li METHOD AND SYSTEM OF APPARATUSES FOR TESTING UTILITY POWER DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Test measurements on a utility power device by a switch matrix apparatus and a common voltage source as separate devices is performed. Through the switch matrix apparatus, the common voltage source selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the switch matrix apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the first lead and the second lead of the switch matrix apparatus remain electrically coupled to the first and the second terminal of the utility power device, a second high voltage signal is selectively sent via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and a second corresponding signal returned from the first terminal of the utility power device via the first lead of the switch matrix apparatus is measured. Full Article
li UNIVERSAL, MODULAR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MRI PHANTOM FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC AND ISOTROPIC IMAGING INCLUDING HOLLOW FLUID FILLED TUBULAR TEXTILES FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC IMAGING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A universal, modular, temperature controlled MRI phantom for calibration and validation for anisotropic and isotropic imaging comprises an outer insulating shell configured to be received within an MRI chamber; an inner shell received within the outer insulating shell; a fluid conduits adjacent the inner shell for receiving temperature controlling fluid or gas cycling there-through; and a series of stacked layers of frames containing test points for the MRI phantom, each layer including at least one fiducial and including at least some anisotropic imaging test points in at least one frame and at least one isotropic imaging test point in at least one frame. The anisotropic imaging comprises hollow tubular textile fibers, wherein each hollow tubular fiber has an outer diameter of less than 50 microns and an inner diameter of less than 20 microns, wherein at least some hollow tubular fibers are filled with a fluid. Full Article
li CALIBRATION SYSTEM FOR A POWER METER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for calibration of power meters. Full Article
li MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A measurement while drilling (MWD) system for use in a drilling string, the MWD system comprises: a resistivity module that is configured to generate resistivity information about a resistivity of a formation that is drilled by the drilling string; a near bit sub that is configured to generate inclination information about an inclination of a drill bit of the drilling string; a MWD module; a first wireless communication module that is configured to wirelessly send the resistivity information from the resistivity module to the MWD module; a second wireless communication module that is configured to wirelessly send inclination information from the near bit sub module to the MWD module; and wherein the MWD module is configured to participate in a transmission of the inclination information and the resistivity information towards an upper surface of the formation. Full Article
li DISPLAY PANEL, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING SCREEN FLICKERING, AND DISPLAY DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a display panel, a method and a device for measuring screen flickering, and a display device. The display panel includes a substrate, data lines and gate lines arranged on the substrate and crossing each other, and subpixel units defined by the data lines and the gate lines. Each subpixel unit includes a TFT, a pixel electrode, a first common electrode and a second common electrode. The second common electrode is connected to an input end capable of providing an alternating voltage at a first frequency. An orthogonal projection of the second common electrode onto the substrate at least partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of the pixel electrode onto the substrate. Full Article
li INFUSION PUMP LINE IDENTIFICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method identifies to which one of a plurality of infusion pumps one of a plurality of fluid lines is coupled. The method can include intentionally producing a predetermined pressure pattern in one of the plurality of fluid lines, detecting the predetermined pressure pattern by way of a sensor of one of the plurality of infusion pumps, and indicating detection of the predetermined pressure pattern in the one of the plurality of fluid lines, thereby indicating the one of the plurality of infusion pumps to which the one of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled. In some cases, a tool configured to occlude and the squeeze the fluid line can be used to intentionally produce the predetermined pressure pattern. Full Article
li DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WALL ABRASION OF SOLID FILLER FEEDING WELL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a device for detecting wall abrasion of a solid-filling feeding well and a detection method thereof. The device comprises a well wall abrasion detector, a horizontal displacement meter, a vertical displacement monitor, and a limit guide rod. One end of the limit guide rod is connected to the well wall abrasion detector. The signal output terminal of the well wall abrasion detector is connected to the signal input terminal of the horizontal displacement meter, and the other end of the limit guide rod passes through the vertical displacement monitor for slidable setting. This disclosure mainly utilizes a resistance strain displacement sensor to detect the abrasion and deformation degree of the well wall, determines the position of damages with the vertical displacement monitor, and draws wall abrasion curves by using the obtained data. The device provided is easy to use, has low cost, has high reliability, and can effectively detect the wall abrasion condition of a solid-filling feeding well, thereby providing a basis for ensuring the working efficiency of the feeding well. Full Article
