Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090023056 | BATTERY PACK THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A battery pack thermal management system for use in an electric car. The battery pack thermal management system includes a plurality of thermistors connected to a plurality of cells of a battery pack. A battery monitor board is connected to the thermistors. The system also includes a manifold and a plurality of cooling tubes connected to the manifold. A tube seal plug is arranged over an end of the cooling tube and an end fitting is arranged on an end of the cooling tube. The thermal management system will cool the battery pack to predetermined temperatures to increase the longevity of the battery pack within the electric vehicle. | 01-22-2009 |
20100308195 | SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A support assembly for supporting a remotely-controlled instrument driver, including a first member, a second member for supporting the instrument driver, and an interface assembly for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a first axis, and for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a second axis that forms an angle relative to the first axis, wherein the interface assembly comprises a ball that is rotatable relative to the first member, and a shaft extending through the ball, the shaft configured for coupling to the second member. | 12-09-2010 |
20110230896 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238083 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 09-29-2011 |
20120004668 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 01-05-2012 |
20120065467 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 03-15-2012 |
20120209174 | Robotic catheter system and methods - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 08-16-2012 |
20120296161 | BALLOON VISUALIZATION FOR TRAVERSING A TISSUE WALL - Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall. | 11-22-2012 |
20130231679 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 09-05-2013 |
20140081292 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 03-20-2014 |
20140296875 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other. | 10-02-2014 |
20150157412 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 06-11-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080236951 | OIL SCAVENGE SYSTEM HAVING CHURNING DAMPER FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES - An oil scavenge system of a gas turbine engine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing defined about an axis of rotation, the housing confining an air/oil mixture in motion within the housing and defining an oil scavenge area below the axis of rotation. The housing further includes an outlet at a low location of the housing. A churning damper is supported within the housing and is located in the oil scavenge area. The churning damper includes at least one plate, allowing the air/oil mixture in motion to pass over or through the plate only in a peripheral area of the at least one plate to cause flow energy dissipation. | 10-02-2008 |
20090101444 | GAS TURBINE OIL SCAVENGING SYSTEM - A method for scavenging oil in a gas turbine engine comprises using a driving fluid flow to drive a flow of a fluid collected in an oil system of the engine to pass through an ejector and then the driven flow of the fluid is directed to be discharged into an oil tank. | 04-23-2009 |
20100272556 | LOAD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE - There is provided an axial bearing load distribution system for a gas turbine engine of the type having a low pressure rotor supported by axial bearings. The system comprises a line having an inlet end positioned in a high-pressure compressor gas path downstream of any compressor stage provided with a variable geometry. The line is adapted to sense static pressure in the high-pressure compressor gas path. The line has an outlet end producing the static pressure. An air-tight pressure actuator is operatively connected to the outlet end and to one of the axial bearings to exert a force on the axial bearing proportionally to a pressure of the outlet end. | 10-28-2010 |
20110067413 | EJECTOR CONTROLLED TWIN AIR SOURCE GAS TURBINE PRESSURIZING AIR SYSTEM - A passive pressurizing air system for a gas turbine engine includes a flow path for directing an air flow having a low temperature and low pressure, extending through a cavity to a pressurized area of the engine. The cavity contains pressurized air having a high temperature and high pressure. An air flow mixing apparatus is provided for adding the pressurized air from the cavity into the flow path to provide a mixed air flow having an intermediate temperature and intermediate pressure. | 03-24-2011 |
20120060508 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE BREATHER EXHAUST OIL COLLECTOR - A gas turbine engine oil system has an air-oil separator for removing air from an air/oil mixture. A breather tube is connected to an exhaust of the air-oil separator for receiving hot air removed from the air/oil mixture in the air-oil separator. The gas turbine engine oil separator exhaust is directed in a cooled oil collector to cause the oil mist remaining in the air at the exit from the engine air-oil separator to condensate. The oil condensate is returned back into the engine oil system. | 03-15-2012 |
