Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090052011 | ALL-OPTICAL, CONTINUOUSLY TUNABLE, PULSE DELAY GENERATOR USING WAVELENGTH CONVERSION AND DISPERSION - A technique for generating variable pulse delays uses one or more nonlinear-optical processes such as cross-phase modulation, cross-gain modulation, self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing or parametric mixing, combined with group-velocity dispersion. The delay is controllable by changing the wavelength and/or power of a control laser. The delay is generated by introducing a controllable wavelength shift to a pulse of light, propagating the pulse through a material or an optical component that generates a wavelength dependent time delay, and wavelength shifting again to return the pulse to its original wavelength. | 02-26-2009 |
20100086251 | PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL PULSES AT A DESIRED WAVELENGTH USING SOLITION SELF-FREQUENCY SHIFT IN HIGHER-ORDER-MODE FIBER - The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing optical pulses of a desired wavelength. The apparatus includes an optical pulse source operable to generate input optical pulses at a first wavelength. The apparatus further includes a higher-order-mode (HOM) fiber module operable to receive the input optical pulses at the first wavelength, and thereafter to produce output optical pulses at the desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS). The present invention also relates to a method of producing optical pulses having a desired wavelength. This method includes generating input optical pulses using an optical pulse source, where the input optical pulses have a first wavelength and a first spatial mode. The input optical pulses are delivered into an HOM fiber module to alter the wavelength of the input optical pulses from the first wavelength to a desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) within the HOM fiber module, thereby producing output optical pulses having the desired wavelength. | 04-08-2010 |
20100100006 | PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL PULSES AT A DESIRED WAVELENGTH USING SOLITON SELF-FREQUENCY SHIFT - The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing optical pulses of a desired wavelength. The apparatus includes an optical pulse source operable to generate input optical pulses at a first wavelength. The apparatus further includes a higher order mode (HOM) fiber module operable to receive the input optical pulses at the first wavelength, and thereafter to produce output optical pulses at the desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS). The present invention also relates to a method of producing optical pulses having a desired wavelength. This method includes generating input optical pulses using an optical pulse source, where the input optical pulses have a first wavelength and a first spatial mode. The input optical pulses are delivered into an HOM fiber module to alter the wavelength of the input optical pulses from the first wavelength to a desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) within the HOM fiber module, thereby producing output optical pulses having the desired wavelength. | 04-22-2010 |
20100261958 | MULTI-PATH, MULTI-MAGNIFICATION, NON-CONFOCAL FLUORESCENCE EMISSION ENDOSCOPY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the invention include an optical system and an optical system module, coupled to a distal end of a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus, an optical waveguide-based fluorescence emission endoscopy system, and a method for remotely-controlled, multi-magnification imaging of a target or fluorescence emission collection from a target with a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus. An exemplary system includes an objective lens disposed in a distal end of an endoscope apparatus. The lens is adapted to transmit both a visible target illumination and a fluorescence-emission-inducing target illumination as well as fluorescence-emission and visible light from the target. The system can thus simultaneously provide low magnification, large field of view imaging and high magnification, high-resolution multiphoton imaging with a single lens system. | 10-14-2010 |
20100270479 | NON-IMAGING, WEAKLY FOCUSED FLUORESCENCE EMISSION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus and methods relating to non-imaging, multiphoton fluorescence and optical second harmonic generation (SHG) (and higher harmonic generation) emission and detection. A weakly focused excitation beam is used to generate fluorescence emission in a volume of between about 0.1 cm | 10-28-2010 |
20140254616 | Fiber Designs For Wavelength Tunable Ultra-Short Pulse Lasers - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to fiber designs for wavelength tunable ultra-short pulse lasers. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems incorporating fiber designs for higher order mode fibers capable of soliton self frequency shifting where a system comprises a first fiber for shifting the wavelength from a pump wavelength to a transfer wavelength and a second fiber for shifting the pulse from the transfer wavelength to an output wavelength. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wavelength tunable short pulse fiber laser system comprises: a pulse generator for providing a pulse having an input wavelength; a mode-converter; a first designed fiber for shifting the pulse from the input wavelength to a transfer wavelength; and a second designed fiber for shifting the pulse from the transfer wavelength to an output wavelength. | 09-11-2014 |
20140334766 | OPTICAL MODE CONVERSION BY NONLINEAR EFFECTS - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to optical mode conversion by nonlinear effects. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to nonlinear mode conversion utilizing intermodal four-wave mixing to convert light between modes having different wavelengths for complex applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a fiber comprises an input end for receiving light in a first mode at a first wavelength, and an output end for outputting light in a desired second mode at a desired second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength and the second wavelength are not the same. In many embodiments, the fiber comprises a higher-order mode fiber. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090201573 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPENSATION OF SELF-PHASE MODULATION IN FIBER-BASED AMPLIFICATION SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for compensation of Self-Phase Modulation | 08-13-2009 |
20120140301 | MULTI-PATH, MULTI-MAGNIFICATION, NON-CONFOCAL FLUORESCENCE EMISSION ENDOSCOPY APPARATUS AND METHODS - An optical scanner, scanner apparatus, or scanner assembly, which may be particularly advantageous for use in a multiphoton microscope, includes a first drivable bending component, a second drivable bending component mounted perpendicularly to the first component, and at least one optical waveguide coupled one or both of the first and second bending components, wherein the at least one optical waveguide provides both a propagation path for a multiphoton excitation radiation delivery between a light source and a target and a multiphoton-induced emission radiation delivery between the target and a detector. A GRIN relay lens. A multiphoton microscope incorporating the scanner and the GRIN relay lens. | 06-07-2012 |