li METHOD FOR DETERMINING A LIQUID LEVEL AND QUALITY IN A TANK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for determining a liquid level in a tank (1) comprised in a vehicle, wherein said method uses an ultrasonic sensor (4) for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves (11). Basically the liquid level is determined based upon measuring the transition time of an ultrasonic wave (11) emitted by the ultrasonic sensor, wherein said emitted wave is deflected two times before being reflected by the surface (2) of the liquid contained in the tank. Full Article
li ROTATING MACHINE ABNORMALITY DETECTION DEVICE, ROTATING MACHINE ABNORMALITY DETECTION METHOD, AND ROTATING MACHINE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An abnormality detecting apparatus (10) for a rotating machine includes: a calculating part (15) which calculates a phase difference between signals respectively output from two sensors of one or more sets, the one or more sets being predetermined combinations of two sensors among the plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors each of which detects an elastic wave generating in the rotating machine (1) having a rotor during rotation of the rotor, the sensors being arranged at predetermined different locations of the rotating machine (1); a storing part (16) which stores in advance information concerning a relationship between a phase difference and a contact position when a contact occurs during the rotation of the rotor, regarding the one or more sets; and a specifying part (17) which specifies a contact position by using a phase difference calculated by the calculating part (15) and the information stored in the storing part (16). Full Article
li TRACK VEHICLE COLLISION TESTING DEVICE AND TRACK VEHICLE COLLISION TESTING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A rail vehicle collision test rig used for a collision test on a tested vehicle is provided, and includes: a track configured to support and guide the tested vehicle; a small vehicle configured to push the tested vehicle; a drive motor configured to drive the small vehicle to advance and arranged at a first end of the track; a first rotating hub arranged at the first end of the track and connected to the drive motor; a brake motor configured to brake the small vehicle; a second rotating hub arranged at the second end of the track and connected to the brake motor; a connecting rope wound on the first rotating hub and the second rotating hub; a detector configured to detect a velocity and a position of the tested vehicle; and a controller connected to the detector and is allowed to be in communication with the detector. Full Article
li Drilling-Resistance Measuring Device for Use Underwater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a drilling-resistance measuring device (10) and to a method for material testing in a humid environment or underwater. The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises a housing (1), in which a drive and a drill chuck (3) coupled to the drive are arranged, in which drill chuck a drilling needle (4) is or can be releasably held, wherein the housing (1) has a drilling-needle outlet opening (5') enclosed by a drilling-needle outlet guide (5), through which drilling-needle outlet opening the drilling needle (4) extends out of the housing (1). The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises at least one water-tight bellows (6), which is arranged in the interior of the housing (1) around the drilling needle (4) between the drill chuck (3) and the drilling-needle outlet guide (5), wherein moisture or water can enter the bellows (6) through the drilling-needle outlet opening (5'). Full Article
li Quantitative Liquid Texture Measurement Apparatus and Method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A photo acoustic non-destructive measurement apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring texture of a liquid. The apparatus includes a laser generating tool, an acoustic capturing device, and a data processing unit. The laser generating tool directs a laser towards a surface of a liquid contained in a container and creates pressure waves that propagate through the air and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic capturing device records and forwards the signal to a data processing unit. The data processing unit further comprises a digital signal processing module that processes the received acoustic signal. A statistical processing module further filters the acoustic signal from the data processing unit and generates a quantitative acoustic model for texture attributes such as hardness and fracturability. The quantitative model is correlated with a qualitative texture measurement from a descriptive expert panel. Textures of liquids are quantitatively measured with the quantitative acoustic model. Full Article
li Heated Transfer Line By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flexible, foldable light-weight gas chromatography transfer line suitable for connecting a gas chromatograph (GC) to a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer or optical spectrometer, in particular to the ion source of the spectrometer, such as an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ion source. The transfer line has a heating arrangement that allows maintaining an even temperature profile, which improves quality of spectra. The transfer line has low thermal mass and the heating can be controlled with the control unit of the GC. Full Article
li Volumetric Flow Regulation in Multi-Dimensional Liquid Analysis Systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled. Full Article