20120181113 | OIL SCAVENGE SYSTEM HAVING CHURNING DAMPER FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES - An oil scavenge system of a gas turbine engine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing defined about an axis of rotation, the housing confining an air/oil mixture in motion within the housing and defining an oil scavenge area below the axis of rotation. The housing further includes an outlet at a low location of the housing. A churning damper is supported within the housing and is located in the oil scavenge area. The churning damper includes at least one plate, allowing the air/oil mixture in motion to pass over or through the plate only in a peripheral area of the at least one plate to cause flow energy dissipation. | 07-19-2012 |
20130199152 | TURBINE ENGINE HEAT RECUPERATOR PLATE AND PLATE STACK - A heat recuperator includes a plurality of channel walls composed substantially of thermally-conductive material and supported in spaced-apart relation, defining fluid channels and interstices therebetween. The fluid channels receive at least one primary fluid flow and the interstices receive at least one secondary fluid flow so as to effect heat exchange between the two flows. In use, the plurality of channel walls are deformable by pressure differential between the primary and secondary fluid flows. When at least some of the channel walls are in a deformed state, the plurality of channel walls are stabilized through press fit engagement of mutually opposed contact regions formed in adjacent pairs of the channel walls. | 08-08-2013 |
20130219854 | AIR-COOLED OIL COOLER FOR TURBOFAN ENGINE - A turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a nacelle cowl and a core engine. A bypass duct is between an outer surface of a casing of the core engine, and an inner surface of the nacelle cowl. An air channel is in the nacelle cowl, an inlet and an outlet of the air channel being in an outer surface of the nacelle cowl. An oil cooler has at least one oil passage for oil circulation, the air cooler having a first heat exchange surface in the air channel exposed to air circulating in the air channel, the air channel having a second heat exchange surface in the bypass duct exposed to air circulating in the bypass duct. A method for cooling oil in a turbofan gas turbine engine is also provided. | 08-29-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080227418 | RF radio and method for monitoring multiple channels to acquire warning alert data - An RF radio and a method of monitoring warning alert data is provided. The RF radio includes a radio receiver for receiving broadcast radio wave signals, and a tuner adjustable for selecting radio wave signal channels within AM and FM radio bands and radio wave signal channels within a weather band. The weather band is adapted to provide warning alert data. The radio also includes a controller for controlling the tuner to select a radio wave signal channel within the AM or FM radio band. The controller controls the tuner to periodically switch to the weather band to simultaneously monitor a plurality of weather band channels during an alternate frequency update, and determines presence of warning alert data. The controller further initiates receipt of the warning alert data when such warning alert data is determined to be present. | 09-18-2008 |
20080261549 | Noise blanker circuit and method for removing noise and correcting a signal - A noise blanker circuit and method of removing impulse noise from a signal and correcting the signal is provided. The circuit includes a detection stage, a pulse removal stage, and a pulse removal correction stage. The detection stage includes at least an input that emits an input signal along a first signal path and a second signal path. The first and second signal paths are in communication with a blank pulse generator. The pulse removal stage is in communication with the input and includes at least a sample and hold device that samples and holds the input signal based upon an output of the blank pulse generator. The pulse removal correction stage includes at least a pulse removal device in communication with the detection stage and the pulse removal stage and corrects the input received from the pulse removal stage based upon the output of the blank pulse generator. | 10-23-2008 |
20090029665 | Receiver system and method that detects and attenuates noise in a predetermined frequency range - A receiver system and method for detecting and attenuating noise in a predetermined frequency range. The system includes at least one antenna, at least one filter, at least one automatic gain control device, and at least one processor. The at least one antenna receives at least one signal that includes at least one AM signal. The signal passes through the at least one filter. The at least one automatic gain control device adjusts the gain of the at least one signal to attenuate noise in the at least one signal. The at least one processor performs the steps including detecting when said noise is within a predetermined frequency range, and commanding the at least one automatic gain control device when the detected noise is within the predetermined frequency range, such that the automatic gain control device attenuates the noise that is within the predetermined frequency range. | 01-29-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080214095 | Cutting Tool Sharpener - A tool sharpening assembly ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080274677 | ABRASIVE SLOTTED DISC WITH CONTROLLED AXIAL DISPLACEMENT OF A WORKPIECE - Apparatus and method for sharpening a workpiece, such as a cutting tool. An abrasive disc is rotatable about a disc rotational axis and includes a plurality of spaced apart, radially disposed apertures extending therethrough from a first surface to an opposing second surface of the disc. The first surface is configured to facilitate sharpening of a workpiece by contacting engagement of the workpiece against an abrasive layer adjacent the first surface between adjacent first and second apertures of said plurality. The first surface further induces controlled axial displacement of the workpiece away from the disc as the second aperture approaches the workpiece during disc rotation. The first surface is preferably concave so as to extend into the disc between each adjacent pair of the apertures. Alternatively, the first surface is provided with different compressibilities to induce the controlled axial displacement of the workpiece. | 11-06-2008 |