20130006056 | MULTI-FOCAL OPTICAL COMPONENT, OPTICAL SYSTEM, AND IMAGING METHOD - An optical lens comprising a lens body that transmits light in an optical path there through, wherein the lens body consists of an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a medium there between, further wherein one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has a single curvature and the other of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has at, least two optical zones each having a different curvature. An optical system, comprising a multi-photon endoscope having a distal end, and the optical lens disposed in the distal end. A method for obtaining an image of an object comprising providing the multi-photon endoscope, propagating light from the endoscope scanner one optical zone of the lens to focus the light at a focus location, and propagating light from the scanner through a different optical zones of the lens to focus the light at a different focus location. | 01-03-2013 |
20130126756 | FLUORESCENCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A fluorescence emission imaging method and apparatus allows for high frame rate imaging in scattering medium as well as for fluorescence, phosphorescence, or luminescence lifetime imaging, time-resolved fluorescence, phosphorescence, or luminescence lifetime spectroscopy and imaging. A method involves providing an illumination beam, propagating the illumination beam to a light modulator array, modulating the illumination beam so as to generate an array of point sources, wherein each of the point sources is modulated at a frequency, imaging the modulated illumination beam on the object, and detecting a fluorescent, phosphorescent, or luminescent emission from the object. An optical imaging component in the form of a modulation mask has multiple bands. Each band has alternating transmissive and/or reflective and/or absorptive regions that are patterned such that light scanned over a band will be modulated at a band-related frequency. | 05-23-2013 |
20130324858 | MULTI-PATH, MULTI-MAGNIFICATION, NON-CONFOCAL FLUORESCENCE EMISSION ENDOSCOPY APPARATUS AND METHODS - An optical scanner, scanner apparatus, or scanner assembly, which may be particularly advantageous for use in a multiphoton microscope, includes a first drivable bending component, a second drivable bending component mounted perpendicularly to the first component, and at least one optical waveguide coupled one or both of the first and second bending components, wherein the at least one optical waveguide provides both a propagation path for a multiphoton excitation radiation delivery between a light source and a target and a multiphoton-induced emission radiation delivery between the target and a detector. A GRIN relay lens. A multiphoton microscope incorporating the scanner and the GRIN relay lens. | 12-05-2013 |
20140240702 | LASER BASED APPARATUS, METHODS AND APPLICATIONS - Embodied is a two-color, fiber-delivered picosecond source for coherent Raman scattering (CRS) imaging. A wavelength tunable picosecond pump is generated by nonlinear spectral compression of a prechirped femtosecond pulse from a mode-locked titanium:sapphire (Ti:S) laser. A 1064-nm picosecond Stokes pulse is generated by an all-fiber time-lens source (or suitable alternative source) that is synchronized to the Ti:S laser. The pump and Stokes beams are combined in an optical fiber coupler, which serves not only as the delivery fiber but also as the nonlinear medium for spectral compression of the femtosecond pulse. CRS imaging of mouse skin is performed to demonstrate the practicality of this source. | 08-28-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120274701 | ASSISTED MAINTENANCE FOR PRINTHEAD FACEPLATE SURFACE - An ink jet printhead maintenance system, which can be part of an ink jet printer, for removing ink residue from a printhead faceplate. The printhead maintenance system can include a supply of liquid which can be applied to the ink residue on the printhead faceplate using various techniques, such as those described. The liquid can include a monomer and/or an oligomer. The wet clean system described can be more effective in removing ink residue which can result from certain inks, such as ultraviolet curable gel inks, than previous printhead maintenance techniques. | 11-01-2012 |
20120296581 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DROP VOLUME - A computer-based apparatus, including: a memory element storing computer readable instructions; a processor; and a source element to expel a first plurality of drops of a substance with a known density through a medium, and under a set of conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to calculate uncalibrated volumes for the first plurality of drops using respective images of drops in the first plurality of drops. The source element expels a second plurality of drops of the first substance through the medium, and under the first conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to: calculate, using a weight for the second plurality of drops and the known density, actual volumes for the second plurality of drops; and generate, using uncalibrated volumes and the actual volumes, an equation to modify the uncalibrated volumes to match the actual volumes. | 11-22-2012 |
20130083129 | PRE-TREATMENT METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTACT LEVELING RADIATION CURABLE GEL INKS - A radiation curable gel ink printing system includes a radiation source that is configured to emit UV light having short wavelength components. The system is configured to transport a substrate having radiation curable gel ink deposited thereon to the radiation source to expose the ink to the radiation source; the exposure may be continuous or pulsed as appropriate. The radiation source may be configured a distance away from the ink on the substrate. The radiation source is configured to pre-treat the ink before spreading the ink at a contact-leveling nip wherein a contact member applies pressure to the ink against the substrate. The ink is preferentially cured to allow spreading of the ink by the contact member while limiting offset of the ink onto the contact member. | 04-04-2013 |
20130328980 | LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT AMIDE GELLANTS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are curable solid inks which are solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate. In particular, the curable solid inks of the present embodiments comprise low molecular weight amide gellants that impart self-leveling capabilities to the inks. Also disclosed herein are methods for making the amide gellant and the inks comprising the amide gellants. | 12-12-2013 |
20130342621 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ULTRAVIOLET-CURABLE GEL INK SPREAD OF A PRINTED IMAGE - An approach is provided for controlling ultraviolet-curable gel ink spread of a printed image. The approach involves causing, at least in part, one or more inks to be applied to a first substrate image area by one or more inkjets in a printing zone of a printer, the one or more inkjets being configured to form one or more first ink spots on the first substrate image area. The approach also involves determining a temperature of at least the first substrate image area in the printing zone. The approach further involves determining a first spot size of at least one of the one or more first ink spots. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, a temperature of at least a second substrate image area in the printing zone to be based, at least in part, on the determined first spot size. | 12-26-2013 |
20140022298 | INDIRECT MEDIA FLATNESS MEASUREMENT - An indirect media flatness measurement system, and method, by which the appropriate level of hold-down force may be determined with some degree of quantitative accuracy. In an ink jet printer that is operative to subject a substrate media to a hold down force during printing, the method including printing a predetermined test image having a predetermined pattern on a substrate media using an ink jet print apparatus to produce a test print. Optionally, pattern may be an array of test symbols. The test symbol may comprise a line printed on the substrate media in a direction perpendicular to a process direction of the printer. The test print is compared with the predetermined test image, including measuring drop placement errors of test symbols. The height of the substrate media at the location of each test symbol is calculated based upon the drop placement error. | 01-23-2014 |
