metal to be produced by irradiating a metal body with a laser beam and prevents the modification and damage of organic components of said conjugates by laser irradiation. Said nanoparticulate metallic component comprises plasmon resonant metal. According to the invention, the claimed method of production enables particles having a metal centre and a metal-oxide covering to be produced, in particular when using a carrier fluid containing oxygen, e.g. alcohol or water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: LASER ZENTRUM HANNOVER E.V.
    Inventors: Stephan Barcikowski, Svea Petersen
  • Patent number: 7988939
    Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: NOx II Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7988916
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a range of small volumes of fluids to a high degree of precision, said apparatus including: a) a single reaction chamber (20); b) a piston (30) operable within said chamber to selectively and precisely vary the internal volume of said chamber; c) a first inlet (41) to said chamber in communication with one or more fluid sources of which a portion of a first fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be drawn into said chamber; d) at least one further inlet (43) including a second inlet to said chamber in communication with one or more fluid sources of which a portion of a second fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be drawn into said chamber; and e) a sealable outlet (45), wherein said piston is adapted to progressive draw said portion of a second fluid into said chamber until either accurare metering of a volume of said first or second portion of fluid is achived or a reaction involving said first and second portions in said chamber (such as a titration rea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Ben Bremauer
  • Patent number: 7988940
    Abstract: A process and system (18) for reducing NOx in a gas using hydrogen as a reducing agent is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream (29) with a catalyst system (38) comprising sulfated zirconia washcoat particles (41), palladium, a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a promoter (45) comprising at least one of titanium, zinc, or a mixture thereof. The presence of zinc or titanium increases the resistance of the catalyst system to a sulfur and water-containing gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20110182802
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor, a structured packing, and a method for increasing the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and oxidation of polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur. The reactor, the structured packing, and the method involve a structured packing for contacting a first stream and a second stream in a reactor including a catalyst. The catalyst increases the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and oxidation of polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream. The first stream includes liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and dissolved hydrogen sulfide. The second stream includes an oxygen-containing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Diwakar Garg, Xianming Jimmy Li, Uday Navin Parekh, Jung Soo Choe, Elmo Nasato
  • Publication number: 20110174606
    Abstract: The invention can provide apparatus and methods of processing a substrate in real-time using a Quasi-Neutral Beam (Q-NB) curing system to improve the etch resistance of photoresist layer. In addition, the improved photoresist layer can be used to more accurately control gate and/or spacer critical dimensions (CDs), to control gate and/or spacer CD uniformity, and to eliminate line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Merritt Funk, Lee Chen, Radha Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 7981366
    Abstract: A fluid system that includes a flow system for a liquid having an inlet, an outlet, at least one fluid line extending from the inlet to the outlet and an electrically activatable melting device, wherein activation of the melting device causes melting, which interrupts, stops or diverts a flow of the fluid through the flow system. In one embodiment, the fluid system may be used in a device for measuring blood sugar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Hanspeter Heiniger, Stefan Jost, Roger Siegenthaler, Heinz Wuethrich
  • Publication number: 20110167712
    Abstract: The “MOBILE PLANT FOR SELF-SUSTAINABLE BIODIESEL PRODUCTION AND MOBILE PROCESS FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION” characterized by a compact equipment arrangement for the biodiesel production in a way intended to reduce waste generation and, additionally, allow reuse/application of some of them; it is organized and arranged over a chassis with axle and wheels that can be attached and taken to various locations, presents a self-sustainable format to use its own fuel to generate electricity to supply the entire plant, if necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Alex Nogueira Brasil
  • Publication number: 20110171744
    Abstract: Provided is a dispensing device capable of removing bubbles reliably. In this dispensing device, deaerated water is fed by a water feed pump to the inside of a pipeline up to the vicinity of the leading end of a dispensing nozzle. A water feed valve disposed near a dispensing pump is closed to establish a deaerated water space opened on the leading end side of the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing pump is activated on the space, thereby causing the dispensing nozzle to perform suction and exhaust actions. The dispensing device comprises a vacuum means connected to the space through the water feed valve thereby maintaining a vacuum state. In case the deaerated water space is cleared of the bubbles, the cleared water space is brought, by opening a change-over valve, into communication with a pipeline having a vacuum means connected thereto, thereby bringing the space into the vacuum state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter Inc.
    Inventor: Isao Saegusa
  • Patent number: 7976801
    Abstract: A particulate converter for the collection and the incineration of particulate matters from diesel engine exhaust includes an exhaust path extending from the diesel engine through the particulate converter. The particulate converter further includes a housing and at least one candle located in the housing. An electrical incineration system may be electrically connected to a pulsed power supply for incinerating soot collected within the candle. A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) may be disposed in the exhaust path to generate sufficient amount of NO2 to assist in incineration. At least one exhaust cooling device may be provided for the control of exhaust temperature. A feedback control system may control exhaust gas temperatures based on pressure drop across the DPC, temperature ahead of the DPC and engine RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Refaat Kammel
  • Patent number: 7976805
    Abstract: A process for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a gas stream (29) in the presence of H2 is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream with a catalyst system (38) comprising zirconia-silica washcoat particles (41), a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a catalyst combination (40) comprising palladium and at least one of rhodium, ruthenium, or a mixture of ruthenium and rhodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7977524
    Abstract: A process for decoking a convection section of a furnace for cracking a hydrocarbon feed, the furnace comprising a radiant section having burners that generate radiant heat and hot flue gas, and the convection section having at least one heat exchange tube for conveying the hydrocarbon feed. The process includes the step of establishing a flue gas temperature within the convection section of the furnace immediately adjacent the at least one convection section heat exchange tube so as to effect a film surface temperature of less than about 540° C. (about 1000° F.) within at least one convection section heat exchange tube, wherein said flue gas temperature establishing step is effective to decoke the at least one convection section heat exchange tube. A process for cracking hydrocarbon feed in a furnace is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James N. McCoy, Richard Charles Stell
  • Publication number: 20110163462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for carrying out chemical processes comprising at least means for directly carrying out the conversion in the form of means for developing products and/or in the form of at least one reactor for the continuous industrial manufacture of products, devices for receiving and/or providing starting materials and/or products and devices for controlling the conversion, which are combined to a single integrated and transportable functional unit serving as infrastructure, preferably in the form of a standardised transport container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Erwin Lang, Carl-Friedrich Hoppe, Hartwig Rauleder, Ekkehard Müh
  • Publication number: 20110166367
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to temperature control of a reactor using probability distribution of temperature measurements. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a temperature of a chemical reaction includes injecting a reactant stream into a reactor and through a catalyst bed of the reactor. The reactant stream includes a hydrocarbon and oxygen. Injection of the reactant stream into the catalyst bed causes an exothermic chemical reaction. The method further includes circulating a coolant through the reactor, thereby removing heat from the catalyst bed. The method further includes measuring temperature at a plurality of locations in the catalyst bed. The method further includes calculating a fraction of the catalyst bed greater than a predetermined maximum temperature limit using a probability distribution generated using the temperature measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTSMAN PETROCHEMICAL LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Gross