li VACUUM-ASSISTED IN-NEEDLE CAPPLICARY ADSORPTION TRAP WITH MULTIWALLED POLYANILINE/CARBON NANOTUBE NANOCOMPOSITE SORBENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vacuum-assisted in-needle capillary adsorption trap (VA-INCAT) device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. A sorbent is multiwall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposite and is coated within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The VA-INCAT device also includes a vacuum device configured to vacuum the vacuum flask to improve the extraction of the analytes vapors from the sample matrix to the sorbent bed. Full Article
li DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING A BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL RESIDUE IN AN LIQUID SAMPLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses methods and devices for rapidly detecting a biological and/or chemical residue in a liquid sample. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a single antenna is generally employed in proximity to an aqueous solution in a disposable cup, with electrical outputs being recorded by an electrical metering device in communication with the single antenna. Commercial plastic cups may be used for detection of electric fields related to cleanliness of water samples. General and specific target detection may be performed with various embodiments of the instant invention. Full Article
li Technologies for controlling degradation of sensing circuits By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Technologies for controlling degradation of a sensor mote including detecting a trigger event and initiating degradation of at least a portion of the sensor mote in response to the trigger event. The trigger event may be embodied as any type of event detectable by the sensor mote such as a trigger signal, particular sensed data, expiration of a reference time period, completion of a task, and so forth. The sensor mote may imitate the degradation by, for example, controlling a valve to release a chemical stored in the sensor mote or allow a substance into the sensor mote. Full Article
li AMPLIFYING ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT WITH REDUCED START-UP TIME FOR A SIGNAL INCLUDING QUADRATURE COMPONENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic circuit for amplifying signals with two components in phase quadrature, which includes: a feedback amplifier with a feedback capacitor; a switch that drives charging and discharging of the feedback capacitor; an additional capacitor; and a coupling circuit, which alternatively connects the additional capacitor in parallel to the feedback capacitor or else decouples the additional capacitor from the feedback capacitor. The switch opens at a first instant, where a first one of the two components assumes a first zero value; the coupling circuit decouples the additional capacitor from the feedback capacitor in a way synchronous with a second instant, where the first component assumes a second zero value. Full Article
li TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETRY COUPLED TO TRAPPED ION MOBILITY SEPARATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a method for acquiring fragment ion spectra of substances in complex substance mixtures wherein a trapped ion mobility spectrometer (“TIMS”) is used as the ion mobility separation device coupled to a triple quadrupole mass filter assembly. The fragment ion spectra may be used for the identification of high numbers of proteins in complex mixtures, or for a safe quantification of some substances, by their fragment ion mass spectra in a mass spectrometer with upstream substance separator. TIMS, in particular equipped with parallel accumulation, provides the unique possibility to prolong the ion accumulation duration to find more detectable ion species without decreasing the measuring capacity for fragment ion mass spectra. The high measurement capacity for fragment ion mass spectra permits the repeated measurement of low abundance ion species such as to improve the quality of the fragment ion spectra. Full Article
li LASER APPARATUS AND EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT GENERATING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A laser beam having desired properties is output at desired timings. A laser apparatus is a laser apparatus for use with an extreme ultraviolet light generating apparatus that generates extreme ultraviolet light at a repetition frequency which is set in advance, and may be equipped with: a semiconductor laser that outputs a laser beam when a trigger signal is input thereto; an optical switch that switches between a state in which the laser beam passes therethrough and a state in which the laser beam does not pass therethrough, provided along the optical path of the laser beam; and a control unit configured to output the trigger signal to the semiconductor laser at a frequency which is an integer multiple of the repetition frequency, and to control the optical switch such that the laser beam passes therethrough at the repetition frequency. Full Article
li PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING, UNDER VOID, A JET OF PARTICLES WITH AN AERODYNAMIC LENS AND ASSOCIATED AERODYNAMIC LENS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for controlling the divergence of a jet of particles in vacuo with an aerodynamic lens, the aerodynamic lens including at least one chamber; a diaphragm, a so-called inlet diaphragm, intended to form an inlet of the aerodynamic lens for a jet of particles, the inlet diaphragm having a given diameter (d1); and another diaphragm, a so-called outlet diaphragm, intended to form an outlet of the aerodynamic lens for this jet of particles; the method including: a step for generating the jet of particles from the inlet to the outlet, in vacuo, of the aerodynamic lens; and a step for adjusting the diameter (ds) of the outlet diaphragm for controlling the divergence of the jet of particles. Full Article