20140123873 | CURABLE SOLID INKS CONTAINING CYCLOHEXYL-BASED CRYSTALLINE GELLANTS - Disclosed herein are curable solid inks which are solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate. In particular, the curable solid ink of the present embodiments comprises a cyclohexyl-based crystalline gellant that impart self-leveling capabilities to the inks, where the cyclohexyl-based crystalline gellant have a structure of Formula I: | 05-08-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080206449 | POLY(ARYLENE ETHER) COMPOSITION, METHOD, AND ARTICLE - A thermoplastic composition includes particular amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer, a plasticizer, a white pigment, and an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer. The composition exhibits excellent light stability, and it is particularly useful for forming white or off-white cable insulation. | 08-28-2008 |
20080206468 | POLY(ARYLENE ETHER) COMPOSITION, METHOD, AND ARTICLE - A thermoplastic composition includes particular amounts of a poly(arylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer, a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin, a plasticizer, a white pigment, and an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer. The composition exhibits excellent light stability, and it is particularly useful for forming white or off-white cable insulation. | 08-28-2008 |
20110207863 | COMPOSITE FILMS COMPRISING PASSIVATED NANOPARTICULATED CERAMIC OXIDES - The present invention is directed to high temperature performance filled polyimide materials useful for high power density applications having good ultra high thermal properties. A high temperature dielectric film is disclosed comprising an aromatic polyimide formed by a solution polycondensation reaction and a passivated nanoparticulate ceramic oxide dispersed within the aromatic polyimide. The ceramic oxide nanoparticles are comprised of a monofunctional organosilane covalently attached to the surface of the ceramic oxide nanoparticles. | 08-25-2011 |
20120055696 | HIGH VOLTAGE BUSHING - A high voltage bushing assembly includes an insulator shell adapted to enclose an electrical conductor. An annular flange is slidably received over the insulator shell, the annular sleeve formed with a radially outwardly directed flange at an upper end and a radially inwardly directed flange at a lower end, with a sleeve portion extending axially therebetween. The insulator shell has an outside diameter and the sleeve portion has an inside diameter sized to create an annular, radial gap therebetween filled with a high thermal endurance fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin. | 03-08-2012 |
20120080970 | HIGH VOLTAGE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE WINDING INSULATION FOR ESP MOTOR - A litz wire includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of twisted strands, wherein one or more of the strands includes a composite magnet wire. The composite magnet wire includes a metal wire having a nanocoating on its outer surface. The nanocoating includes an electrical insulating polyimide matrix and a plurality of alumina nano particles dispersed homegenueoslytherein. The alumina nano particles have a phenyl siloxane surface coating. The litz wire has a temperature index of at least 300° C. as obtained in accordance with either ASTM E1641, ASTM E1877, or ASTM D2307. Motors and ESP assemblies utilizing the litz wire are also disclosed. | 04-05-2012 |
20120319525 | SIDE RIPPLE SPRING - A ripple spring is provided having one or more layers laminated together, where the one or more layers form a symmetrical stack. | 12-20-2012 |
20120319698 | RIPPLE SPRING AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD THEREFOR - A ripple spring is provided having one or more conductive layers, and one or more non-conductive layers. The conductive layers and the non-conductive layers are laminated together to form a symmetrical stack of layers. A method is also provided for monitoring the ripple spring. The method includes the steps of providing a ripple spring that holds a winding in place, where the ripple spring is positioned at least partially within a stator slot defined within an electromechanical device. Providing a conductive layer disposed within the ripple spring, and generating signals from the conductive layer, the signals corresponding to at least one aspect of the ripple spring. An analyzing step analyses the signals to determine the at least one aspect of the ripple spring, wherein the at least one aspect facilitates an identification of faults in the ripple spring. | 12-20-2012 |
20130168964 | WASTE HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM GENERATOR ENCAPSULATION - In one embodiment, a system includes a generator configured to receive a flow of an organic working fluid. The generator includes a stator and a permanent magnet rotor configured to rotate within the stator to generate electricity. The generator further includes one or more components disposed within the generator and configured to be exposed to the flow of the organic working fluid. The one or more components each include an underlying component, and an encapsulant configured to withstand exposure to the organic working fluid to inhibit contact between the underlying component and the organic working fluid. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168972 | WASTE HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS - In one embodiment, a waste heat recovery system includes multiple organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems arranged in a cascade configuration. Each ORC system includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the working fluid to vaporize the working fluid. Each ORC system also includes an integrated power module that expands the working fluid to generate electricity. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168973 | WASTE HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM GENERATOR VARNISHING - In one embodiment, a system includes a generator configured to receive a flow of an organic working fluid. The generator includes a stator and a permanent magnet rotor configured to rotate within the stator to generate electricity. The generator further includes one or more components disposed within the generator and configured to be exposed to the flow of the organic working fluid. The one or more components each include an underlying component and a varnish configured to withstand exposure to the organic working fluid to inhibit contact between the underlying component and the organic working fluid. | 07-04-2013 |
20130186683 | High Voltage Bushing Assembly - A high voltage bushing assembly includes an insulating sleeve which is made of high strength alumina porcelain to surround a conductor, a flange located on an outside surface of the insulating sleeve, and a band of semiconductive glaze located on the outer surface of the insulating sleeve spaced apart from an end of the insulating sleeve. | 07-25-2013 |
20130199837 | CORONA RESISTANT HIGH VOLTAGE BUSHING ASSEMBLY - A corona resistant high voltage bushing assembly includes an insulating sleeve to surround a conductor, a flange located on an outside surface of the insulating sleeve, and a first band of semiconductive glaze located on the outer surface of the insulating sleeve spaced apart from an end of the insulating sleeve. | 08-08-2013 |