20110136412 | CUTTING TOOL SHARPENER | 06-09-2011 |
20130324014 | Hand-Held Tool Sharpener With Flexible Abrasive Disk - Apparatus and method for sharpening a cutting tool, such as but not limited to a kitchen knife. In accordance with some embodiments, a flexible abrasive disk is adapted for rotation about a central axis at a selected rotational velocity. Centripetal forces imparted to the disk during rotation urge the disk to a neutral position in which an outer peripheral portion of the disk is extended toward a selected plane. A housing adjacent the flexible disk has a guide slot with a guide surface at a selected bevel angle with respect to the selected plane. The guide surface is adapted to facilitate presentation of a cutting tool in contacting engagement against the disk. The cutting tool is presented at the selected bevel angle to induce curvilinear displacement of the flexible disk during sharpening of a cutting edge that extends along a side of the cutting tool. | 12-05-2013 |
20140024300 | CUTTING TOOL SHARPENER - A tool sharpening assembly suitable for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus has a rotatable abrasive surface, and a tool support structure which contactingly supports a body portion of a tool while a cutting surface of the tool is presented against the abrasive surface during a sharpening operation. A cooling mechanism operates to reduce a temperature of the tool. | 01-23-2014 |
20140199926 | CUTTING TOOL SHARPENER - Method and apparatus for sharpening a cutting tool. In some embodiments, an abrasive endless belt is rotated in tension along a neutral plane between spaced apart first and second rollers. A guide assembly has spaced apart first and second guide surfaces which collectively converge to an intervening base surface to form a guide channel. Upon insertion of a blade of a cutting tool into the guide channel, a selected side of the blade contactingly slides against at least a selected one of the first or second guide surfaces and a first portion of a cutting edge of the blade contactingly engages the base surface to serve as a plunge depth limit stop for the blade. The endless belt is contactingly deflected by a second portion of the cutting edge away from the neutral plane to sharpen the second portion while the first portion remains in contact with the base surface. | 07-17-2014 |
20150079880 | Sharpening a Cutting Edge of a Tool Using a Reverse Sharpening Guide - Apparatus and method for sharpening a tool. In accordance with some embodiments, a selected side surface of the tool is placed in contacting engagement against an upper reverse sharpening guide surface that faces an abrasive surface extending along a first plane. The upper reverse sharpening guide surface is aligned along a second plane that intersects the first plane at an acute angle. A tool cutting edge contactingly engages a non-abrasive support surface disposed between the upper reverse sharpening guide surface and the abrasive surface to establish a plunge depth of the tool prior to contact with the abrasive surface. The tool is thereafter moved away from the upper reverse sharpening guide in a lateral direction across the abrasive surface while nominally maintaining the tool at the acute angle to sharpen the cutting edge in a trailing cutting edge orientation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150343590 | Selectively Deployable Rotatable Edge Guide to Support a Cutting Tool During a Sharpening Operation - Apparatus for sharpening a cutting tool. In some embodiments, a tool sharpener includes an abrasive medium having an abrasive surface. A stationary tool support guide provides a guide surface that supports a side of the tool during presentation of a cutting edge of the tool against the abrasive surface. A rotatable edge guide has a roller member with a curvilinearly extending outer surface. The roller member is rotatable about an edge guide roller axis and is moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the roller member is positioned to engage, via rolling contact, the cutting edge during the presentation of the cutting edge against the abrasive surface. In the retracted position, the roller member is positioned to provide a non-contacting clearing relation with the cutting edge during said presentation. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343591 | Tool Sharpener with Adjustable Support Guide - Apparatus for sharpening a cutting tool. In some embodiments, a tool sharpener is provided with a flexible abrasive medium having an abrasive surface and arranged along a planar extent. A guide assembly has a guide frame, a cam surface, and a pivotal guide member. A guide surface on the guide member extends at a selected angle with respect to the planar extent of the medium to support a first side of the tool during presentation of a second side and cutting edge of the tool against the abrasive surface along the planar extent. A cam follower contactingly engages the cam surface to establish the selected angle. A biasing mechanism applies a biasing force to urge the guide surface to pivot toward the planar extent to maintain the cam follower in contact with the cam surface. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090106840 | Certification Of E-Mails With Embedded Code - Certification of embedded content in e-mail is provided. A sender wishing to have code certified for inclusion in e-mail sends the code to a token authority. A code verification engine acting automatically or in conjunction with an analyst examines the code to determine whether it poses a risk of harm to e-mail recipients. If not, the token authority issues a certificate for the embedded content. The mail sender sends e-mail to recipients including the embedded content, and the certification is sent in conjunction with the content itself. A mailbox provider inspects the received e-mail to determine whether it includes embedded content and, if so, whether a certification is attached that the embedded content is not harmful. If not, or if the message includes uncertified content in addition to certified content, then the message is rejected, or delivered with a warning that certification is not present. | 04-23-2009 |
20130138963 | STATE-MAINTAINED MULTI-PARTY SIGNATURES - A hash module of a mail sender creates a hash data context structure. The hash module processes the headers and the body of an e-mail message in the order required, for example by the DKIM specification, until the data to be hashed has been input. The hash module converts the context structure into printable characters and the encoded structure is transmitted over the Internet or other network to the next participating system. The token authority's hash module decodes the context back into binary form. After ensuring business logic is satisfied, it generates additional headers required for signature, which are then added to the developing hash. The hash module finalizes the hash function and creates the hash value. The authorization module creates the signature and returns it to the e-mail module, which attaches the signature to the message and transmits it to the destination mailbox provider, which verifies the token. | 05-30-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130303366 | Metal Contaminant Removal Compositions and Methods for Making and Using The Same - Metal sorbent compositions for removing a metal contaminant from a fluid, such as removal of mercury from a coal-fired flue gas stream, and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject metal sorbent compositions comprise an effective amount of an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, and optionally, a metal capture enhancing agent such as a halogen source and/or an oxidizing agent in an amount providing a metal capture enhancing effect on the metal sorbent composition. The subject metal sorbent compositions are prepared by drying an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, such as on a substrate of microfine particles of a refractory material and the like. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions, and compositions produced by the methods. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications. | 11-14-2013 |
20140271421 | Metal Contaminant Removal Compositions and Methods for Making and Using The Same - Metal sorbent compositions for removing a metal contaminant from a fluid, such as removal of mercury from a coal-fired flue gas stream, and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject metal sorbent compositions comprise an effective amount of an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, and optionally, a metal capture enhancing agent such as a halogen source and/or an oxidizing agent in an amount providing a metal capture enhancing effect on the metal sorbent composition. The subject metal sorbent compositions are prepared by drying an aqueous dispersion of microfine elemental sulfur particles on an adsorbent substrate, such as on a substrate of microfine particles of a refractory material and the like. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions, and compositions produced by the methods. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110091780 | IN-SITU FUEL CELL STACK RECONDITIONING - A method for reconditioning a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically increasing the relative humidity level of the cathode input airflow to the stack to saturate the cell membrane electrode assemblies to be greater than the relative humidity levels during normal stack operating conditions. The method also includes providing hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell stack at system shut down while the membrane electrode assemblies are saturated without stack loads being applied so that the hydrogen crosses the cell membranes to the cathode side and reacts with oxygen to reduce stack contaminants. | 04-21-2011 |
20110091781 | AUTOMATED PROCEDURE FOR EXECUTING IN-SITU FUEL CELL STACK RECONDITIONING - A method for reconditioning a fuel cell stack. The method includes determining whether fuel cell stack reconditioning is desired based on predetermined reconditioning triggers, determining if predetermined system constraints are met that will allow reconditioning of the fuel cell stack to occur, and determining whether previous reconditioning processes have been attempted, and if so, whether predetermine reconditioning limits have been exceeded during those attempts. The reconditioning process is initiated if one or more of the reconditioning triggers has occurred, the predetermined system constraints are met and the predetermined reconditioning limits have not been exceeded. The reconditioning process increases the humidification level of a cathode side of the fuel cell stack over the humidity level of the cathode side during normal operating conditions and waiting for cell membranes in the fuel cell stack to saturate after the humidification level of the cathode has increased. | 04-21-2011 |