li APPARATUS CONFIGURED FOR COLLECTION AND STERILIZATION OF EXPECTORATES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an apparatus configured for collection and sterilization of expectorates. According to the embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a receptacle having an interior space defined by a bottom wall, and one or more side walls, an opening at a top portion for selectively receiving a separator for the expectorates to pass therethrough and be received at the interior space, and a power source, one or more light sources, such as ultraviolet (UV) light source radiating rays of sufficient wavelengths capable of sterilizing the expectorates received at the interior space, a reflective source surrounding the interior space of the receptacle for substantially reflecting the radiated rays throughout the interior space to effectively sterilize the expectorates received at the interior space, and a receptacle lid removably engaging the separator to close the opening at the top portion of the receptacle. Full Article
li ELECTRON BEAM GENERATOR AND ELECTRON BEAM STERILIZING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Electron beam generator comprising an electron emitting device adapted to emit an electron beam when heated to an elevated temperature, wherein the electron emitting device comprises a filament having a spiral portion. Full Article
li PROXIMITY SENSING DEVICE AND LIGHT GUIDING METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A proximity sensing device includes: a light source, a sensing unit, a light guide unit, and a window. The light source emits light, which is guided by the light guide unit to the window. The emitted light reflected by an object is received by the same window. The light guide unit includes a partial-transmissive-partial-reflective (PTPR) optical element, whereby the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the PTPR optical element, while the light reflected by the object passes through the PTPR optical element. There is only one window required. Full Article
li OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEM WITH LIGHT SAMPLING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT System, including methods and apparatus, for optical detection. The system may comprise a light source to generate a beam of light, an optical element, and a detector. The optical element may include a light guide having a shaft and a tip, with the tip forming a beveled end of the light guide. The optical element may extend into the beam, such that the tip and at least a portion of the shaft are located inside the beam, and a window of the optical element is located outside the beam. Light of the beam incident on the tip may be transmitted longitudinally through the light guide and out the window, while light of the beam incident on the shaft may be transmitted transversely through the shaft and remains in the beam downstream. The detector may be configured to detect light received from the window. Full Article
li Low power, high resolution solid state lidar circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An optical circuit includes solid state photonics. The optical circuit includes a phased array of solid state waveguides that perform beamsteering on an optical signal. The optical circuit includes a modulator to modulate a bit sequence onto the carrier frequency of the optical signal, and the beamsteered signal includes the modulated bit sequence. The optical circuit includes a photodetector to detect a reflection of the beamsteered optical signal. The optical circuit autocorrelates the reflection signal with the bit sequence to generate a processed signal. Full Article
li FLUID ANALYZER WITH MODULATION FOR LIQUIDS AND GASES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids through a channel and the interrogation region, and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to move a fluid boundary separating the analyte and reference fluids across the interrogation region. A controller generates control signals to (1) cause the fluid boundary to be moved across the interrogation region accordingly, (2) sample an output signal from the optical detector at a first interval during which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a second interval during which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, and (3) determine from samples of the output signal a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid. Full Article
li RAY CALIBRATION DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND RADIATION IMAGING SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a ray calibration device and a working method thereof, and a radiation imaging system and a working method thereof, and belongs to the field of radiation imaging technology. The present disclosure can solve the problems that the existing calibration devices have low calibration efficiency and require relatively large spaces. The ray calibration device of the present disclosure includes a driving part, a cam part and a calibration part, wherein the calibration part is located below the cam part; the driving part is adapted to drive the cam part to rotate; and the cam part is adapted to exert a force on the calibration part to enable the calibration part to move into a ray area downwards. Full Article
li LINEAR-RESPONSE NANOCRYSTAL SCINTILLATORS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and devices incorporating radiation detection, and techniques and materials for improved radiation detection are provided that involve a nano-scintillator exhibiting a linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation. The nano-scintillator can include at least one nanocrystal comprising a rare earth element, a lanthanide dopant, and a spectator dopant, wherein the nanocrystal exhibits a linear luminescent emission response to stimulating electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths less than 100 nm. As one example, the nanocrystal is [Y2-xO3; Eux, Liy], where x is 0.05 to 0.1 and y is 0.1 to 0.16, and has an average nanoparticle size of 40 to 70 nm. These nanocrystals can be fabricated through a glycine combustion method. Full Article
li Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. Full Article
li CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LITHOGRAPHY APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for initializing a first operation in a first module at a first start time value in a first time base, the method comprising generating a clock signal, generating a second time base in the first module based on the clock signal, determining a second sync value in the second time base, determining a first sync value in the first time base corresponding to a second sync value in the second time base, determining a start trigger value in the second time base based on the first sync value and the start time value in the first time base, and initializing the first operation in the first module based on the start trigger value and a current value of the second time base in the first module. Full Article
li METHOD OF FABRICATING AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH A PATTERN DENSITY-OUTLIER-TREATMENT FOR OPTIMIZED PATTERN DENSITY UNIFORMITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an IC method. First pattern densities (PDs) of a plurality of templates of an IC design layout are received. Then a high PD outlier template and a low PD outlier template from the plurality of templates are identified. The high PD outlier template is split into multiple subsets of template and each subset of template carries a portion of PD of the high PD outlier template. A PD uniformity (PDU) optimization is performed to the low PD outlier template and multiple individual exposure processes are applied by using respective subset of templates. Full Article
li Monitoring Liquid Chromatography Elution to Determine When to Perform a Lockmass Calibration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises acquiring mass spectral data during a single experimental run or acquisition of a mass spectrometer and determining a first time T during the single experimental run or acquisition for calibrating the mass spectrometer. The step of determining the first time T further comprises determining a time when the mass spectral data being acquired during the single experimental run or acquisition is equal to or below a threshold. The mass spectrometer is then calibrated by introducing calibrant or lockmass ions at the first time T. Full Article
li ACTIVE STABILIZATION OF ION TRAP RADIOFREQUENCY POTENTIALS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are improved methods and structures for actively stabilizing the oscillation frequency of a trapped ion by noninvasively sampling and rectifying the high voltage RF potential at circuit locations between a step-up transformer and a vacuum feedthrough leading to the ion trap electrodes. We use this sampled/rectified signal in a feedback loop to regulate the RF input amplitude to the circuit. By employing techniques and structures according to the present disclosure we are advantageously able to stabilize a 1 MHz trapped ion oscillation frequency to Full Article
li SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A solid-state imaging device includes a detector, a count value storage, and a reader. The detector includes an avalanche amplification type light receiving element that detects a photon, and a resetter that resets an output potential of the light receiving element, and outputs a digital signal that indicates the presence or absence of incidence of a photon on the light receiving element. The count value storage performs counting by converting the digital signal output from the detector to an analog voltage, and stores the result of counting as a count value. The reader outputs an analog signal indicating the count value. Full Article
li Method for controlling and optimizing the manufacture of gasoline blendstocks for blending with an alcohol as an oxygenate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for manufacturing an oxygenated gasoline-blend by blending a hydrocarbon Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) with an alcohol such as ethanol to a required octane specification first blends the BOB to an octane number, (RON+MON)/2 based on the octane sensitivity (RON−MON) of the BOB and the proportion of alcohol to be added to the BOB, such that when the BOB is blended with the specification proportion of alcohol to form the oxygenated gasoline blend, this blend will have the required octane specification. The blending of the BOB with the alcohol will typically be done at a location remote from that where the BOB is blended, e.g. at the product distribution terminal after being transported from the refinery by pipeline or tank car. Full Article
li Suspended solids separation systems and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method that includes clarifying a thin stillage product in a mechanical processor to produce a fine suspended solids stream and a clarified thin stillage is provided. The method further includes providing the thin stillage product and the clarified thin stillage, separately or in a combined stream, to one or more evaporators to produce one or more reduced suspended solids streams, each stream having a reduced amount of suspended solids and a lower viscosity as compared to process streams having a comparable total solids content but containing a higher amount of suspended solids. The method can further included further processing of one or more of the reduced suspended solids streams to produce a bio-oil product. Full Article
li Remote additive application By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure is directed to the application of additives to a feed material at a location remote from an industrial facility using the feed material. Full Article
li Pre-burning, dry process methodology and systems for enhancing mettallurgical solid fuel properties By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance metallurgical solid fuel properties. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus. Full Article