20140190002 | FIELD COIL WINDING ASSEMBLY - A method for preparing a field coil winding assembly including cleaning a plurality of copper coils followed by developing, after the cleaning, a copper oxide layer on each of the copper coils by oxidizing each of the copper coils in a solution. After the developing, each of the copper coils is rinsed followed by drying. After the drying, a turn insulation system is applied to each of the copper coils. The turn insulation system includes a turn insulation and an adhesive. The turn insulation includes at least one of a glass fiber re-enforced polyamideimide, a glass fiber re-enforced polyester, or a glass fiber re-enforced high temperature novolac epoxy. After the applying, each of the copper coils with the turn insulation system is cured. The plurality of copper coils with the turn insulation system are stacked in each of a plurality of rotor slots in a rotor. | 07-10-2014 |
20140238554 | HIGH TEMPERATURE HIGH FREQUENCY MAGNET WIRE AND METHOD OF MAKING - A method of making a composite magnet wire includes mixing alumina nano particles with a polyimide polymer to form a polyimide mixture, the alumina nano particles having a surface treatment applied to outer surfaces of the alumina nano particles, the surface treatment including a phenyl-silane; coating a wire with the polyimide mixture by passing the wire through a coating die; heating the coated wire; cooling the coated wire; passing the coated wire through an annealing oven at a temperature of about 425° C. to about 475° C. at a speed of about 15 to about 30 feet per minute to anneal the coated wire; cooling the annealed coating wire; spooling the coated wire onto a metal spool; heating the spooled wire at about 300° C. to about 400° C. for about 20 to about 40 minutes; and cooling the heated spooled wire. | 08-28-2014 |
20140251504 | PASSIVATION OF HOLLOW COPPER STRANDS IN A STATOR WATER COOLING SYSTEM - A system for passivating a plurality of hollow copper strands in a stator water cooling system including; a first storage tank containing a cleaning solution, a second storage tank containing rinsing water; a third storage tank containing a passivation solution; a plurality of conduits connecting the first, second, and third storage tanks in a closed loop with the plurality of hollow copper strands; and an alkaline pump for pumping the cleaning solution, the rinsing water, and the passivation solution through the closed loop. | 09-11-2014 |
20140319841 | WASTE HEAT UTLIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A GENERATOR COMPONENT - A waste heat utilization system including a generator configured to receive a flow of an organic working fluid and a method of manufacturing the generator component is provided. The method includes preheating the generator component. The method also includes applying a varnish or an encapsulating layer to the generator component. The method further includes baking the generator component with the varnish applied thereto. The method yet further includes cooling the generator component. | 10-30-2014 |
20140362226 | DETECTING COOLANT LEAKS IN TURBINE GENERATORS - An apparatus for detecting a leak in a gas cooled generator is provided. The apparatus includes a subsystem for introducing a non-corrosive second gas having an infrared absorption spectrum into the generator. The apparatus also includes an imaging component adapted to detect radiation at the infrared absorption spectrum of the non-corrosive second gas. The imaging component is provided with a filter that filters wavelengths in a range encompassing the infrared absorption spectrum of the non-corrosive second gas. The imaging component displays an image of the tracer gas leaking from the generator on the imaging component. | 12-11-2014 |
20150017410 | STATOR WINDING ASSEMBLY - A resin binder for use in formaldehyde emission-free stator insulation. The resin binder includes an epoxy, a catalyst, and a polymer material. The polymer material is hydroxyl-terminated. The resin binder is used in mica tape for groundwall insulation for stator windings. | 01-15-2015 |
20150028208 | LEAK DETECTION OF STATOR LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM - A safe, fast and accurate method of detecting a leak locale of a stator liquid cooling system especially in a plurality of stator windings in a liquid cooled generator is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a non-corrosive compatible gas or its air mixture having an infrared absorption spectrum into the plurality of stator windings of the liquid cooled generator and detecting leaks through the use of an infrared detection system. The infrared detection system includes an imaging component adapted to detect radiation at the infrared absorption spectrum of the non-corrosive gas or its air mixture. The imaging component is provided with a filter that filters wavelengths in a range encompassing the infrared absorption spectrum of the compatible, non-corrosive gas. The imaging component displays an image of the tracer gas leaking from stator liquid cooling system of the generator. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140154630 | ASYMMETRIC TEMPLATES FOR FORMING NON-PERIODIC PATTERNS USING DIRECTES SELF-ASSEMBLY MATERIALS - A method includes forming a template having a plurality of elements above a process layer, wherein portions of the process layer are exposed between adjacent elements of the template. A directed self-assembly layer is formed over the exposed portions. The directed self-assembly layer has alternating etchable components and etch-resistant components. The etchable components of the directed self-assembly layer are removed. The process layer is patterned using the template and the etch-resistant components of the directed self-assembly layer. Non-periodic elements are defined in the process later by the template and periodic elements are defined in the process layer by the etch-resistant components of the directed self-assembly layer. | 06-05-2014 |
20140178824 | OPTIMIZING LITHOGRAPHIC PROCESSES USING LASER ANNEALING TECHNIQUES - Approaches for utilizing laser annealing to optimize lithographic processes such as directed self assembly (DSA) are provided. Under a typical approach, a substrate (e.g., a wafer) will be subjected to a lithographic process (e.g., having a set of stages/phases, aspects, etc.) such as DSA. Before or during such process, a set of laser annealing passes/scans will be made over the substrate to optimize one or more of the stages. In addition, the substrate could be subjected to additional processes such as hotplate annealing, etc. Still yet, in making a series of laser annealing passes, the techniques utilized and/or beam characteristics of each pass could be varied to further optimize the results. | 06-26-2014 |
20140264461 | METAL LAYER ENABLING DIRECTED SELF-ASSEMBLY SEMICONDUCTOR LAYOUT DESIGNS - Methods for forming a DSA pre-patterned semiconductor transistor layout and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments may include forming a pre-patterned transistor layout by directed self-assembly (DSA), forming a metal layer over the DSA pre-patterned transistor layout, including: forming a plurality of horizontal metal lines; and forming a plurality of vertical metal segments discontinuous from and between adjacent horizontal metal lines; and forming one or more bridging dots each connecting one of the plurality of horizontal metal lines to one of the plurality of vertical metal segments, wherein locations of the bridging dots determine logic functions of resulting transistor cells. | 09-18-2014 |