20110143243 | FUEL CELL OPERATIONAL METHODS FOR HYDROGEN ADDITION AFTER SHUTDOWN - A method for reducing the probability of an air/hydrogen front in a fuel cell stack is disclosed that includes closing anode valves for an anode side of the fuel cell stack to permit a desired quantity of hydrogen to be left in the anode side upon shutdown and determining a schedule to inject hydrogen during the time the fuel cell stack is shutdown. The pressure on an anode input line is determined and a discrete amount of hydrogen is injected into the anode side of the stack according to the determined schedule by opening anode input line valves based on the determined pressure along the anode input line so as to inject the hydrogen into the anode side of the stack. | 06-16-2011 |
20140072893 | POWERING A FUEL CELL STACK DURING STANDBY - A system and method for limiting voltage cycling of a fuel cell stack during a stand-by mode by providing power from a battery to the stack while the stack is turned off. The method includes monitoring the voltage of each of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack and determining an average cell voltage of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack. The method also determines whether the average cell voltage of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack has fallen below a predetermined voltage value and, if so, applies a voltage potential to the fuel cell stack to increase the average cell voltage above the predetermined voltage value. | 03-13-2014 |
20140141348 | PROCEDURE FOR STACK VOLTAGE RECOVERY - A system and method for reconditioning a fuel cell stack to recover stack voltage loss. The method includes first operating the fuel cell stack in a wet condition where the humidity level in the stack is above 100% to provide liquid water at the cell electrodes. The method then applies a low voltage potential to the stack that causes contaminants to be released from the catalyst surface of the cell electrodes. This step can include starving the cathode side of oxygen for a limited period of time. The method then causes water to flow through the stack so that the contaminants are flushed out of the stack. The process can be performed during vehicle operation where small amounts of voltage would be recovered or during vehicle service where a relatively large amount of voltage could be recovered. | 05-22-2014 |
20140170512 | METHOD FOR MITIGATING RECOVERABLE VOLTAGE LOSS THROUGH HUMIDIFICATION CONTROL - A system and method for recovering fuel cell stack voltage loss through humidification control. The method includes determining a rate of contamination addition to a surface of a fuel cell electrode in the fuel cell stack and determining a rate of contamination removal from the surface of the fuel cell electrode. The method compares the rate of contamination addition to the rate of the contamination removal to determine whether contaminant surface coverage of the electrode is increasing or decreasing and, if increasing, determines whether the amount of contamination of the electrode is above a predetermined value, where, if so, stack reconditioning through wet stack operation may be performed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140272630 | CATHODE HUMIDIFICATION UNIT ADAPTING DEGREDATION FACTOR - A method and an apparatus to adapt the performance of a cathode humidification unit as a membrane in a fuel cell stack degrades over time. An algorithm compares a sensed humidity profile of the fuel cell stack and model humidity profile of a cathode humidification unit model to calculate a new degradation factor. The cathode humidification unit model uses the degradation factor in the performance of the cathode humidification unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272652 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING POLARIZATION CURVES IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that may be used to predict a performance metric of a fuel cell. A system consistent with the present disclosure may include sensors in communication with the fuel cell stack, a performance metric prediction system, and a control system. The performance metric prediction system may determine a current density based on inputs provided by the sensors at a plurality of time periods, calculate a first parameter while the current density is below a lower threshold, and calculate a second parameter while the current density is above an upper threshold. The first parameter and the second parameter may be used to selectively adjust a fuel cell polarization curve over time. Based upon the polarization curve, a performance metric of the fuel cell stack may be predicted. The control system may implement a control action based upon the performance metric. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130261388 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING DISORDERS OF THE EAR NOSE AND THROAT - A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft. | 10-03-2013 |
20140275804 | Uncinate Process Support for Ethmoid Infundibulum Illumination - A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum. | 09-18-2014 |
