| KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120135691 | NOISE-CONSTRAINED DIFFUSION LEAST MEAN SQUARE METHOD FOR ESTIMATION IN ADAPTIVE NETWORKS - The noise-constrained diffusion least mean square method for estimation in adaptive networks is based on the Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm. The method uses a variable step size in which the step-size variation rule results directly from the noise constraint. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132512 | GASEOUS DENSITY CONVECTIVE DESALINATION AND COOLING SYSTEM - The fluid density-driven desalination system is an evaporative desalination system utilizing gases having differing molecular weights from that at of water vapor in order to assist in the evaporation and condensation of pure water vapor. Evaporation of pure water from a saline solution through a first capillary evaporator plate is assisted by a first gas having a molecular weight less than that of water vapor, thus driving the evaporated water vapor downwardly for collection and condensation. Similarly, evaporation of pure water from brine through a second capillary evaporator plate is assisted by a second gas having a molecular weight greater than that of water vapor, thus driving the evaporated water vapor upwardly for collection and condensation. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120131898 | INTEGRATED SOLAR-GAS TURBINE COGENERATION PLANT - The integrated solar-gas turbine cogeneration plant includes a fuel reformer, a plurality of solar collectors, and a gas turbine. The fuel reformer produces syngas to be used as fuel for the gas turbine. One solar collector is operatively connected to both the fuel reformer and the turbine to provide heat for the reforming reaction and to preheat air for a combustion chamber. Exhaust gas from the turbine is directed to the fuel reformer and to a heat recovery steam generator, the former as an additional heat source and the latter to heat the generator. Another solar collector is connected to the generator and heats a portion of the water being fed into the generator in order to help produce steam. The syngas is stored in a to fuel storage unit to provide fuel to the gas turbine continuously and to a supplemental heater on the steam generator during low insolation periods. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120116139 | MULTIPLE ZEOLITE CATALYST - The multiple zeolite catalyst is a catalytic composition used to convert C | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109600 | VARIABLE STEP-SIZE LEAST MEAN SQUARE METHOD FOR ESTIMATION IN ADAPTIVE NETWORKS - The variable step-size least mean square method for estimation in adaptive networks uses a variable step-size to provide estimation for each node in the adaptive network, where the step-size at each node is determined by the error calculated for each node, as opposed to conventional least mean square algorithms used in adaptive filters and the like, where the choice of step-size reflects a tradeoff between misadjustment and the speed of adaptation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106357 | VARIABLE STEP-SIZE LEAST MEAN SQUARE METHOD FOR ESTIMATION IN ADAPTIVE NETWORKS - The variable step-size least mean square method for estimation in adaptive networks uses a variable step-size to provide estimation for each node in the adaptive network, where the step-size at each node is determined by the error calculated for each node, as opposed to conventional least mean square algorithms used in adaptive filters and the like, where the choice of step-size reflects a tradeoff between misadjustment and the speed of adaptation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING FORMATION OF STRIATION PATTERNS IN LASER CUTTING - The system and method for minimizing formation of striation patterns in laser cutting provides real-time monitoring and control of laser cutting quality. Laser cutting of a workpiece is controlled through monitoring of thermal radiation generation, particularly during a laser gas-assisted cutting process. The apparatus includes an optical probe positioned adjacent the impingement point of the laser beam on the workpiece. The optical probe is in communication with a signal analyzer for measuring electrical voltage generated by thermal radiation generated by the cutting of the workpiece. A controller is provided for comparing the measured electrical voltage with a desired threshold voltage. Control signals are generated to selectively adjust output frequency of the laser responsive to the compared measured electrical voltage and the desired threshold voltage to minimize striation pattern generation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103232 | Utilization of Heavy Oil Fly Ash to Improve Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Concrete Performance - Disclosed herein are an asphalt concrete mixture, an asphalt binder composition, and methods of preparing the related compositions. The asphalt binder compositions include heavy oil fly ash that contains more than about 90 wt. % carbon. The compositions are capable of being performance graded. The binder can be used to modify the asphalt and also as a filler in asphaltic concrete compositions. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103069 | ACOUSTIC LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ENVIROMENTAL NOISE ISOLATION - The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120085382 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084633 | METHOD OF GENERATING A GRAPHICAL RESUME - The method of generating a graphical resume allows a user to produce either a conventional textual resume or a resume in a graphical format. A database is established and a plurality of templates are stored in the database. The templates include an informational template, a textual resume template and a plurality of graphical resume templates. Each of the templates includes at least one fillable resume field. The informational template is displayed to the user and bibliographic data entered by the user is stored in the database. A plurality of resume formats are then displayed. The plurality of resume formats correspond to the textual and the graphical resume templates. Upon selection of one of the resume formats, the at least one fillable resume field of the corresponding one of the textual and the graphical resume templates is filled with the bibliographic data stored in the database to produce a resume. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083641 | CATALYST FOR OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION OF PROPANE TO PROPYLENE - The catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene includes vanadium and aluminum incorporated into the framework of a mesoporous support, viz., MCM-41, to form V—Al-MCM-41, and nickel impregnated onto the walls of the mesoporous support. Nickel loading is preferably in the range of 5 to 15% by weight of the catalyst. A process for the production of propylene from propane includes steps of placing the catalyst in a fixed bed reactor, introducing a flow of feedstock in a propane:oxygen:nitrogen ratio of about 6:6:88 by volume, maintaining the reactor at atmospheric pressure and in a temperature range of about 400 to 550° C., collecting the product, and separating propylene from the product. The process achieves propane conversion between about 6 to 22%, and a selectivity for propylene between about 22 and 70%, depending upon percent nickel content and temperature of the reaction. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082801 | METHOD OF LASER TREATING Ti-6AI-4V TO FORM SURFACE COMPOUNDS - The method of laser treating Ti-6Al-4V to form surface compounds is a method of forming barrier layers on surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V workpieces. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece is first cleaned and then a water-soluble phenolic resin is applied to at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece and the layer(s) of water soluble phenolic resin are then heated to carbonize the phenolic resin, thus forming a carbon film on the at least one surface. TiC particles are then inserted into the carbon film. Following the insertion of the TiC particles, a laser beam is scanned over the at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. A stream of nitrogen gas is sprayed on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece coaxially and simultaneously with the laser beam at a relatively high pressure, thus forming a barrier layer of TiC | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079916 | REINFORCED PARTICULATE ALUMINUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE FOR BRAKES - The reinforced particulate aluminum metal matrix composite for brakes is used to form a brake component, such as a brake rotor, a brake coupler or the like. The composite is formed from an aluminum metal matrix reinforced with ceramic particulates. The ceramic particulates have a particulate diameter between about 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers and form greater than about 10% by volume of the reinforced particulate aluminum metal matrix composite. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120076570 | SPHERICAL JOINT WITH INTERNAL BRAKE - The spherical joint with internal brake has a controlled actuator that selectively brakes relative motion between interior members and an outer shell of the spherical ball joint. A shaft extending from the internal members can be stopped at any rotational position relative to the shell. The internal members may include a central spherical sectioned member sandwiched by a pair of symmetrically opposed peripheral spherical sectioned members, which selectively act as brakes when an actuator in the central member is energized. The energized actuator has a dual piston that pushes outwardly on the pair of opposed peripheral segments, which increases friction between the peripheral segments and an interior wall of the spherical shell to brake the system. The shaft extends from the central spherical sectioned member through an aperture in the shell. The size of the shell aperture determines the range of rotational motion of the shaft. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120046810 | FUZZY LOGIC-BASED CONTROL METHOD FOR HELICOPTERS CARRYING SUSPENDED LOADS - The fuzzy logic-based control method for helicopters carrying suspended loads utilizes a controller based on fuzzy logic membership distributions of sets of load swing angles. The anti-swing controller is fuzzy-based and has controller outputs that include additional displacements added to the helicopter trajectory in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This simple implementation requires only a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller. The membership functions govern control parameters that are optimized using a particle swarm algorithm. The rules of the anti-swing controller are derived to mimic the performance of a time-delayed feedback controller. A tracking controller stabilizes the helicopter and tracks the trajectory generated by the anti-swing controller. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043414 | CONTROL OPTIMIZATION METHOD FOR HELICOPTERS CARRYING SUSPENDED LOADS - The control optimization method for helicopters carrying suspended loads during hover flight utilizes a controller based on time-delayed feedback of the load swing angles. The controller outputs include additional displacements, which are added to the helicopter trajectory in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This simple implementation requires only a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller. Moreover, the implementation of this controller does not need rates of the swing angles. The parameters of the controllers are optimized using the method of particle swarms by minimizing an index that is a function of the history of the load swing. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the controller in suppressing the swing of the slung load while stabilizing the helicopter. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041797 | PROGRESS MONITORING METHOD - The progress monitoring method is based on a critical path method (CPM) and conducts comparisons against multiple possible outcomes utilizing neural networks that classify planned progress at specified cut-off dates during a planning stage. The classifications are used to monitor and evaluate actual progress during the construction stage. The pattern recognition techniques generalize a virtual benchmark to represent planned progress based on multiple possible outcomes generated at each cut-off date. The generalization feature overcomes the problem of variation in the quality of data collected. Patterns are constructed to encode planned and actual progress at different cut-off dates. Patterns are readily manipulated within computer programs and substitute for photographs, which are not comprehensive in representing the work status of interior and hidden parts of the under-construction facilities. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040820 | CATALYST EXHIBITING HYDROGEN SPILLOVER EFFECT - The catalyst exhibiting hydrogen spillover effect relates to the composition of a catalyst exhibiting hydrogen spillover effect and to a process for preparing the catalyst. The catalyst has a reduced transition base metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB, such as cobalt, nickel, molybdenum or tungsten, supported on a high porous carrier, such as saponite, the base metal being ion-exchanged with at least one precious metal of Group VIIIB. The process includes the steps of loading the base metal onto the support, reducing the base metal, preferably with H | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036096 | METHOD OF GENERATING AN INTEGRATED FUZZY-BASED GUIDANCE LAW FOR AERODYNAMIC MISSILES - The method for generating an integrated guidance law for aerodynamic missiles uses a strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA)-based approach for generating an integrated fuzzy guidance law, which includes three separate fuzzy controllers. Each of these fuzzy controllers is activated in a unique region of missile interception. The distribution of membership functions and the associated rules are obtained by solving a nonlinear constrained multi-objective optimization problem in which final time, energy consumption, and miss distance are treated as competing objectives. A Tabu search is utilized to build a library of initial feasible solutions for the multi-objective optimization algorithm. Additionally, a hierarchical clustering technique is utilized to provide the decision maker with a representative and manageable Pareto-optimal set without destroying the characteristics of the trade-off front. A fuzzy-based system is employed to extract the best compromise solution over the trade-off curve. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120036095 | METHOD OF GENERATING AN INTEGRATED FUZZY-BASED GUIDANCE LAW USING TABU SEARCH - The present invention relates to the generation of an integrated guidance law for aerodynamic missiles. Particularly, a Tabu search-based approach is utilized for generating an integrated fuzzy guidance law, which includes three separate fuzzy controllers. Each of these fuzzy controllers is activated in a unique region of missile interception. The method includes the following steps: establishing a missile guidance law ƒ(z), where z represents a vector containing fuzzy membership functions and guidance rules associated with the missile guidance law; and optimizing the missile launch guidance law ƒ(z) by minimizing the equation | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035910 | METHOD OF GENERATING A TRANSLITERATION FONT - The method of generating a transliteration font allows for the generation and display of a word in a transliteration font, the word including at least one character displayed in an alphabet of a first language, and the transliteration font including at least one embedded character representing a phonetic pronunciation of the word in an alphabet of a second language. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032630 | SELF-POWERED BATTERY JUMP SYSTEM AND METHOD - The self-powered battery jump method uses a vehicle's alternator to charge main and spare batteries during vehicle operation. If the main battery loses its power, the spare battery supplies power to the main battery and to the vehicle's engine in order to start the vehicle whenever it is needed without any external electricity. Manual, semi-automated, and automated jump modes are provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120029959 | METHOD OF EXTENDING ACTIVITY FLOATS IN THE CRITICAL PATH METHOD - The method of extending floats in the critical path method (CPM) method allows for extending the project duration while keeping the networking basic parameter of total float intact. The method allows for rescheduling of the start times of some activities so that the resource requirements never exceed the specified resource limit. The extendable network transforms the process of seeking an extended schedule that fulfils resource constraints from searching in a boundless solution space to searching in a well-defined and definite solution space. The definite searching space harnesses for the mathematical formulation of the optimization techniques, i.e., integer programming, which provides the optimum solution as a schedule that fulfills the resource constraint and yet minimizes the project duration. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120008780 | METHOD FOR ELLIPTIC CURVE SCALAR MULTIPLICATION - The method for elliptic curve scalar multiplication may provide several countermeasures to protect scalar multiplication of a private key k by a point P to produce the product kP from power analysis attacks. First, the private key, k, is partitioned into a plurality of key partitions, which are processed in a random order, the resulting points being accumulated to produce the scalar product kP. Second, in each partition, the encoding is randomly selected to occur in binary form or in Non-Adjacent Form (NAF), with the direction of bit inspection being randomly assigned between most-to-least and least-to-most. Third, in each partition, each zero in the key may randomly perform a dummy point addition operation in addition to the doubling operation. The method may be implemented in software, smart cards, circuits, processors, or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) designed to carry out the method. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110315811 | LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLE FOR SHADING - The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides shade from the sun for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110302088 | TOKEN BASED NEW DIGITAL CASH PROTOCOLS - Digital cash token protocols employ two pairs of private and public keys. Each public key is certified separately and the protocols do not use any blind signature schemes. As a result, the digital cash token protocols provide strong protection of user privacy by using two certified public keys instead of a blind signature. One pair of certified keys consists of one master user private key and one master user public key. A second pair of certified keys consists of one pseudonym user private key and one pseudonym user public key. The use of a master key pair and a pseudonym key pair circumvents the need for blind signatures. As a result, the proposed protocols do not require blind signatures and do not add additional overhead and security requirements necessitated by conventional blind signature schemes. The protocols use public key protocols and digital signatures and symmetric key protocols, which may be readily implemented in standard information security based systems based on cryptographic constructs. In addition, the protocols may be deployed in mobile, off-line, and on-line settings. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298609 | METHOD OF CONSERVING ENERGY AND WATER USING AN APPARATUS TO LOCATE LEAKS IN SUBSURFACE PIPELINES - A method of conserving energy and natural resources transported in subsurface pipelines and preventing environmental contamination therefrom by identifying the subsurface location of leaks of oil, gas, water or other natural resources transported in these pipelines includes adhering a continuous tape having a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification (RFID) tags mounted thereon axially along the pipeline and use of a mobile robotic device to identify the specific location of a leak in the pipeline, thereby preventing loss of energy and water traveling through pipeline, contamination of these fluids and environmental contamination, and the use of additional fuel to replenish these lost natural resources. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110231468 | HIGH-RADIX MULTIPLIER-DIVIDER - The high-radix multiplier-divider provides a system and method utilizing an SRT digit recurrence algorithm that provides for simultaneous multiplication and division using a single recurrence relation. When A, B, D and Q are fractions (e.g., Q=0· | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110211269 | SYSTEM FOR ASYNCHRONOUS REMOTE STEERING OF REFLECTORS - The system for asynchronous remote steering of reflectors has parallel asynchronous remote steering mechanisms operably connected to reflectors. A powerless (mechanical) focal beam brake is also provided. In addition to the powerless focal beam brake, a plurality of safety mechanisms are employed. Remote angle checking is provided to adapt the system for solar thermal power plants, solar furnaces, or the like. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110206481 | ANTHROPOMORPHIC FORCE-REFLECTIVE MASTER ARM - The anthropomorphic force-reflective master arm is a light, anthropomorphic, back-drivable, six degree of freedom (DOF) master arm designed to control the motion of a remote slave device having arbitrary structure. Three of the link members are rotationally coupled to each other to form a handle, such that axes of rotation of each of the handle link members intersects at the user's hand position. The kinematics of the master arm is simplified to two independent sub-systems, which are the hand position and hand orientation. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110206148 | METHOD FOR MITIGATING INTERFERENCE IN OFDM COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS - The method for mitigating interference in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communications systems uses comb-type pilot signals in a doubly selective channel where the pilot signals are calculated to have zero correlation sequences in order to maintain orthogonality where there is a high Doppler effect to mitigate intercarrier interference. The pilot signals may be precomputed, stored in a look-up table, and selected based upon total power constraints of the pilot signals. The steps of the method may be performed by a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) equalizer. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110139623 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSTATIC DESALINATION - The system for electrostatic desalination provides evaporative desalination of salt water utilizing ionized gas formed through corona discharge. The system includes a plurality of stacked water collection plates, each water collection plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A thin film of salt water is formed on the upper surfaces thereof. A plurality of cathodes are provided, each cathode extending between a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. A plurality of anodes are attached to a corresponding one of the lower surfaces of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. Each anode and cathode is in communication with an external voltage source to generate an electrostatic field between the cathodes and the anodes. Thus, corona-induced ionized gas is produced between each of the stacked water collection plates in order to enhance condensation of pure evaporated water. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139600 | GASEOUS DENSITY CONVECTIVE DESALINATION AND COOLING SYSTEM - The fluid density-driven desalination system is an evaporative desalination system utilizing gases having differing molecular weights from that at of water vapor in order to assist in the evaporation and condensation of pure water vapor. Evaporation of pure water from a saline solution through a first capillary evaporator plate is assisted by a first gas having a molecular weight less than that of water vapor, thus driving the evaporated water vapor downwardly for collection and condensation. Similarly, evaporation of pure water from brine through a second capillary evaporator plate is assisted by a second gas having a molecular weight greater than that of water vapor, thus driving the evaporated water vapor upwardly for collection and condensation. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139204 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138832 | HYBRID SOLAR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The hybrid solar air-conditioning system includes an air intake having an air drying system that uses a liquid desiccant to dry ambient air, a desiccant regeneration system that uses a heat exchanger having oil heated by solar energy to remove water from the desiccant, an indirect evaporative air conditioner that uses an air-air heat exchanger to cool the dried air indirectly with evaporatively cooled air, a distilled water recovery system to recover water from the desiccant and from the evaporatively cooled air in the form of distilled water, and a microprocessor-based controller to control room temperature and relative humidity, and to regulate air intake and the flow of desiccant and oil in the system. The hybrid system enables the use of evaporative cooling in regions having high humidity. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20100322422 | METHOD FOR ELLIPTIC CURVE SCALAR MULTIPLICATION USING PARAMETERIZED PROJECTIVE COORDINATES - The method for elliptic curve scalar multiplication in an elliptic curve cryptosystem implemented over an insecure communications channel includes the steps of: (a) selecting positive integers L | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100290595 | X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode - The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell. | 11-18-2010 |