20140377965 | DIRECTED SELF-ASSEMBLY (DSA) FORMULATIONS USED TO FORM DSA-BASED LITHOGRAPHY FILMS - An illustrative DSA formulation disclosed herein includes a block copolymer material, a casting solvent and at least one plasticizer agent. An illustrative method disclosed herein includes depositing a liquid DSA formulation on a guide layer, performing a spin-coating process to form a DSA-based material layer comprised of the liquid DSA formulation above the guide layer, wherein the DSA-based material layer includes at least one plasticizing agent and, after performing the spin-coating process, performing at least one heating process on the DSA-based material layer while at least some of the plasticizing agent remains in the DSA-based material layer so as to enable phase separation of block copolymer materials. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110230894 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INSERTABLE ROBOTIC SENSORY AND MANIPULATION PLATFORMS FOR SINGLE PORT SURGERY - The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for providing foldable, insertable robotic sensory and manipulation platforms for single port surgery. The device is referred to herein as an Insertable Robotic Effector Platform (IREP). The IREP provides a self-deployable insertable device that provides stereo visual feedback upon insertion, implements a backbone structure having a primary backbone and four secondary backbones for each of the robotic arms, and implements a radial expansion mechanism that can separate the robotic arms. All of these elements together provide an anthropomorphic endoscopic device. | 09-22-2011 |
20130090763 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORCE SENSING IN A ROBOT - A system for force sensing in a robot is provided. The robot includes an end disk and a plurality of backbones coupled to the end disk. A plurality of spacer disks are dispersed along the plurality of backbones, and keep the plurality of backbones separated from one another. A base disk provides an interconnection point to a lumen, and the lumen provides a channel to an actuation device. The actuation device provides actuation of the backbones. At least one sensor measures the force being applied on one of the plurality of backbones, and a processor receives force measurements from the at least one sensor and determines the displacement of at least one of the plurality of backbones. | 04-11-2013 |
20140350337 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INSERTABLE ROBOTIC SENSORY AND MANIPULATION PLATFORMS FOR SINGLE PORT SURGERY - The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for providing foldable, insertable robotic sensory and manipulation platforms for single port surgery. The device is referred to herein as an Insertable Robotic Effector Platform (IREP). The IREP provides a self-deployable insertable device that provides stereo visual feedback upon insertion, implements a backbone structure having a primary backbone and four secondary backbones for each of the robotic arms, and implements a radial expansion mechanism that can separate the robotic arms. All of these elements together provide an anthropomorphic endoscopic device. | 11-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100013584 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVELY CONTROLLING QUENCH PROTECTION OF A SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET - A method and apparatus for actively controlling quench protection of a superconducting magnet includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a computer cause the computer to detect a quench condition of the superconducting magnet. The instructions also cause the computer to actively control a quench protection system of the superconducting magnet in response to the detected quench condition. | 01-21-2010 |
20100033037 | Shielding of superconducting field coil in homopolar inductor alternator - A superconducting field coil assembly includes a superconducting field coil disposed within a vacuum insulated electro-magnetic (EM) shielded cryostat. A water cooling jacket is thermally integrated with the outer surface of the EM shielded cryostat. | 02-11-2010 |
20100277170 | HEAT PIPE COOLED SUERCONDUCTING MAGNETS WITH CERAMIC COIL FORMS - A system and method for a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system includes a coil form, at least one magnet positioned about the coil form and configured to generate a magnetic field, at least one gradient coil for manipulating the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnet by way of a gradient field, and a heat pipe thermally connected to the coil form and having a cryogen therein. The MR imaging system also includes a cryocooler connected to the heat pipe to cool the heat pipe and the cryogen, wherein the coil form is comprised of a thermally conductive material in which eddy currents are substantially reduced during operation of the at least one gradient coil. The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. | 11-04-2010 |
20120071326 | QUENCH PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET COILS - A superconducting magnet includes at least one superconducting coil and a quench protection circuit electrically coupled to said at least one coil in parallel. The circuit includes at least one quench heater assembly thermally coupled to the at least one coil, and at least one superconducting current limiter electrically connected in series with the at least one quench heater assembly. The superconducting current limiter has a superconducting state with zero resistance, and a normal state with a normal resistance to decrease an electric current flowing through the quench heater assembly. | 03-22-2012 |
20130029849 | SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET SYSTEM - A superconducting magnet system includes a coil support structure, superconducting coils, and electrically and thermally conductive windings. The superconducting coils and the conductive windings are supported by the coil support structure. Each conductive winding is electromagnetically coupled with a corresponding superconducting coil. Each conductive winding is electrically shorted. | 01-31-2013 |
20140061202 | WARM BORE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - A warm bore cylinder assembly having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a plurality of braces is provided. The outer wall is configured to define an inner exterior portion of a cryostat assembly. The outer wall is generally cylindrical, is made of a conductive material, and has an outer wall thickness. The inner wall is disposed radially inwardly of the outer wall. The inner wall is generally cylindrical, is made of a conductive material, and has an inner wall thickness. The braces extend along an axial direction defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The plurality of braces are interposed between and join the outer wall and inner wall. The plurality of braces define openings disposed between adjacent braces. | 03-06-2014 |