20150202089 | EUSTACHIAN TUBE DILATION BALLOON WITH VENTILATION PATH - An apparatus comprises a shaft, an expandable dilator, and at least one ventilation pathway. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a distal and proximal ends with at least one shaft lumen. The expandable dilator comprises body with its own proximal and distal ends. The body is configured to transition between a contracted state and an expanded state. The body is configured to dilate a Eustachian tube of a patient in the expanded state. The at least one ventilation pathway is configured to provide ventilation from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body when the body is in the expanded state. In some examples, the ventilation pathway comprises a set of transversely oriented vent openings formed through the shaft. In some other examples, the ventilation pathway comprises a space defined between one or more radially outwardly protruding features of the expandable dilator. | 07-23-2015 |
20150250992 | MECHANICAL DILATION OF THE OSTIA OF PARANASAL SINUSES AND OTHER PASSAGEWAYS OF THE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT - Devices and methods for dilating the ostia of paranasal sinuses and other passageways within the ear, nose and throat. A mechanical dilator is inserted through a nostril and used to dilate an ostium or a paranasal sinus or other passageway within the ear, nose or throat (e.g., a Eustachian tube or nasolacrimal duct). The mechanical dilator may be an expandable dilators that comprises one or more non-balloon structures with or without an accompanying balloon or a members of varying diameter or cross dimension (e.g., a tapered member) that may be advanced into the ostium or other passageway to cause dilation of that passageway. | 09-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140201043 | ENTITY RESOLUTION WITHOUT USING PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION - In a method for tracking purchases by a customer, records of purchases forming transaction records are received, identifying a product, service, or category of product or service purchased, and a date/ time of purchase. Location records of usage of mobile devices by respective users are received, indicating a date and time of each usage and an identifier of the corresponding user. Using the transaction records and the location records, locations of the mobile devices at respective dates and times of their usage are correlated to respective locations of stores that provide products and services being purchased. Based on the dates and times of several transaction records, dates and times of several location records are matched within a predetermined time window for one customer. A determination is made that the one customer purchased one or more of the categories of products or services in the matching transaction records. | 07-17-2014 |
20140358805 | Illegal Activity Detection through Interpersonal Relationship Resolution - The detection of illegal activity through interpersonal relationship resolution. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: assigning a risk assessment score to a person of interest; identifying and mapping at least one first line connection of the person of interest; assigning a risk assessment score to each first line connection; updating the risk assessment score assigned to the person of interest based on the risk assessment score assigned to each first line connection; comparing the risk assessment score of the person of interest to at least one threshold value; and detecting an illegal activity based on the comparing. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358811 | Illegal Activity Detection through Interpersonal Relationship Resolution - The detection of illegal activity through interpersonal relationship resolution. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: assigning a risk assessment score to a person of interest; identifying and mapping at least one first line connection of the person of interest; assigning a risk assessment score to each first line connection; updating the risk assessment score assigned to the person of interest based on the risk assessment score assigned to each first line connection; comparing the risk assessment score of the person of interest to at least one threshold value; and detecting an illegal activity based on the comparing. | 12-04-2014 |
20140365305 | PROVIDING GEOSPATIAL-TEMPORAL NEXT-BEST-ACTION DECISIONS - Embodiments herein provide geospatial-temporal next-best-action decisions. Specifically, a predictive modeling tool is configured to receive, from a user, a first instance of unstructured data, the unstructured data containing an indicator of a transacting opportunity, and generate a profile for the user by combining the unstructured data with structured data, the profile including personality characteristics and identifying information of the user. The profile is used to identify the user as a producer of a second instance of unstructured data by comparing the personality characteristics and identifying information of the user to the second instance of unstructured data. A commercial offer is then generated based on information from the profile of the user and at least one of the first instance of unstructured data or the second instance of unstructured data, and the offer is communicated to the user when the user is located within a predetermined proximity to a retailer. | 12-11-2014 |
