38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 35 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140262659 | PORTABLE GARMENT HANGING SYSTEM FOR A PORTABLE WARDROBE BAG - A very light weight portable garment rack includes a first hanging rod segment and a second hanging rod segment, insertable into the first hanging rod segment, to assemble a garment hanging rod. Both the first and second hanging rod segments have perpendicular stub segments. First and second stanchions have upper insertable segments for insertion into the perpendicular stub segments to support the garment hanging rod, and lower insertable segments. A bottom support frame has two stanchion mounting segments, each fitted to the receive the lower insertable segments of the respective first and second stanchions. The first and second stanchions each have an upper support member having the upper insertable segment and an upper support member lower insertable segment, and a lower support member having the lower insertable segment and fitted to receive the upper support member lower insertable segment to assemble the respective stanchion. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262660 | Universal wheeled bag system - A wheeled bag system having a bag with a handle at one end and a wheel system at the other, with a concealed lock, an exterior-knob lock or a handle-toothed extended shuttle lock moving wheels between exposed and hidden positions by either folding the wheels in and up, or retracting the wheels into a cavity in the wheel system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262661 | Wheel Assembly, Method, and Luggage - A wheel assembly for luggage, a method of mounting the wheel assembly and a luggage are provided. The wheel assembly comprises a housing rotatably mountable to the wheel mount, a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing, and post connected to the housing. The method involves inserting a post into an opening of the wheel mount and securing the post to the wheel mount. The luggage includes a compartment for receiving articles, a chassis supporting the compartment and a wheel assembly. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262662 | Electric Power Supply Assembly with Assisted Establishment of Electrical Contact with a Power-Collecting Track Carried by an Electrically Powered Vehicle - An electrical power supply system with assistance with the making of electrical contact, of a type having a power supply arm mounted on a post positioned alongside the road, entering into electrical contact with a longitudinal conductor rail carried on the vehicle, is characterized in that the arm has—at its end—a means of rolling or sliding that enters into moving contact with an adjacent lane alongside the conductor rail at the beginning of its length. This invention concerns the domain of electrically-propelled vehicles carrying at least one longitudinal power supply rail. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262663 | Cable Retractor - A cable retractor for releasing and retracting an application cable. a cable retractor comprises a base; a spool having sides, the spool rotatably secured to the base to permit the application cable to be wrapped around the spool; a mandrel disposed concentrically within the spool, the mandrel being rotationally secured to the base to prevent axial rotation of the mandrel relative to the base; and the mandrel further having a recessed groove running lengthwise, and an internal cable having an outer connector and inner connector, the outer connector being connected through the spool to one end of the application cable, and the inner connector being exposed at one end of the mandrel from within the recessed groove. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262664 | MINING VEHICLE - A mining vehicle includes electric components, devices or machines operating at alternating voltage and having a specific nominal voltage. Power is fed to the mining vehicle from an alternating current network with a specific voltage level. The mining vehicle further includes a transformer arranged to transform the voltage level of the alternating current network into the nominal voltage. When a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer lowers this higher voltage to the nominal voltage. When a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer, the transformer raises the voltage to the nominal voltage. The transformer is arranged to feed the electric component, device or machine both when a voltage lower than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer and when a voltage higher than the nominal voltage is fed to the transformer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262665 | VEHICLE BLOCK HEATER CORD WINDER - A license plate electrical cord winding apparatus with a housing, an inner cavity, a generally cylindrical spindle affixed to said housing within said inner cavity, a reel assembly mounted to the housing within the inner cavity circumferentially about the spindle. There is also an urging member connected to the reel assembly, and an extension cord, wound around the reel assembly. A guiding roller mounted within the inner cavity guides the cord as it winds or unwinds about the reel assembly. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262666 | LOCK-UP DEVICE FOR TORQUE CONVERTER - A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper mechanism. The clutch part includes a clutch input member, a clutch output member, a drive plate, a driven plate, a second flange and a piston. The second flange is mounted between a front cover and an inner peripheral part of a turbine to be axially immovable with respect to the front cover, and forms a lock-up oil chamber. The piston is mounted between the front cover and the second flange, forms a lock-up oil chamber together with the second flange therebetween, and is configured to be moved toward the front cover by an operating oil to be supplied to the lock-up oil chamber. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262667 | SWITCHABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL WEDGE CLUTCH - A switchable clutch, including: a first clutch including a first outer race with first and second race plates; a second clutch including a second outer race with third and fourth race plates; an inner hub; and a selector system axially disposed between the first and second clutches, in contact with the first and second outer races, and including a selector plate. For a first operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a first circumferential position to non rotatably connect the first outer race and the inner hub. For a second operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a second circumferential position to non-rotatably connect the second outer race and the inner hub. For a third operational mode: the selector plate rotates to a third circumferential position and the inner hub is rotatable with respect to the first and second outer races. The first and third plates are axially displaceable. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262668 | INBOARD SPRING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CLUTCH ACTUATED DIFFERENTIAL - The present disclosure relates to a differential including a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation. The differential also includes a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation; left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned; and left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A left clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack and a right clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack. A clutch pre-load spring applies pressure to both the left and right clutch packs without applying pressure to the left and right clutch actuators. The clutch pre-load spring is positioned inboard of the left and right clutch packs. Contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the left clutch actuator causes the left clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the left clutch pack, and contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the right clutch actuator causes the right clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the right clutch pack. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262669 | HIGH PERFORMANCE ADJUSTABLE JUICER WITH WHOLE FOODS FEED CHUTE AND CLUTCH MECHANISM - A clutch mechanism includes first and second shafts having a drive system disposed therebetween, wherein the first shaft is coupled to a drive mechanism. A fixed clutch plate is disposed on the second shaft and includes a plurality of ramped members disposed thereon. An attachment shaft includes a slip clutch plate disposed on a first end and having a plurality of ramped members adapted to releasably couple with the plurality of ramped members disposed on the fixed clutch plate. The slip clutch plate is operable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the fixed clutch plate and a biasing mechanism is disposed on the attachment shaft and configured to bias the slip clutch plate towards the engaged position. The biasing mechanism is further configured to be overcome when a torque force of a predetermined load is realized on the attachment shaft. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262670 | Final Drive Disconnect Mechanism - The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along the shaft. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262671 | TRHEE-POSITION DOG CLUTCH - A multi-positional dog clutch selectively engageable with a transmission is disclosed. The dog clutch includes a shift fork, a dog clutch carrier, a common member, and first and second dog clutch sliding members. The transmission includes first and second fixed members. The first dog clutch sliding member is configured to engage with and disengage from the first fixed member. The second dog clutch sliding member is configured to engage with and disengage from the second fixed member. The dog clutch carrier is movable to (i) a first position in which the first dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the first fixed member, (ii) a second position in which the second dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the second fixed member, and (iii) a third position in which the first dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the first fixed member and the second dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the second fixed member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262672 | VARIATOR BYPASS CLUTCH - A dog clutch operable to bypass a variator of a transmission is disclosed. The dog clutch includes a housing engaged with an input ring of the variator. The dog clutch also includes a piston engaged with the housing and movable from a first position in which the piston is disengaged from an output ring of the variator to a second position in which the piston is engaged with the output ring. The variator input ring and output ring are locked together when the dog clutch is in the second position to prevent the variator from producing continuously variable torque output. The variator is operable to produce continuously-variable torque output when the dog clutch is in the first position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262673 | HYDRAULIC CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION DEVICE PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A hydraulic clutch including a clutch drum with an outer cylinder fitted with a plurality of clutch plates and a side wall; a clutch piston that defines together with the clutch drum an engagement oil chamber, and moves in an axial direction to press the clutch plates by hydraulic pressure supplied to the engagement oil chamber; and a cancel plate that defines together with the clutch piston a cancel oil chamber that cancels centrifugal hydraulic pressure. The side wall of the clutch drum is formed with a first oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the engagement oil chamber, and a second oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the cancel oil chamber. One of the first and second oil passages is at least partially included in a range of an axial width of the other of the first and second oil passages. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262674 | DRIVE FORCE TRANSMISSION DEVICE - A drive force transmission device includes a clutch operatively interposed between a hub member and a drum member to selectively transmit drive power therebetween. A first rotating shaft member is coupled to the hub member to rotate with the hub member. A second rotating shaft member is coupled to a separating wall part of the drum member to rotate with the drum member. A support member rotatably supports the second rotating shaft member via a bearing. The support member includes a restriction part that restricts axial movement of an outer race of the bearing. A bottom portion of the separating wall part is a radially offset towards the bearing space with respect to a top portion of the separating wall so that the bottom portion radial overlaps with the restriction part as viewed perpendicular to a rotational axis of the drum member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262675 | VEHICULAR ELECTRIC DRIVE APPARATUS - A vehicular electric drive system comprises: an electric motor operatively connected to drive wheels so that the drive wheels are driven by said electric motor; a hydraulically operated clutch configured to place a power transmitting path between said electric motor and said drive wheels in a selected one of a power transmitting state and a power cutoff state; a gear mechanism disposed between said hydraulically operated clutch and said drive wheels, to reduce a speed of a rotary motion of said electric motor; a first chamber accommodating said electric motor and said hydraulically operated clutch; a second chamber accommodating said gear mechanism; a partition wall disposed so as to isolate said first chamber and said second chamber from each other; a connecting hole formed on said partition wall through which said hydraulically operated clutch and said gear mechanism are operatively connected to each other; an oil seal fitted in said connecting hole, to restrict flows of an oil through said connecting hole; an oil pump provided to deliver the oil required within said first chamber; and another independent oil supply mechanism which does not use said oil pump and which is provided to supply the oil to said second chamber. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262676 | DRIVING FORCE TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A driving force transmitting apparatus includes a rotating shaft, a frictional engagement device, a piston member, a piston housing, a piston chamber, an oil pressure sensor, an attachment hole, an operating-oil receiving chamber, a bubble removing chamber, and a bubble discharging groove. The rotating shaft has an axial direction and is rotatable around the axial direction. The frictional engagement device includes a frictional engagement unit which is disposed around the rotating shaft and which includes first and second friction members that are alternately stacked in the axial direction. The piston member is movable in the axial direction to press the frictional engagement unit so that the first and second friction members are engaged with each other. The piston housing contains the piston member. The piston chamber is defined between an inner surface of the piston housing and the piston member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262677 | LOCKING CLUTCH FOR DOWNHOLE MOTOR - A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, at least one pivot axis, and a mass center, wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism, wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262678 | MEDIUM STORING DEVICE - A temporary storage in a medium storing device carries out ON/OFF monitoring of a jam sensor between a winding start position of a drum and a clamp point of a delivering roller. Accordingly, when bills are rewound in the reset operation, even when a relationship between a pulse count and a bill position becomes different from actual one, it is possible to detect, without using a pulse count, a jam between the winding start position and the clamp point. It is possible to more securely detect the abnormality in bill storing in comparison with the prior art. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262679 | COIN ACCEPTOR WITH A LIMITER MECHANISM FOR ANTI-THEFT PROTECTION - A coin acceptor includes a coin acceptor main unit including a first holder shell and second holder shell pivotally coupled together, and a face panel including a panel body fastened to the front side of the first holder shell and a limiter mechanism mounted at the back side of the panel body and adjustable between a constraint position and a release position to control the biasing angle of the second holder shell relative to the first holder shell, preventing an evil person from inserting a screwdriver, pry or any other tool through a coin insertion slot or coin-return slot of the face panel into the inside of the coin acceptor main unit to damage the internal structure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262680 | Flexible Conveyance System - A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments each having an upwardly facing channel and a friction drive member disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the feed-forward track segments by frictional engagement between the carrier and the friction drive member. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments disposed above the feed-forward track segments. A catwalk may be positioned between the feed-forward track segments and the return track segments. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262681 | Flexible Conveyance System - A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262682 | APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING, INSPECTING AND STACKING ITEMS - A machine for inspecting, sorting and stacking items includes a plurality of conveyor lanes for moving items through the machine. An imaging system is arranged relative to the conveyor lanes to view items moving along the conveyor lanes. A reject arrangement is downstream of the imaging system and includes a plurality of selectively actuatable reject mechanisms, each reject mechanism associated with a respective one of the conveyor lanes enabling items to be selectively dropped from each conveyor lane on an individual lane basis. Items that pass inspection are conveyed to a downstream stacker, then on to item stack conveyors before being moved onto a side transfer conveyor. A controller analyzes image data to make a determination of whether any item is below a defined quality threshold and, if so, to control the reject mechanism to drop the below quality item out of the conveyor lane. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262683 | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING UNIFORM PRODUCTS - A method of forming an oral product includes gripping a rod of oral product material with a gripping device, indexing the rod forward to have a leading end of the rod abut a stop at a first location, cutting a leading portion of the rod to create an oral product, moving the stop to a second location to allow the oral product to fall, moving the stop back to the first location, and repeating the process. A machine for forming an oral product can include a cutting device adapted to cut through a rod of plastic material, a stop spaced from the cutting device, the stop being adapted to be moved from a first location to a second location, a gripping device adapted to hold and index a rod towards the stop, and a load cell positioned to receive oral products cut from a rod by the cutting device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262684 | TRANSFER CONVEYOR - A material handling system incorporates one or more transfer conveyor sections configured to selectively discharge articles being conveyed in at least one direction which is disposed at a transverse angle relative to the incoming direction of the article. The transfer conveyor includes rotary cams with circumferential cam tracks which engage cam followers carried respective vertically movable conveying assemblies. Rotation of the cams disposes the carrying surfaces at desired conveying heights for selecting the discharge. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262685 | Continuous Motion Article Arranging Systems and Methods - A system, method and an end effector may arrange into a group two articles within a stream of articles moving spaced apart and in a line in a conveying direction on a conveyor. The system, method, and end effector may contact and slow the more downstream of the two articles and then contact the more upstream of the two articles without substantially slowing the more upstream article to form the group. The end effector may include a downstream stop portion for contacting at least one of the articles. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262686 | SINGULATOR CONVEYOR - A conveyor machine is provided. In another aspect, a singulator conveyor employs three-dimensionally obliquely skewed driven rollers angularly offset from a primary feeding and downstream direction, outboard of an adjacent driven conveyor having a top surface moving in the primary feeding and downstream direction. A further aspect provides a downstream moving conveyor belt or rollers which are vertically higher than the adjacent outboard skewed and converging driven rollers. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262687 | REMOTELY DRIVEN SHUTTLE CAR - A shuttle system includes a shuttle which has no onboard power to drive the shuttle nor to drive a conveyor carried by said shuttle. The shuttle is moved by a first drive element which is driven by a remotely located mechanical power source. The conveyor is connected to a second drive element and is selectively actuated driving said second drive element such that there is a speed difference between the second drive element and the first drive element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262688 | SCRAPING DEVICE FOR A TRANSPORTING BELT AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING METHOD - A device including a supporting structure, at least one scraping member upwardly and downwardly delimited by upstream and downstream sides, and an elastic material that is overmolded on the scraping member and connecting the scraping member to the supporting structure, the upstream side of the scraping member being covered with the overmolded elastic material. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262689 | APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING DISPENSED DRUGS - Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting drugs dispensed from drug dispensing boxes. The apparatus includes a main conveyor on which the dispensed drugs are placed and discharged to a first end thereof, and an auxiliary conveyor configured to be hidden at a lower portion of the first end of the main conveyor or to be expanded outside of the first end so as to increase a discharging path of the dispensed drugs. Due to the auxiliary conveyor, when the drugs are discharged or are redelivered to another apparatus, it is possible to control the drugs to fall down to a desired position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262690 | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ANTICIPATING AND DELIVERING MEDICATIONS FROM A CENTRAL PHARMACY TO A PATIENT USING A TRACK BASED TRANSPORT SYSTEM - Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medication within a healthcare facility. An example system for connecting sections of a track having an electrically conductive bus bar may include a first end cap including an alignment ridge, where the first end cap is received at the end of a first track section having a first bus bar, and a second end cap having an alignment channel, where the second end cap is received at the end of a second track section having a second bus bar. The alignment ridge may be configured to be received within the alignment channel when the first track section and the second track section are out of alignment, and in response to the first track section being brought into alignment with the second track section, the alignment ridge and alignment channel cooperate to draw the first and second bus bar into contact. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262691 | Apparatus for Substrate Transportation Using Electrostatic Floating - The intent of this invention is to provide an apparatus for substrate transportation that is to carry the substrate without any mechanical contact when the substrate is required to be transported in various manufacturing processes including semiconductor, display and the like. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262692 | CONVEYER BELT FOR ROUND PRODUCE - A conveyer belt having a plurality of raised crescent shaped protrusions extending upward from its flat body and arranged in an array of aligned vertical columns and horizontal rows. Each protrusion has rounded surfaces with no sharp edges, which helps prevent damage to produce as the produce falls upon the conveyer belt. The crescent shape of the protrusions along with the sloped and rounded surfaces form a plurality of pockets spaced and staggered across the conveying surface of the conveyer belt. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262693 | WINCH DRUM TENSION ISOLATION SYSTEM - A winch drum tension isolation system includes a winch drum including an outwardly extending flange, the flange including a plurality of holes spaced along the flange. The winch drum tension isolation system also includes a locking mechanism positioned proximate the winch drum and including a locking member engageable with the flange. The locking member is movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in one of the plurality of holes to prevent rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is spaced apart from the flange to permit rotation of the winch drum. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262694 | CONVEYOR HAVING A CATENARY IN THE RETURN PATH - Curved conveyors are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a curved conveyor includes a first end and a second end. Items to be conveyed are received onto the conveyor at the first end and the items to be conveyed are removed from the conveyor at the second end. The conveyor forms an arc between the first end and the second end. A continuous belt rotates between the first end and the second end along the arc of the curved conveyor. The belt has a forward path during its travel from the first end to the second end and a return path during its travel from the second end to the first end. A chain is attached to the belt wherein the chain forms a catenary in at least a portion of the return path. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262695 | HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEM - A conveyor belt system drive has at least one drive at the head drum or head drums. At least one non-driven relieving roller is arranged in a vicinity of each of the driven upper belt middle rollers. A device brings the driven upper belt middle rollers into a position spaced a distance from the belt. The driven upper belt middle rollers can be removed from the belt for maintenance operations or replacement. It is not necessary to stop the conveyor belt system in case of a defect of a driven upper belt middle roller to repair or replace same. The non-driven relieving roller advantageously assumes the support function of the driven upper belt middle roller, when this is located in the position spaced at a distance from the belt. The driving power of the conveyor belt system is dimensioned such that failure a driven upper belt middle roller can be compensated. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262696 | BELT HAVING EMBEDDED TENSION MEMBERS - In a force transmission belt or a conveyor belt, in particular a toothed belt, having a main belt body or a cord embedding zone made of a customary belt elastomer ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140262697 | POSITIVE DRIVE BALANCED MESH BELT SYSTEM - A compound balanced woven-wire conveyor belt including a plurality of interwoven helically-wound spirals and connector rods, and a plurality of spiral wires forming protruding tangs on a surface of the woven-wire belt. A conveyor system further includes at least one rotatable member including an outer cylindrical surface symmetrically disposed relative to a central axis of rotation of the rotatable member and a plurality of cavities on the outer cylindrical surface for engaging the protruding tangs of the woven-wire belt, each of the protruding tangs substantially corresponding to the cavities of the rotatable member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262698 | Conveyor Belt and Platform for Conveyor Belt - A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. One end of the rail member has an undercut portion defining an extension, and the other end of the rail member defines a slot, the slot and extension being complimentarily sized. The slot has a bottom edge located above the upper surface of the platform member. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262699 | Thermoforming Chain Rail Having Compact Anti-Torque Chain Support - A thermoformable web chain rail assembly is provided having a chain and a chain rail. The chain has a series of alternating and interconnected roller links and pin links. The pin links include at least one pin extending through an adjacent one of the roller links and the pin links. A terminal portion of the pin extends beyond the roller link and the pin link with a roller affixed for rotation about the terminal portion of the pin for each of the at least one pins. The chain rail has an upper conveying raceway and a lower return raceway. The upper raceway includes a first linear guide surface provided beneath the first roller of each chain link and a second linear guide surface provided above the second roller of each chain link. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262700 | CONVEYOR UNDERGUARD - A conveyor underguard that is adapted for use with a conveyor having a pair of spaced apart side channels, each having a lower flange and a plurality of openings on each flange, includes a guard surface and a pair of mounting members, each extending outwardly generally parallel to the guard surface and defining fastener openings. The fastener openings are spaced apart in a manner that aligns with the through-openings of the conveyor. A pair of side members connect the guard surface with the mounting members in a manner that offsets the guard surface from the mounting members away from each flange. The conveyor underguard is defined by a polymeric material body having a planar body pan integrally connected to opposed first and second side walls and to first and second end walls. A first side flange is integrally connected to the first side wall and extends for an entire length of the first side wall. A second side flange is integrally connected to the second side wall and extends for an entire length of the second side wall. Multiple mounting flanges are integrally connected to and extend away from each of the first and second side flanges. Each of the mounting flanges has an elongated aperture. Multiple equally spaced and parallel slots are created in a surface of the body pan. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262701 | CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB TO ROTARY ENCODER USER INTERFACE - A cycle selector knob to rotary encoder user interface for the operation of an appliance has a knob for rotating a shaft of a rotary encoder wherein the shaft is received by a control panel barrel to provide radial and thrust bearing surfaces. The knob has an axial boss dimensioned to affix to the shaft and bear against the radial bearing surface of the barrel and a shoulder to bear against the thrust bearing surface of the barrel. The control panel is secured to a console so that radial and thrust forces of the knob are directed via the radial and thrust bearing surfaces only to the console through the control panel. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262702 | Circuit Breaker Lockout Devices and Methods - Circuit breaker lockout devices are disclosed that effectively lock one or more circuit breakers in a circuit breaker panel in a safe or open circuit position. Embodiments of the circuit breaker lockout devices are robust, utilize few loose parts, and are easily installed. The devices are also short in profile, thereby allowing them to be installed in a circuit breaker panel having minimal clearance between the circuit breakers and a closed panel door cover. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262703 | INTERLOCK SYSTEM FOR SWITCHGEAR - An interlock system for a circuit-interrupting device. The circuit-interrupting device includes a gearbox, a load-breaker in series with a visible disconnect, and an assembly driving the visible disconnect between an open state and a closed state. The interlock system includes a cam and a bias-driven follower. The cam is coupled to a shaft and is driven by the shaft between a first cam state when the load-breaker is in an open state and a second cam state when the load-breaker is in a closed state. The bias-driven follower has a first follower state when the cam is in the first cam state and has a second follower state when the cam is in the second cam state. In the second follower state, the bias-driven follower blocks movement of at least one component of the assembly. The cam and the bias-driver follower are positioned inside the gearbox. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262704 | Sandwich-Type Tilt Switch - A tilt switch includes an insulated housing with two housing halves cooperatively defining an accommodation chamber and a plurality of positioning grooves formed in a surface of at least one housing half around the accommodation chamber. A plurality of conductive terminals are sandwiched between the housing halves. Each conductive terminal has a plate member positioned in a respective positioning groove, and a contact portion extending into the accommodation chamber. A conductive body is disposed in the accommodation chamber and is movable between a closed circuit state that bridges the contact portions of at least two conductive terminals and an open circuit state that does not bridge the contact portions of any two conductive terminals. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262705 | PADDLE SWITCH SYSTEM - A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a cover coupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of the paddle. The electrical switch comprises a dome switch and the paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262706 | ON/OFF DETECTING BUCKLE SWITCH - An ON/OFF detecting buckle switch includes: a case in a housing shape; a slider insertion port equipped in an upper face of the case; a support portion equipped in an inner side face of the case; a fixed terminal provided with a notched portion in one end in a strip shape and the other end fixed to the inner side face of the case; a movable terminal in a strip shape having one area fixed to the support portion; a slider provided with a terminal press portion that projects inside the case penetrating through the slider insertion port of the case and the notched portion of the fixed terminal, and when pressed down, presses down an end of the movable terminal; a spring that biases the slider upward; and bent portions in a hook shape in the notched portion of the fixed terminal and an end of the movable terminal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262707 | NANOWIRE-BASED MECHANICAL SWITCHING DEVICE - Nanowire-based mechanical switching devices are described. For example, a nanowire relay includes a nanowire disposed in a void disposed above a substrate. The nanowire has an anchored portion and a suspended portion. A first gate electrode is disposed adjacent the void, and is spaced apart from the nanowire. A first conductive region is disposed adjacent the first gate electrode and adjacent the void, and is spaced apart from the nanowire. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262708 | SINGLE-POLE SWITCHING UNIT AND SWITCHGEAR DEVICE COMPRISING ONE SUCH UNIT - The invention relates to a single-pole switching unit ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140262709 | HEAT REDUCING TERMINALS INCLUDING A SURFACE HAVING PROTRUSIONS AND ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A terminal includes a fastener; a conductor member having a plurality of protrusions on a surface thereof facing the fastener; and a collar member. The collar member includes first, second, third and fourth surfaces, a tapped opening on the first surface engaging the fastener, and a conduit between the second and third surfaces. The tapped opening intersects and coincides with the conduit and is normal thereto. The fourth surface is opposite the first surface and contains another opening that intersects and coincides with the conduit. The other opening receives the conductor member. The protrusions and the surface of the conductor member are structured to engage a stranded conductor having a plurality of individual solid conductors. The fastener is structured to engage the stranded conductor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262710 | SWITCH GUARD FOR RESTRICTING THE OPERATION OF A ROCKER TYPE ELECTRIC WALL SWITCH - An electrical rocker wall switch guard that is sized to fit over an electrical rocker wall switch where the electrical rocker wall switch guard has a main body sized to fit over a rocker arm of an electrical rocker wall switch; at least one aperture; and a circumferential skirt that extends downwardly from the main body and extends completely around the main body, the circumferential skirt having integrally formed portions at a first end and a second end of the electrical rocker wall switch guard that provide an attachment structure that permits removable attachment of the electrical rocker wall switch guard to an electrical rocker wall switch using screw receiving fittings that are provided in the electrical rocker wall switch for a decorative or protective wall plate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262711 | SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR DISCONNECT OPERATOR - A sealed switch assembly for use with a disconnect operator movable between an on state, a tripped state, and an off state. The disconnect operator housed within a sealed enclosure. The switch assembly includes a housing sealed to the enclosure to inhibit ingress of solids and liquids therebetween. A handle is coupled to the disconnect operator and is disposed at least partially within the housing. The handle is sealed to the housing to inhibit ingress of solids and liquids therebetween, and is moveable between an on position and an off position. A low-friction trip indicator mechanism operates independent of the handle to indicate when the disconnect operator is in the tripped state. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262712 | WATER-PROOF BUTTON ASSEMBLY AND OBJECT WITH THE WATER-PROOF BUTTON ASSEMBLY - A water-proof button assembly includes a seat, a sealing member, a button and a contact member. The seat has an opening and an inward protrusion extends inward from the inside of the opening. The sealing member is installed in the opening and has a through hole which is defined by an outer portion. The outer portion contacts the inward protrusion of the seat. The diameter of the outer portion is larger than the diameter of the button. The contact member is located corresponding to the button and contacts the inward protrusion. When the button is pressed, the force pushes the sealing member to contact against the inside of the opening of the seat to enhance the sealing effect between the sealing member and the opening. The sealing member provides a bouncing force for returning the button to the initial position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262713 | WALL SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A wall switch actuator for both remote and local actuation. Switch position is reported to network devices. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262714 | SWITCHGEAR AND SWITCHGEAR OPERATING MECHANISM - A switchgear operating mechanism has: a ratchet wheel that rotates together with a closing shaft; a stop lever that enables contact between an energy storing cam and a roller; a motor that transmits power to a feed lever; a feed pawl; stop pawls that suppresses reverse rotation of the feed pawl; a closing lever that expands/contracts a closing spring; a catch mechanism for energy storage for the closing lever; a closing cam; a stopper unit that suppresses rotation of the stop lever; a first sprocket; second and third sprockets that are capable of rotating together with an intermediate shaft; a fourth sprocket rotatably fastened to an energy storing cam shaft; a first chain that engages with the first and second sprockets; and a second chain that engages with the third and fourth sprockets. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262715 | KEYFRAME MODULES FOR A FLEXIBLE KEYBOARD - Embodiments provide a flexible keyboard including a flexible skin layer and a set of key frame modules coupled to one side of the flexible skin layer. The flexible skin layer can be made of at least one of polyurethane or polyester. The keyframe module can include a metal support plate for conducting a signal and a key structure situated over the metal support plate for providing tactile feedback when the key frame module is actuated. A plastic key cap structure can be situated over the dome structure. The flexible skin layer can be coupled to the plastic key cap. The key structure can be a dome structure where the flexible skin layer is a rubber or a fabric skin layer. The key structure can be a scissors key structure where the flexible skin layer is a rubber skin layer. Flexible key caps can be molded to the flexible skin layer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262716 | TOUCHSURFACE ASSEMBLY HAVING KEY GUIDES FORMED IN A SHEET METAL COMPONENT - Methods and apparatus for a touchsurface assembly such as a key assembly are described. The touchsurface assembly includes a sheet metal component having ramps formed therein and a keycap having ramp contacting features and a touchsurface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap toward a pressed position. The ramp contacting features contact at least one of the ramps in the sheet metal component while the keycap moves toward the pressed position, the ramps guiding the keycap to move in a second direction orthogonal to the press direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262717 | ANTI-TILT AND ROTATION TECHNIQUES FOR A TOUCHSURFACE ASSEMBLY HAVING TRANSLATING KEYS - The key assembly comprises a keycap having a touchsurface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position. The keycap has first and second ramp contacting features comprising first and second angular protrusions. The first and second angular protrusions have first and second protrusion angles relative to first and second side portions of the keycap (respectively). The key assembly also comprises a base having first and second ramps that contact the first and second ramp contacting features and guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. The base has first and second angular features configured to contact the first and second angular protrusions of the first and second ramp contacting features (respectively) to resist rotation of the keycap as the keycap moves toward the pressed position. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262718 | PUSH BUTTON SWITCH - A push button switch comprises a base, a plurality of contact plates, a switching assembly, and a push button assembly. The base has a first cavity with a plurality of first, second, and third conductive terminals assembled therein. A length of the first conductive terminal is greater than that of the second and third conductive terminals. The contact plate is of a planar structure or has an extending structure. The switching assembly has a switching body with a displacement-restricting guiding trench and a plurality of second cavities and a plurality of switching units. The switching units are respectively arranged in the second cavities and push against the contact plates. The push button assembly is connected to the base and has a pushing element and a first elastic unit. The pushing element pushes against the displacement-restricting guiding trench and the first elastic unit is assembled to the pushing element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262719 | KEY STRUCTURE - A key structure includes a bottom board having first holes, a membrane circuit board disposed on the bottom board and having second holes that are registered with the first holes, an elastic layer disposed on the membrane circuit board and having third holes that are registered with the second holes, a securing frame, and a key cap. The securing frame is disposed on the elastic layer and has securing members, each extending through a registered set of the third, second and first holes and having an abutting portion abutting against a bottom side of the bottom board to secure the elastic layer, the membrane circuit board, and the bottom board together and closing liquid-tightly the third, second, and first holes. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262720 | Sealed Switch Apparatus and Systems and Methods for Using the Same - A sealed switch apparatus and systems and methods for using the same are disclosed. A sealed switch apparatus may include a sealed contact structure and a switch mechanism operable to apply a force to the switch mechanism to trigger a switch event. The sealed contact structure may include a sealing layer operative to seal electrical contacts disposed within the contact structure from external debris and to transfer the force applied from the switch mechanism to at least one of the electrical contacts. The transferred force may deflect that electrical contact to interact with another one of the electrical contacts, and the deflection may provide tactile feedback to a user. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262721 | TOUCH KEYBOARD WITH IMPROVED STRUCTURE - A touch keyboard with an improved structure is disclosed. The touch keyboard includes a keyboard casing and an inductive circuit layer. The keyboard casing has a front surface and a rear surface; the front surface has a keyboard key assembly composed of a plurality of touch keyboard keys. The touch keyboard keys are integrally formed with the keyboard casing and projected from the front surface of the keyboard casing. The inductive circuit layer is formed on the rear surface of the keyboard casing and is used to detect touching and sliding operations from the user. The touch keyboard keys are projected from the front surface of the keyboard casing so as to identify positions of the touch keyboard keys without fixing user's eyes on the keyboard and increase touching feeling. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262722 | IN-MOLDED RESISTIVE AND SHIELDING ELEMENTS - An article of manufacture having an in-molded resistive and/or shielding element and method of making the same are shown and described. In one disclosed method, a resistive and/or shielding element is printed on a film. The film is formed to a desired shape and put in an injection mold. A molten plastic material is introduced into the injection mold to form a rigid structure that retains the film. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262723 | PNEUMATIC DETECTOR INTEGRATED ALARM AND FAULT SWITCH - An integrated switch to indicate pressure changes in an environment includes a housing with a cavity between a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion, a first diaphragm held in the cavity of the housing to indicate fault conditions, and a second diaphragm held in the cavity of the housing to indicate alarm conditions. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262724 | Delayed Coking Drum Quench Overflow Systems and Methods - Delayed coking drum quench overflow systems and methods, which relate to removing hydrocarbon particulates from an overflow stream in a delayed coking drum quench operation. In one embodiment, an improved overflow system incorporates one or more filters to remove hydrocarbon particulates from the system before passing through a conventional closed blowdown system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262725 | SIMULTANEOUS PYROLYSIS AND COMMUNITION FOR FUEL FLEXIBLE GASIFICATION AND PYROLYSIS - A biomass thermal conversion system including a fixed bed drying zone; a fixed bed pyrolysis zone fluidly connected to the drying zone; a combustion zone fluidly connected to the pyrolysis zone by a material path; and a comminution mechanism arranged across the material path between the pyrolysis zone and the combustion zone, configured to grind char off a pyrolyzed surface of solid biomass and reduce a dimension of the solid biomass below a threshold size. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262726 | HORIZONTAL HEAT RECOVERY COKE OVENS HAVING MONOLITH CROWNS - The present technology is generally directed to horizontal heat recovery coke ovens having monolith crowns. In some embodiments, an HHR coke oven includes a monolith crown that spans the width of the oven between opposing oven sidewalls. The monolith expands upon heating and contracts upon cooling as a single structure. In further embodiments, the crown comprises a thermally volume-stable material. In various embodiments, the monolith and thermally-volume-stable features can be used in combination or alone. These designs can allow the oven to be turned down below traditionally feasible temperatures while maintaining the structural integrity of the crown. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262727 | Rapid Production of Hydrothermally Carbonized Biomass via Reactive Twin-Screw Extrusion - A system for the production of carbonized biomass that includes an infeed for accepting biomass feed material and an associated twin screw extruder. A water heater is connected with respect to at least one inlet along a length of the twin screw extruder and a pressure sustaining valve is connected at an outlet of the twin screw extruder. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262728 | PYROLYSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a pyrolysis machine that includes a reactor tube configured to conduct pyrolysis on plastic feedstock, wherein the reactor tube is made of a steel material. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of ceramic band heaters located in the reactor tube configured to heat the steel material of the reactor tube. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of resistance coils located in the ceramic heaters configured to heat the ceramic heaters. Further, the pyrolysis machine includes a temperature sensor located in the reactor tube and a controller configured to regulate the temperature of the ceramic band heaters. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262729 | HEAT TRANSFER BETWEEN A DISTILLATION COLUMN AND A TEMPERATURE SOURCE - A heat pipe is configured relative to a distillation column to adjust one or more conditions in the distillation column. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262730 | MOBILE MECHANICAL VAPOR RECOMPRESSION EVAPORATOR - A mobile mechanical vapor recompression evaporator system including a horizontal vapor separator and a horizontal forced circulation heat exchanger. The horizontal vapor separator can include a generally cylindrical housing configured in a generally horizontal orientation. The housing can include at least one product chamber having at least one product passage configured to receive at least one product. The housing further includes at least one vapor chamber having at least one vapor passage and at least one vapor window located between the at least one product chamber and the at least one vapor chamber, wherein a portion of the at least one product evaporates in the product chamber to produce a vapor that passes through the at least one vapor window into the at least one vapor chamber, and is discharged through the at least one vapor passage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262731 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING SELECTIVELY DE-COUPLEABLE CONNECTIONS FOR MODULAR INSTALLATION OF A COKE DRUM - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a coke drum module, the coke drum module includes a support frame. A coke drum is disposed within the support frame. A strut is removably connected to the support frame and the coke drum. The strut becomes unloaded responsive to the coke drum contacting a support pad. The coke drum module further includes a compression member removably connected to the support frame and the coke drum. The compression member is oriented generally perpendicularly to the strut. A rigid connection is present between the coke drum and the support frame during transportation of the coke drum module. Upon removal of the strut and the compression member, the rigid connection is not present. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262732 | ONSITE ULTRA HIGH PURITY CHEMICALS OR GAS PURIFICATION - An onsite purification plant/system to delivery high and ultra high purity product, such as, process chemicals, industrial and specialty gases to manufacturing processes within the onsite plant turndown ratio from 0% to 100% while preserving the predetermined purity of the supplied substances within a predefined specification range is provided. Preserving liquid/vapor ratio in at least one of the purification means/units ensuring that product purity range stays unchanged is achieved by redirecting the product back into the onsite purification plant/system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262733 | CAUSTIC TREATMENT OF FORMALDEHYDE RECYCLE COLUMN FEED - An improved method for removing formaldehyde from a crude butynediol product stream comprising the step of providing a crude butynediol stream containing butynediol and formaldehyde. A pH control agent is then mixed with the crude butynediol stream to form a treated product stream, wherein the pH of the treated product stream is raised to a level that limits the reaction of butynediol and formaldehyde to form acetal complex and decrease the solubility of trace metals. The treated product stream then flows into the inlet of a continuous distillation column. Finally, a concentrated formaldehyde stream from the overhead stream of the distillation column and a concentrated butynediol stream from the distillation bottoms stream that is essentially free of formaldehyde and acetal complex are both recovered. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262734 | Process for Treating Brine Recovered From a Coal Seam Gas Operation - A method is provided for treating brine recovered from a coal seam gas operation. The process entails directing brine recovered from a coal seam gas operation to a mixed reactor and mixing an alkaline earth reagent with the brine. This results in the precipitation of alkaline earth salts and silica, which form alkaline earth salt crystals having silica adsorbed thereto. Thereafter, the alkaline earth salt crystals and adsorbed silica are directed to an evaporator that produces a concentrate having the alkaline earth salt crystals and adsorbed silica. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262735 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING CONTAMINATED WATER - A water treatment system including a filter, an aerator, a hydrogen absorption manifold, a first treatment container, a second treatment container, a boiler, a superheater, a fractional distillation separator and a condenser. The filter is adapted for removing chloride ions and transmutated chlorine ions; while the hydrogen absorptive manifold is designed for absorbing hydrogen ions and reducing the pH of the water. The boiler and superheater may be utilized to convert the water to a superheated steam, while the fractional distillation separator is adapted for condensing and separating elements, including radioactive elements, from the superheated steam. A method for treating contaminated water using the water treatment system is also provided. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262736 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECYCLING WATER VAPOR EVAPORATED FROM COAL DRYING WITH VACUUM CONDENSING PROCESS - A method is provided for purifying and recycling water vapor from a coal drying process and device which employ temperature reduction and dehumidifying, a flash distillation, and vacuum condensation. With a condensed tower, a high humidity exhaust gas is preliminarily lowered in temperature, and condensed water of 5˜60° C. is pumped, are received, vapor-liquid reverse contact is performed, and temperature reduction and dehumidifying occurs. With a flash distillation tank and a demisting washer, condensed water of 40˜100° C. pumped by the flash distillation water pump is performed on vacuum flash distillation, water vapor of 5˜60° C. evaporated in the flash distillation tank enters into the demisting washer to be dehumidified and then into a vapor condenser. With a condenser and a water ring vacuum pump, water vapor of 5˜60° C. is condensed through mist eliminating and washing by the demisting washer, condensed water is recycled, and non-condensable gas is discharged. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262737 | WAVE PISTON DESALINATOR - An apparatus and method for desalination use kinetic energy in ocean waves as a power source. The apparatus comprises a wave tank and a condensation tank, the wave tank and condensation tank being connected by two pipes, each with a one-way valve, that produced a cycle of water saturated air from the wave tank to the condensation tank with a return of relatively desaturated air back to the wave tank following condensation of water. The wave tank captures the up and down motion of the waves and converts it to a pumping action. Air inside the wave tank is compressed when a wave comes in and has a negative pressure when the wave recedes. A saline water spray is introduced during wave troughs. Water evaporates into the negative pressure air hydrating the air. When the next wave comes in the water level rises inside the wave tank pressurizing the air. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262738 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECYCLING AND PURIFYING WATER VAPOR FROM COAL DRYING PROCESS - A method and device are provided for purifying and recycling water vapor from a coal drying process. Included are a temperature-lowering and dehumidifying process, a flash distillation stripping process, and a vacuum condensing process. A condensing tower receives a temperature-lowered exhaust gas with high humidity from a cooling tube and a condensed water of 5˜60° C. from a flash distillation tank, allowing the exhaust gas and the condensed water to contact each other in a vapor-liquid reverse manner, to lower the temperature and dehumidify the exhaust gas. The flash distillation tank performs a vacuum flash distillation to the condensing water pumped therein from the condensing tower. Water vapor of 5˜60° C. evaporated through flash distillation in the flash distillation tank enters into the demisting washer to be dehumidified and then is condensed. The condensed water in the vapor condenser is transferred into a recycled water tank. Non-condensable gas is discharged out. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262739 | METHOD OF FORMING UNDERGROUND CAVERN AND DESALINIZATION PROCESS - Embodiments relate to techniques for forming underground caverns, and also to desalinization processes that may be employed in conjunction therewith. Particular embodiments form a salt cavern by introducing heated water into a salt formation, followed by removal of the resulting brine to leave a salt cavern. The injected water is provided as a result of a desalinization process of the brine. Concentrated brine resulting from the desalinization process, is used to form a solar pond whose stored thermal energy provides the heat source for the injected water. The resulting underground cavern may be employed to house large volumes of materials such as pressurized natural gas, liquid hydrocarbons, or compressed gas for energy storage. Also disclosed is a particular desalinization process based upon a Regenerative Evaporative Distiller (RED) structure, which efficiently leverages low grade heat available from the solar pond by relying primarily upon a latent heat of evaporation and condensation. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262740 | SEPARATION OF IMPURITIES DURING EXTRACTION PROCESSES - A process for the removal of sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream is disclosed. The process includes extractive distillation of a feed stock coupled with a solvent recovery column having a vapor side draw containing the sulfur compound impurities. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262741 | HEAT TRANSFER IN DISTILLATION COLUMNS - A heat pipe is configured relative to a distillation column to adjust one or more conditions in the distillation column. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262742 | Substrate for Increased Efficiency of Semiconductor Photocatalysts - A high surface area grid having two mesh sheets aligned in opposite direction to each other is disclosed. One mesh sheet may be horizontally aligned while the other may be vertically aligned. Piezoelectric actuators may be attached along the sides of each wire sheet, employing piezoelectric actuators to allow a precise control of the displacement of the wires. High surface area grid may be employed in the formation of a photoactive material, where semiconductor photocatalysts may be deposited onto high surface area grid. Photoactive material may be employed for a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications such as water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction. Employing a high surface area grid with the capability of dynamically-controlled dimensions may increase efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts on its surface. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262743 | System for Harvesting Oriented Light for Water Splitting and Carbon Dioxide Reduction - A photosynthetic system for splitting water to produce hydrogen and using the produced hydrogen for the reduction of carbon dioxide into methane is disclosed. The disclosed photosynthetic system employs photoactive materials that include oriented photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals (PCCN) within their composition, in order to harvest sunlight and obtain the energy necessary for water splitting and subsequent carbon dioxide reduction processes. The photosynthetic system may also include elements necessary to transfer water produced in the carbon dioxide reduction process, for subsequent use in water splitting process. The systems may also include elements necessary to store oxygen and collect and transfer methane for subsequent transformation of methane into energy. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262744 | FORMATION OF ALCOHOLS AND CARBONYL COMPOUNDS FROM HEXANE AND CYCLOHEXANE WITH WATER IN A LIQUID FILM PLASMA REACTOR - The activation of the C—H bond using low temperature plasma with an inlet liquid stream such that value added products are formed effectively. An organic liquid (e.g., hexane which is immiscible with liquid water) is injected into a flowing gas (argon) stream followed by mixing with a liquid water stream. Thereafter, the mixture contacts a plasma region formed by a pulsed electric discharge. The plasma formed with the flowing liquid and gas between the two electrodes causes chemical reactions that generate various compounds. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262745 | ENHANCEMENT OF BINDING CHARACTERISTICS FOR PRODUCTION OF AN AGGLOMERATED PRODUCT - A method is provided for preparing a product from a precursor material. The method includes the steps of (a) mixing a particulate material and a binder to form a precursor material and (b) irradiating that precursor material with microwave radiation so as to activate the binder and form the product. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262746 | Toroidal plasma Abatement Apparatus and Method - An apparatus for abatement of gases is provided. The apparatus includes a toroidal plasma chamber having a plurality of inlets and an outlet, and at least one chamber wall. One or more magnetic cores are disposed relative to the toroidal plasma chamber. The plasma chamber confines a toroidal plasma. A second gas inlet is positioned on the toroidal plasma chamber between a first gas inlet and the gas outlet at a distance d from the gas outlet, such that a toroidal plasma channel volume between the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet in the is substantially filled by the inert gas, the distance d based on a desired residence time of the gas to be abated. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262747 | Process and Apparatus for Functionalizing and/or Separating Graphene Particles and Other Nanomaterials - Process and apparatus for functionalizing and/or separating graphene particles and other nanomaterials in which graphene and other nanoparticles are placed in a pile on one of two opposing conductive surfaces that are charged with a high D.C. voltage so that material of a certain character is attracted to the other conducting surface. This process takes place in an enclosed chamber that has been flooded with a designated gas at ambient pressure, with the material attracted to the second conducting surface passing through the designated gas. The high energy field creates a condition such that the material remaining on the first conductive surface takes on atoms of the designated gas and material the going to the second surface is further exposed to and characterized by the designated gas. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262748 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE PRETREATMENT AND/OR FOR THE COATING OF AN ARTICLE IN A VACUUM CHAMBER WITH A HIPIMS POWER SOURCE - An apparatus for the pretreatment and/or for the coating of an article in a vacuum chamber having at least one cathode arranged therein having at least one HIPIMS power source and also having a device which generates a tunnel-like magnetic field in front of the surface of the cathode, is characterized in that the device is designed in order to generate the tunnel-like magnetic field in front of a portion of the surface of the cathode and in that the device is displaceable relative to the cathode to allow the magnetic field to act in front of at least one further portion of the surface of the cathode. The device can consist of permanent magnets, which are displaced relative to the cathode, or of magnetic field generating coils, which can be movably arranged or stationary. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262749 | Methods of Plasma Surface Treatment in a PVD Chamber - Combinatorial processing of a substrate comprising site-isolated sputter deposition and site-isolated plasma processing can be performed in a same process chamber. The process chamber, configured to perform sputter deposition and plasma processing, comprises a grounded shield having at least an aperture disposed above the substrate to form a small, dark space gap to reduce or eliminate any plasma formation within the gap. The plasma processing may include plasma etching or plasma surface treatment. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262750 | Sputtering Devices and Methods - The invention provides devices and methods for depositing uniform coatings using cylindrical magnetron sputtering. The devices and methods of the invention are useful in depositing coatings on non-cylindrical workpiece surfaces. An assembly of electromagnets located within the bore of a hollow cylindrical emitter is used to form a magnetic field exterior to and near the exterior surface of the emitter. The magnet assembly configuration is selected to provide a magnetic field configuration compatible with the workpiece surface contour. The electromagnet assembly may be a plurality of magnet units, each unit having at least one electromagnet. The magnetic field strength from each magnet unit is separately and electrically adjustable. Each electromagnet in the assembly has a coil of electrically conducting material surrounding a specially shaped core of magnetic material. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262751 | PLASMA EMISSION MONITOR AND PROCESS GAS DELIVERY SYSTEM - A gas manifold for delivery gas to a sputtering chamber is provided with ports to accommodate plasma emission monitors to monitor plasma information in the sputtering chamber to provide feedback control. The collimators of the plasma emission monitors is exposed to gas flow and thus coating of the monitor is greatly reduced. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262752 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING LOW-PARTICLE LAYERS ON SUBSTRATES - The invention relates to methods and devices for producing one or more low-particle layers on substrates in a vacuum. The layers are deposited onto the substrate from a cylindrical source material, optionally together with a reactive gas component, by means of magnetron sputtering. The layer is deposited against the force of gravity in a sputter-up method. During the method or within the device, the structure or stochiometric atomic composition of the layers can optionally be modified using a plasma source. Multiple sputtering sources with different source materials can be provided in the device such that multiple layers of different compositions can be applied on the substrate at a high speed in one process. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262753 | SEPARATION OF FUNCTION-BASED THIN-FILM DEPOSITION SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR SYNTHESIS OF COMPLEX MATERIALS - A thin-film deposition system and method based on separating the function of multiple material sources by locating the sources in separate chambers partitioned by a partition wall, and providing a substrate conveyer, such as a rotating platform, to cyclically convey a substrate between the partitioned chambers so that the materials from the separated sources are serially introduced to the substrate per cycle in isolation of each other for layer-by-layer deposition and/or reaction on the substrate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262754 | PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO FORM SEMICONDUCTOR FILMS USING COUNTERBALANCE MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATORS - Embodiments relate generally to semiconductor device fabrication and processes, and more particularly, to systems and methods that implement magnetic field generators configured to generate rotating magnetic fields to facilitate physical vapor deposition (“PVD”). In one embodiment, a system generates a first portion of a magnetic field adjacent a first circumferential portion of a substrate, and can generate a second portion of the magnetic field adjacent to a second circumferential portion of the substrate. The second circumferential portion is disposed at an endpoint of a diameter that passes through an axis of rotation to another endpoint of the diameter at which the first circumferential portion resides. The second peak magnitude can be less than the first peak magnitude. The system rotates the first and second portions of the magnetic fields to decompose a target material to form a plasma adjacent the substrate. The system forms a film upon the substrate | 2014-09-18 |
20140262755 | UV-ASSISTED REACTIVE ION ETCH FOR COPPER - In some embodiments, a plasma etching apparatus is provided for etching copper that includes (1) a chamber body having a process chamber adapted to receive a substrate; (2) an RF source coupled to an RF electrode; (3) a pedestal located in the processing chamber and adapted to support a substrate; and (4) a UV source configured to delivery UV light to the processing chamber during at least a portion of an etch process performed within the plasma etching apparatus. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262756 | ANODE ASSEMBLY WITH SAND BACKFILL FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME FOR ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANK APPLICATIONS - An anode assembly and method for installing it in a cathodic protection system for an aboveground storage tank is disclosed. The anode assembly basically comprises an elongated electrically conductive anode, a fabric housing and sand backfill. The fabric housing is a hollow member in which the sand is located and through which the anode extends. The anode includes portions extending out of the housing for connection to the cathodic protection system. The anode assembly is arranged to be installed on a flat prepared surface below the bottom of the storage tank, whereupon the anode assembly's weight hold it flat on that surface without the need for staking or other means to hold the assembly flat. The ground with the anode assembly can then be backfilled to the level of the bottom of the storage tank. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262757 | FILTER STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF FILTRATION FOR HYDROGEN ON DEMAND ELECTROLYSIS FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A filter structure and method of filtration is disclosed for use in an electrolysis fuel cell system that is designed to produce hydrogen and oxygen (HHO) gas on-demand and to supply these gasses into the combustion chambers of internal combustion engines. The filter separates residual fluids and byproducts from HHO gas that is generated by the hydrogen on demand system, and is designed to be utilized with an electrolyte fluid reservoir; a pump and heat exchanger; and a uniquely-configured electrolyzer. The filter structure is multi-stage, and the disclosed method involves porting the HHO gas and byproducts through each filter stage separately to accomplish improved filtration. | 2014-09-18 |
20140262758 | END PRESSURE PLATE FOR ELECTROLYSERS - An end pressure plate is provided for an electrochemical cell stack or an electrolyser module. The end pressure plates comprise a load transfer plate for maintaining even pressure over the faces of the structural plates, and a backing plate for supporting load transferred from the load transfer plate. | 2014-09-18 |