20150072864 | SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET SYSTEM - A superconducting magnet system includes a coil support structure, superconducting coils, and electrically and thermally conductive windings. The superconducting coils and the conductive windings are supported by the coil support structure. Each conductive winding is electromagnetically coupled with a corresponding superconducting coil. Each conductive winding is electrically shorted. | 03-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100038996 | Semi-resonant driving systems and methods thereof - A driving system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a structure and a vibration system. The structure has at least one point to frictional couple to and drive a movable element in one of at least two directions. The structure also has at least two bending modes which each have a different resonant frequency. The vibration system applies two or more vibration signals which are at a vibration frequency to each of the bending modes of the structure. The vibration frequency is substantially the same as one of the resonant frequencies. At the vibration frequency one of the bending modes of the structure is vibrating substantially at resonance and the other of the bending modes of the structure is vibrating at partial resonance. The vibration system adjusts a phase shift between the two or more applied vibration signals to control which one of the at least two directions the moveable element is moved. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039715 | Reduced-voltage, linear motor systems and methods thereof - A linear motor system includes an element with a threaded passage, a threaded shaft, and a driving system. The threaded shaft has an axis of rotation which extends through and is at least partially engaged with at least a portion of the threaded passage. The driving system comprises at least two members operatively connected to the element. Each of the two members comprises two or more piezoelectric layers and electrodes which are coupled to opposing surfaces of each of the piezoelectric layers. The members are configured to expand and contract in a direction along the axis of rotation. The driving system is configured to subject the element to vibrations causing the threaded shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the direction along the axis of rotation through the element and apply an axial force in the direction along the axis of rotation. | 02-18-2010 |
20100289381 | AUTOMATED DRIVE FREQUENCY CONTROL FOR RESONANT ACTUATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - An actuator system includes an actuator device comprising at least one piezoelectric member, a driving system, and an actuator controller. The driving system drives the at least one piezoelectric member at a driving frequency. The actuator controller monitors at least one parameter of the actuator device and the direct driving system to determine an operational mechanical resonant frequency of the actuator device based on the at least one parameter. The actuator controller adjusts the driving frequency based at least in part on the determined operational mechanical resonant frequency. | 11-18-2010 |
20110141584 | LENS ACTUATOR MODULE - A lens actuator module includes a lens assembly with an optical centerline and a clear aperture, a bearing guide integrated adjacent to the clear aperture with the centerline of motion substantially parallel to the optical centerline, a linear actuator with a preloaded frictional contact point that moves the lens along the centerline. The preload force is perpendicular to the optical centerline, constant and generated in-line with the contact point such that the preload force produces substantially zero additional friction in the bearing guide irrespective of the location along the optical centerline. | 06-16-2011 |
20110241851 | HAPTIC ACTUATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - A haptic actuator system and a method of making the same include an ultrasonically vibrating motor body. A shaft is coupled to the vibrating motor body, the shaft arranged to rotate in at least one direction in response to the vibrating motor body. At least one unbalanced mass is coupled to and is moveable with the shaft to generate human-detectable vibrations in response to a motion of the shaft. | 10-06-2011 |
20130002411 | HAPTIC ACTUATOR APPARATUSES AND METHODS THEREOF - A haptic actuator apparatus and a method of making the same include an ultrasonically vibrating motor and its housing. The housing includes a guide structure coupled to the ultrasonically vibrating motor and at least one spring. The guide structure defines at least one path of motion of the ultrasonically vibrating motor. The at least one spring delimits the at least one path and generates human-detectable vibrations in response to an impact with the ultrasonically vibrating motor. | 01-03-2013 |
20140055004 | ROTARY MOTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - A rotary motor and a method of making the same include a vibrating motor body which has two orthogonal first bending modes and is substantially enclosed within a housing. A shaft is frictionally coupled to the vibrating motor body and is arranged to rotate in at least one direction about a rotation axis in response to the vibrating motor body. The shaft is frictionally coupled the vibrating motor body by a force substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. One or more bearings support the shaft, are connected to the housing, and define the axis of rotation of the shaft. | 02-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100061444 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING ADAPTIVE SEGMENTATION - A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method includes reading from the video information a segment map that associates blocks in the frame with four segment identifiers. Each segment identifier is associated with one or more segment parameters, such as quantization parameters, loop filter type, loop filter strength and sub-pixel interpolation filter. The blocks in each segment are then decoded using the associated segment parameters. Segment parameters can persist to following frames unless overwritten by a subsequent frame. A frame can also include a bit suppressing segmentation, in which case default parameters are sued for all blocks in the frame. | 03-11-2010 |
20100061455 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DECODING USING PARALLEL PROCESSING - A method for decoding a stream of encoded video data is disclosed. The video stream includes partitions that have been compressed using lossless encoding. Each partition includes rows that have also been encoded using intra-frame or inter-frame encoding, for example. During the decoding process, two or more of the partitions are entropy decoded on two or more processors in parallel, except that partitions containing adjacent rows in the frame are decoded with an offset so that at least a portion of the output of the entropy decoding of one partition can be used as input in the entropy and intra/inter-frame decoding of the other. | 03-11-2010 |
20100061461 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAME - Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process. | 03-11-2010 |
20100061645 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING ADAPTIVE LOOP FILTER - Disclosed herein is a method for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information. The video information includes a prediction stage parameter with respect to at least one of the blocks. The method includes reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter, computing a residual error attribute from the reconstructed block, computing a filter strength value based on a baseline filter strength and at least one incremental value, wherein the incremental value is selected from a plurality of preset values based at least on one of the prediction stage parameter and residual error attribute associated with the at least one block and filtering the boundary adjacent to the at least one block using the selected filter strength value. | 03-11-2010 |
20130044817 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO ENCODING USING CONSTRUCTED REFERENCE FRAME - Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process. | 02-21-2013 |