li Quality certification of oxygenated gasoline By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for controlling the manufacture and certification of an oxygenated gasoline product is carried out by manufacturing a gasoline Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) at a refinery site in accordance with an empirical relationship, valid for at that site under typical manufacturing conditions, between (i) a property value of the BOB stream such as octane as determined by an on-site online process analyzer and (ii) the corresponding instantaneous value or FPAPV property value as determined by the test method mandated by the product specification for the final gasoline stream when blended with the required proportion of oxygenate. The quality of fit of this empirical relationship is calculated according to the standard deviation of the residuals of the relationship and a confidence level is fixed so that the final oxygenated gasoline formulated with the BOB will meet the required property specification when measured by the test method mandated by the specification. The final oxygenated gasoline blend is certified as having a property value conforming to the required specification based on the predicted property value for the finished gasoline. Full Article
li Methods of producing coal and fertilizers from fermentation residues By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry. Full Article
li Biphenyl benzyl ether marker compounds for liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A compound having formula (I) wherein G represents at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C1-C12 alkoxy. Full Article
li Bisphenol A compounds as markers for liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel by adding at least one compound having formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl groups, and G represents hydrogen or at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C18 alkyl and C1-C18 alkoxy. Full Article
li Use of 1,1-diethoxyethane for increasing knocking resistance of automotive gasoline By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to the use of 1,1-diethoxyethane for increasing the knocking resistance of low-boiling gasoline with an initial boiling point (IBP) of 80° C. to 120° C. by at least 40 units (Research Octane Number). Full Article
li Method for producing solid fuel and solid fuel produced by the method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Modified solid fuel manufacturing method and modified solid fuels manufactured using the manufacturing method. When solid fuels are manufactured by crushing low grade coal, mixing the crushed low grade coal with solvent oil to prepare a slurry, heating the slurry to at least the boiling point of water to evaporate moisture included in the slurry, separating the solvent oil from the slurry to produce charcoal dust and compression compacting said charcoal dust, by heating the slurry to at least the boiling point of water, the non-volatile components included in the low grade coal are extracted with the solvent oil, the outer surface of the low grade coal and the internal surfaces of the pores are coated with the extracted non-volatile components, and the content of heavy oil added from the outside will be less than 0.5 mass % relative to the solid fuel after drying. Full Article
li Device and method for controlling the conversion of biomass to biofuel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to control the conversion of carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a process having a control system that enables the system to produce a fuel of uniform quality, even with a change in biomass supply. Full Article
li Two-stage reactor and process for conversion of solid biomass material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A two-stage reactor is disclosed for the conversion of solid particulate biomass material. The reactor is designed to maximize conversion of the solid biomass material, while limiting excess cracking of primary reaction products. The two-stage reactor comprises a first stage reactor, in which solid biomass material is thermally pyrolyzed to primary reaction products. The primary reaction products are catalytically converted in a second stage reactor. Full Article
li Gasoline fuel composition for improved performance in fuel injected engines By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for improving performance of fuel injectors, and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for an internal combustion engine. The methods include operating the engine on a fuel composition comprising a major amount of fuel and from about 1 to about 200 ppm by weight based on a total weight of the fuel of a reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl substituted compound containing at least one tertiary amino group and (ii) a halogen substituted C2-C8 carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or salt thereof, wherein the reaction product as made is substantially devoid of free anion species. Full Article
li Process for demineralising coal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process for demineralizing coal includes the steps of forming a slurry of coal particles in an alkali solution, the slurry containing 10-30% by weight coal, maintaining the slurry at a temperature of 150-250° C. under a pressure sufficient to prevent boiling, separating the slurry into an alkalized coal and a spent alkali leachant, forming an acidified slurry of the alkalized coal, the acidified slurry having a pH of 0.5-1.5, separating the acidified slurry into a coal- containing fraction and a substantially liquid fraction, subjecting the coal-containing fraction to a washing step, particularly a hydrothermal washing step, in which the coal-containing fraction is mixed with water and a polar organic solvent or water and an organic acid to form a mixture and separating the coal from the mixture. The demineralized coal has an ash content of from 0.01-0.2% by weight and can be used a feed to a gas turbine. Full Article
li Methods and apparatus for controlling moisture in plant oils and liquid biofuels By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described. Full Article