20150206102 | Human Resource Analytics Engine with Multiple Data Sources - The disclosure is directed to a human resource (HR) analytics engine. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: filtering data related to a job candidate from a plurality of internal and external data sources using a plurality of ingestion engines; generating a composite profile for the job candidate using the filtered data output from each of the plurality of ingestion engines; and mapping the composite profile for each job candidate against a personnel matrix to determine if the job candidate is a potential match for a job. | 07-23-2015 |
20150347901 | Generating Written Content from Knowledge Management Systems - The disclosure is directed to written content generation. A method for generating written content in an application in accordance with an embodiment includes: receiving a query from a user; importing data from at least one data source in response to the query; ranking the imported data based on a plurality of ranking factors to determine a relevance of the imported data; automatically generating written content using at least a portion of the imported data based on the determined relevance of the imported data; and automatically customizing the written content based on a file format of the application. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110120223 | ULTRASONIC INSPECTION METHOD - A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces. | 05-26-2011 |
20140219059 | SYNTHETIC DATA COLLECTION METHOD FOR FULL MATRIX CAPTURE USING AN ULTRASOUND ARRAY - A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture which includes the steps of providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus further comprising a probe, collecting data over a plurality of inspection locations, generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations, and collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction of each of the inspection locations. In the method, as the probe moves from collection location to collection location, a data matrix at a prior collection location is gradually filled in as the probe moves to subsequent collection locations. In certain embodiments physical scanning of a probe with few elements is replaced by electronically scanning using an array with many elements. | 08-07-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140351558 | Low Power Management of Multiple Sensor Integrated Chip Architecture - A method, device, system, or article of manufacture is provided for low-power management of multiple sensor chip architecture. In one embodiment, a method comprises, at a computing device that includes a first processor, a second processor and a third processor, receiving, by the first processor operating at a first clock rate, first sensor data from a first sensor operating at a first data rate; determining, by the first processor, a movement of the computing device using the first sensor data; in response to determining the movement of the computing device, performing, by the first processor, a first motion state algorithm to determine whether a modality of the computing device is a first motion state; and, in response to determining that the modality of the computing device is not the first motion state, changing, by the first processor, at least one of the first processor to operate at a second clock rate sufficient to perform a second motion state algorithm and changing the first sensor to operate at a second data rate sufficient to perform the second motion state algorithm, wherein the second motion state algorithm is used to determine whether the modality of the computing device is a second motion state. | 11-27-2014 |
20150103056 | Calibrating an Electronic Writing Device - In embodiments of calibrating an electronic writing device, an electronic writing device includes a calibration component configured to calibrate writing data to an orientation of a writing surface. To do so, the calibration component determines whether writing data corresponds to a calibration movement. If the calibration component determines that the writing data corresponds to the calibration movement, the calibration component determines a correction angle based on the writing data and stores the correction angle in a writing buffer. The calibration component then uses the correction angle to adjust subsequently received writing data to align the writing data to the orientation of the writing surface. | 04-16-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100317120 | Multiplexed Analyses of Test Samples - The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. In one embodiment, a test sample is contacted with an aptamer that includes a tag and has a specific affinity for a target molecule. An aptamer affinity complex that includes an aptamer bound to its target molecule is allowed to form. If the test sample contains the target molecule, an aptamer affinity complex will generally form in the test sample. The aptamer affinity complex is optionally converted to an aptamer covalent complex that includes an aptamer covalently bound to its target molecule. The aptamer affinity complex (or optional aptamer covalent complex) can then be detected and/or quantified using any of a variety of methods known to one skilled in the art, including using a solid support, using mass spectrometry, and using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). | 12-16-2010 |
20120071342 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE MOLECULES IN ONE ASSAY - A rapid diagnostic system that delivers a panel of serologic assay results using a small amount of blood, serum, or plasma is described. The system includes a disposable cartridge and a reader instrument, based on planar waveguide imaging technology. The cartridge incorporates a microarray of recombinant antigens and antibody controls in a fluidic channel, providing multiple parallel fluorescence assay results for a single sample. | 03-22-2012 |