20130101019 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO CODING USING ADAPTIVE SEGMENTATION - A method for decoding compressed video information is disclosed. The video information can include a plurality of frames each having a plurality of blocks. The method reading, from the video information, a segment map associating at least some of the plurality of blocks in a first frame of the plurality of frames with at least one segment identifier, reading, from the video information, a current block to be decoded by a decoder, reading, from the segment map, a segment identifier that is associated with the current block, reading, from the video information, at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block and decoding the current block using the at least one segment parameter associated with the segment identifier that is associated with the current block. | 04-25-2013 |
20130114679 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIDEO CODING USING ADAPTIVE LOOP FILTER - Methods for reducing blocking artifacts at the boundary between adjacent blocks reconstructed from a frame of compressed video information are disclosed herein. The frame includes a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute with respect to at least one of the blocks. One method includes reconstructing the at least one block based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute, categorizing the at least one reconstructed block into one of a plurality of categories based on the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute, identifying a filter strength value for the category in which the at least one reconstructed block is categorized based on at least one of the prediction stage parameter or the residual error attribute associated with that category, and filtering the boundary adjacent to the at least one reconstructed block using the identified filter strength value. | 05-09-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080238699 | REAL TIME ALARM CLASSIFICATION AND METHOD OF USE - A real time alarm classification system and method of use and, more particularly, to a residual gas analyzer configured to identify specific root causes of an abnormal condition such as, for example, contamination, undesirable process variability and equipment malfunction in wafer processing. The real-time alarm classification system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: generate top contributors associated with an alarm triggered by sensed abnormal conditions; compare the top contributors to contributors of historic RGA (residual gas analyzer) alarms of known root causes that were generated by a validated model; and provide a probable root cause of the sensed abnormal conditions when a match is found between the top contributors and the contributors associated with the historic RGA alarms of known root causes. A method and computer readable medium is also contemplated to provide the processes. | 10-02-2008 |
20090137068 | Method and Computer Program Product for Wafer Manufacturing Process Abnormalities Detection - A method for wafer manufacturing process abnormalities detection, the method includes: generating a classifier in response to compression based similarities between relevant wafer manufacturing process information of pairs of wafers; and utilizing the classifier to detect wafer manufacturing process abnormalities. | 05-28-2009 |
20100038793 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES COMPRISING CAPPING LAYERS WITH LOW DIELECTRIC CONSTANTS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - Interconnect structures comprising capping layers with low dielectric constants and good oxygen barrier properties and methods of making the same are provided. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit structure comprises: an interlevel dielectric layer disposed above a semiconductor substrate; a conductive interconnect embedded in the interlevel dielectric layer; a first capping layer comprising Si | 02-18-2010 |
20120112302 | Novel Integration Process to Improve Focus Leveling Within a Lot Process Variation - A method of improving the focus leveling response of a semiconductor wafer is described. The method includes combining organic and inorganic or metallic near infrared (NIR) hardmask on a semiconductor substrate; forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the combined organic NIR-absorption and the inorganic or metallic NIR-absorption hardmask; and forming a photoresist layer on the ARC layer. A semiconductor structure is also described including a substrate, a resist layer located over the structure; and an absorptive layer located over the substrate. The absorptive layer includes an inorganic or metallic NIR-absorbing hardmask layer. | 05-10-2012 |
20120187530 | USING BACKSIDE PASSIVE ELEMENTS FOR MULTILEVEL 3D WAFERS ALIGNMENT APPLICATIONS - Passive circuit elements are formed at surfaces of two integrated circuit wafers. The passive circuit elements are utilized to align the two integrated circuit wafers to form an integrated circuit wafer stack. | 07-26-2012 |
20120313144 | RECESSED GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR - A semiconductor device having a gate positioned in a recess between the source region and a drain region that are adjacent either side of the gate electrode. A channel region is below a majority of the source region as well as a majority of the drain region and the entire gate electrode. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313153 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PLATING CONDUCTIVE GATE CONTACTS ON METAL GATES FOR SELF-ALIGNED CONTACT INTERCONNECTIONS - According to one embodiment of the invention, the gate contact is formed by a selective deposition on the gate electrode. One acceptable technique for the selective deposition is by plating. Plating is one process by which a metal structure, such as a gate contact, may be formed directly on the gate electrode. The plating is carried out by immersing the semiconductor die in a plating solution with the gate electrode exposed. The gate contact is plated onto the gate electrode and thus is ensured of being fully aligned exactly to the gate electrode. After this, the appropriate dielectric layers are formed adjacent the gate contact and over the source and drain to ensure that the gate electrode is electrically isolated from other components of the transistor. | 12-13-2012 |
20140084465 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF NOVEL MX TO MX-2 - A plurality of metal tracks are formed in an integrated circuit die in three metal layers stacked within the die. A protective dielectric layer is formed around metal tracks of an intermediate metal layer. The protective dielectric layer acts as a hard mask to define contact vias between metal tracks in the metal layers above and below the intermediate metal layer. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF NOVEL ENCAPSULATED MULTI METAL BRANCH FOOT STRUCTURES FOR ADVANCED BACK END OF LINE - A plurality of metal tracks are formed in a plurality of intermetal dielectric layers stacked in an integrated circuit die. Thin protective dielectric layers are formed around the metal tracks. The protective dielectric layers act as a hard mask to define contact vias between metal tracks in the intermetal dielectric layers. | 03-27-2014 |
20140099787 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PROCESSING WITH REDUCED WIRING PUDDLE FORMATION - A method of forming an interconnect structure for a semiconductor device includes forming a lower antireflective coating layer over a dielectric layer; forming an organic planarizing layer on the lower antireflective coating layer; transferring a wiring pattern through the organic planarizing layer; transferring the wiring pattern through the lower antireflective coating layer; and transferring the wiring pattern through the dielectric layer, wherein unpatterned portions of the lower antireflective coating layer serve as an etch stop layer so as to prevent any bubble defects present in the organic planarizing layer from being transferred to the dielectric layer. | 04-10-2014 |
20140134808 | RECESSED GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR - A semiconductor device having a gate positioned in a recess between the source region and a drain region that are adjacent either side of the gate electrode. A channel region is below a majority of the source region as well as a majority of the drain region and the entire gate electrode. | 05-15-2014 |
20140175610 | ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE DEVICES FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A junction diode array for use in protecting integrated circuits from electrostatic discharge can be fabricated to include symmetric and/or asymmetric junction diodes of various sizes. The diodes can be configured to provide low voltage and current discharge via unencapsulated contacts, or high voltage and current discharge via encapsulated contacts. Use of tilted implants in fabricating the junction diode array allows a single hard mask to be used to implant multiple ion species. Furthermore, a different implant tilt angle can be chosen for each species, along with other parameters, (e.g., implant energy, implant mask thickness, and dimensions of the mask openings) so as to craft the shape of the implanted regions. Isolation regions can be inserted between already formed diodes, using the same implant hard mask if desired. A buried oxide layer can be used to prevent diffusion of dopants into the substrate beyond a selected depth. | 06-26-2014 |
20140183735 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMBINING DAMASCENES AND SUBTRACT METAL ETCH FOR ADVANCED BACK END OF LINE INTERCONNECTIONS - Metal interconnections are formed in an integrated by combining damascene processes and subtractive metal etching. A wide trench is formed in a dielectric layer. A conductive material is deposited in the wide trench. Trenches are etched in the conductive material to delineate a plurality of metal plugs each contacting a respective metal track exposed by the wide trench. | 07-03-2014 |
20150076695 | SELECTIVE PASSIVATION OF VIAS - A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a cap layer above a first ILD layer of a first metal level, the first ILD layer includes a recess filled with a first conductive material to form a first interconnect structure. Next, a second ILD layer is formed above the cap layer and a via is formed within the second ILD layer as a second interconnect structure of a second metal level. The via is aligned with the first interconnect structure. Subsequently, a portion of the cap layer is removed to extend the via to expose a top portion of the first conductive material then a passivation cap is selectively formed at a bottom portion of the via in the second ILD layer and the passivation cap contacting the top portion of the first conductive material. The passivation cap includes a metal alloy to form an interface between the bottom portion of the via and the first conductive material. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100011724 | VESSEL FOR RECEIVING A FLUID INCLUDING A DEMISTER - One exemplary embodiment can be a vessel for receiving a fluid. The vessel may include a shell and a demister including at least one section positioned proximate to the shell. Each section can have a first surface for primarily receiving the fluid and orientated, independently, about 5-about 85° with respect to horizontal. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013111 | DOWNCOMER FOR A GAS-LIQUID CONTACTING DEVICE - One exemplary embodiment can be a downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor. | 01-21-2010 |
20100162890 | DE-ENTRAINMENT DEVICE - De-entrainment devices for effectively removing entrained liquid from a vapor stream are disclosed. These de-entrainment devices are effective in distillation columns and other apparatuses comprising vapor-liquid contacting devices. Particular representative applications for these de-entrainment devices are in distillation (or fractionation) columns having co-current contacting modules, in which liquid and vapor enter into co-current flow channels of the modules. The de-entrainment devices can be used, for example, with non-parallel contacting stages or other types of high capacity trays. | 07-01-2010 |
20100162891 | VAPOR-LIQUID CONTACTING IN CO-CURRENT CONTACTING APPARATUSES - Improved contacting modules and apparatuses containing the modules, for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. In representative contacting modules, liquid (and possibly vapor) are discharged into co-current flow channels in a non-uniform manner (e.g., from only one side of the channels). Particular contacting modules comprise at least one liquid downcomer and a demister, wherein the liquid downcomer and an inlet surface of the demister define a co-current flow channel and wherein liquid is discharged from an outlet of the downcomer. The use of one or more added liquid distribution devices to more uniformly distribute the discharged liquid improves vapor-liquid contacting efficiency in the co-current flow channel and consequently vapor-liquid mass transfer and approach to equilibrium for the contacting stage. | 07-01-2010 |
20100163397 | LIQUID DISTRIBUTION IN CO-CURRENT CONTACTING APPARATUSES - Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing modules used to carry out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative liquid distribution systems comprise an extended trough having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution into a plurality of downcomers. The downcomers may be in non-parallel (e.g., orthogonal) alignment with respect to the trough and/or the number of troughs may be less than the number of downcomers to which fluid is distributed. | 07-01-2010 |
20100242730 | CONTACTING STAGES FOR CO-CURRENT CONTACTING APPARATUSES - Improved contacting stages for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting are described. Particular aspects are directed to co-current vapor-liquid contacting devices with non-parallel contacting stages that provide an efficient usage of column space for fluid flow and contacting, in order to achieve high capacity, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The fabrication of such contacting stages is improved using one or more structural enhancements, preferably a combination of enhancements, to achieve easy installation and significantly improved rigidity between the various parts and thereby avoid movement/separation of these parts. This reduces the possibility of fluid leakage across, and consequently vapor and/or liquid bypassing of, the contacting stage. | 09-30-2010 |
20100244290 | FLUID DISTRIBUTION TO PARALLEL FLOW VAPOR-LIQUID CONTACTING TRAYS - Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing parallel flow trays for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative fluid distribution systems comprise one or more extended troughs having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution to a vapor-liquid contacting deck zones of a parallel flow stage. The trough(s) may be orthogonal to liquid distribution pans which are in alignment with outlet spouts (e.g., in discrete outlet spout zones) of the trough(s). | 09-30-2010 |
20110303089 | SELECTIVE ABSORPTION OF GAS COMPONENTS IN CO-CURRENT CONTACTING APPARATUSES - Methods are disclosed for the selective absorption of gas components based on differences in their gas phase and liquid phase resistances to mass transfer. The methods advantageously utilize a gas-liquid contacting apparatus having contacting stages with co-current flow channels that can provide contacting with increased liquid phase resistance to mass transfer, for example in the spray regime such that the liquid is effectively dispersed as small droplets into the gas phase. | 12-15-2011 |
20110305616 | CONFIGURATION OF CONTACTING ZONES IN VAPOR LIQUID CONTACTING APPARATUSES - Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking. | 12-15-2011 |