20150355178 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING BIOMARKER ASSAY - The present disclosure pertains to detection of biomarkers in a sample. More particularly, the disclosure relates to methods for treating the sample to liberate certain analytes prior to the assay. Composition for disrupting the HIV virus and antibody-antigen complex to release p24 antigen is also disclosed. The disclosed methods and compositions are compatible with existing HIV antigen/antibody combination assays and improve the sensitivity of such assays. | 12-10-2015 |
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20120272293 | COLLABORATIVE GATEWAY - A method and a system for monitoring and controlling remote devices are described. The system has a gateway, a web server, and a client device. The gateway is coupled to a security device. The web server has a management application configured to communicate with the gateway. The management application has a service manager module to enable additional services from the gateway and the security device. The client device communicates with the gateway identified by the web server. The gateway aggregates monitoring data from the security device and from other security devices respectively coupled to other gateways correlated with the gateway. The client device receives the aggregated monitoring data, controls the security device coupled to the respective gateway from a web-based user interface at the client device. | 10-25-2012 |
20120310716 | HIGH VALUE DISPLAY CASE SYSTEM - A display case system has a display case, a gateway, and a communication device. The display case houses a product. The gateway is coupled to the display case and communicates with a client device associated with the product in the display case. A communication device is coupled to the gateway and enables a communication session between the communication device and the client device associated with the product. The client device remotely locks and unlocks the display case to allow access to the product based on the communication session. | 12-06-2012 |
20130167190 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - A mobile communication device surveillance system is described. The system includes a gateway, a web server, a wireless mobile communication device, and a client device. The web server introduces the wireless mobile communication device to a gateway. The gateway authenticates the wireless mobile communication device. The gateway receives media data from the wireless mobile communication device and monitoring data from a security device connected to the gateway. The gateway aggregates the media data and the monitoring data, and communicates the aggregated data to the client device authenticated with the gateway. | 06-27-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080274041 | Preparation of nanoparticle-size zinc compounds - A method for making a dispersion of zinc oxide particles in hydrocarbon is provided. A zinc compound that thermally disintegrates is dispersed in a hydrocarbon solvent with a selected organic acid and the mixture is heated to a temperature range to cause the zinc compound to thermally disintegrate into nano-sized particles. | 11-06-2008 |
20100077653 | HIGH FLASH POINT ADDITIVES FOR TREATING CARBON-BASED FUELS - A simple method is disclosed to produce oil soluble nano particle size additives with significantly higher flash points to improve the safety aspects of these products especially when used in, around, and near high temperature combustion equipment. | 04-01-2010 |
20110130313 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF MAGNESIUM AND BORON COMBINATION MATERIALS - The present invention describes a nanoparticle size composition comprising at least one overbase complex of a magnesium salt and an associated organic boron complex. The present compound is an improvement over previous processes due to less complicated processing requirements and the high concentration of both magnesium and boron that results. | 06-02-2011 |
20130019895 | USE OF COKE COMPOSITIONS FOR ON-LINE GAS TURBINE CLEANING - A method is disclosed for removing deposits from rotating parts of a gas turbine engine while under full fire or idle speed utilizing a particulate coke composition. The coke composition may be introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine or, alternatively, anywhere in the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system. By kinetic impact with the deposits on blades and vanes, the deposits will be dislodged and will thereby restore the gas turbine to rated power output. If introduced into the compressor section, the coke particles impinge on those metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process is repeated. | 01-24-2013 |
20140066349 | COKE COMPOSITIONS FOR ON-LINE GAS TURBINE CLEANING - A particulate coke composition including expandable coke is capable of removing deposits from rotating parts of a gas turbine engine while under full fire or idle speed. The coke composition may be introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine or, alternatively, anywhere in the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system. By kinetic impact with the deposits on blades and vanes, the deposits will be dislodged and will thereby restore the gas turbine to rated power output. If introduced into the compressor section, the coke particles impinge on those metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process is repeated. | 03-06-2014 |