ace Cognitive assessment and treatment platform utilizing a distributed tangible-graphical user interface device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cognitive disorder diagnostic system that employs cognitive cubes, gameplay associate with the cognitive cubes, and a data gathering as statistical analysis base device that may be a computer, that communicates the gathered data to a web server host according to a unique ID associated with particular cognitive cubes and further associated with a particular player. Using the statistical data gathered using the gameplay, various cognitive disorders may be successfully diagnosed and treated with higher reliability. Full Article
ace System and method for teaching injection techniques of the human head and face By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An anatomical model assembly of the human head for use in teaching medical personnel. The anatomical model has an inner base that is shaped as part of the human skull. A first layer of material covers the base. The first layer of material provides a visual indication of at least some muscle groups contained within a human head. A second layer of material is provided that covers the first layer. The second layer of material has an exterior that is shaped with at least some human facial features. The second layer of material and the first layer of material are separate, unattached layers. The material selected for the first layer mimics the suppleness of muscle. The material selected for the top second layer mimics the feel and elasticity of skin. The result is an anatomical model that can be used to accurately teach, plan and practice medical procedures. Full Article
ace Apparatus and method of simulating a somatosensory experience in space By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment. Full Article
ace Method and system for controlling skill acquisition interfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system for capturing expert behavior that the expert is not even necessarily conscious of, such as gaze patterns, that are tied to positive outcomes, and to create a catalog (e.g. database) of these behaviors. The system compares the current behavior of a person, for example a novice, against this catalog of expert behaviors. If the current behavior is significantly different, the system would adapt various aspects of the interface to bring the current behavior closer in line to that of the expert. Full Article
ace Spacer for justifying lines of type By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 1959 08:00:00 EST Full Article
ace Surface-wave communications and methods thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system including a frequency mixer that combines a signal and a carrier wave to form a combined signal, and a transmitter that generates a transmission based on the combined signal. The system can also include a coupling device that emits the transmission as an electromagnetic wave guided by an outer surface of a transmission medium. The electromagnetic wave can propagate longitudinally along the surface of the transmission medium and at least partially around the surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
ace Creating dynamic interactive views from trace events for performing deterministic performance analysis By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT View definitions are created for deterministic performance analysis in real-time computing systems, and can then be used to present views for analyzing outliers that occur during run-time execution. Trace data created by a real-time application is compared to a set of view definitions to determine whether the trace data matches the view definition. If so, then related records from the trace are gathered according to specifications in the matched view definition, and calculations (such as elapsed time) can then be performed using the related records. A view definition may be created by prompting a user for selection of parameters to be programmatically inserted into a markup language document. A capability may be provided whereby a user can receive additional information (which is extracted from the trace data, according to specifications in the matched view definition) upon a user gesture such as hovering a selection means over a displayed view. Full Article
ace Electromagnetic interface secured by using an indirect compression force to slidably engage first and second force transfer features By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an example embodiment, an electromagnetic interface can comprise: a first component comprising a first waveguide channel, a first interface surface, and a first force transfer feature; a second component comprising a second waveguide channel, a second interface surface, and a second force transfer feature; and a fastener that can be configured to force the first force transfer feature in sliding engagement with the second force transfer feature. The first and second force transfer features can be configured to interoperate to create an indirect force holding the first interface surface in contact with the second interface surface and holding the first waveguide channel in alignment with the second waveguide channel. Full Article
ace Ladder type surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An object of the present invention is to improve the passing characteristic at high temperature in a ladder-type elastic wave filter and a duplexer including the filter. The ladder-type elastic wave filter of the present invention includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first series elastic-wave resonator formed on the piezoelectric substrate and connected in series between the input and output terminals of the filter, a parallel elastic-wave resonator formed on the piezoelectric substrate and connected in parallel between the series elastic-wave resonator and the ground terminal, and a dielectric film formed on the piezoelectric substrate so as to cover the first series elastic-wave resonator. The piezoelectric substrate is formed of a material with a negative temperature coefficient. The dielectric film is formed of a material with a positive temperature coefficient and its film thickness is formed thicker than that with which the frequency-temperature coefficient of the first series elastic-wave resonator becomes 0. Full Article
ace Surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An SAW filter and a duplexer excellent in electrical characteristics will be provided. An SAW filter has a piezoelectric substrate 40, a surface acoustic wave element 10 having a first IDT electrode 1 on the piezoelectric substrate 40, a first signal line 31 electrically connected to the first IDT electrode 1, and a ring-shaped reference potential line 9 which has a first intersecting portion intersecting with the first signal line 31 through an insulation member 41 and surrounds the surface acoustic wave element 10. Full Article
ace Surface acoustic wave resonator, surface acoustic wave oscillator, and electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator and a SAW oscillator and an electronic apparatus including the resonator are to be provided. A SAW resonator includes: an IDT exciting a SAW using a quartz crystal substrate of Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°); one pair of reflection units arranged so as allow the IDT to be disposed therebetween; and grooves acquired by depressing the quartz crystal substrate located between electrode fingers. When a wavelength of the SAW is λ, and a depth of the grooves is G, “0.01λ≦G” is satisfied. Full Article
ace Fabric for forming a paper web having an embossed surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A fabric for forming a fibrous paper web having an embossed surface is provided that includes at least longitudinal and transverse threads interwoven with one another in a weave repeat defining a machine side and a paper side. Some of the longitudinal threads form embossing threads having projecting paper side floats on the paper side of the fabric passing over more than one transverse thread. The fabric includes at least a first woven fabric layer forming the paper side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse first threads interwoven with one another and a second woven fabric layer forming the machine side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse second threads interwoven with one another. At least some of the longitudinal second threads form embossing threads, which penetrate the first woven fabric layer for forming the paper side floats and connect the two woven fabric layers. Full Article
ace Device and method for inductively transmitting electric energy to displaceable consumers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to displaceable consumers (F1-F13) that can be moved along a track, having a primary conductor arrangement (2) divided into route segments (3-7) that are electrically separated from each other, and extending along the track, wherein individual route segments (3-7) are each associated with at least one current source (3'-7') for imprinting a continuous current into each of the route segments (3-7), and to a corresponding method. The aim of the invention is to supply the displaceable consumers in an energy-saving manner with electric energy matched to demand, and to allow short reaction times when operating the device. This aim is achieved by providing the device with a means (11) for determining the total power of the displaceable consumers (F1-F13) present in each of the individual route segments (3-7) and with a means (11) for actuating the current sources (3'-7') for applying the electrical continuous current corresponding to the total power required for each route segment (3-7), or by determining, according to the method, the required total power of the displaceable consumers (F1-F13) present in each route segment and applying an electrical continuous current to each route segment (3-7) by means of the associated current source (3'-7'), said current corresponding to the total power required therein. Full Article
ace Evaporator surface structure of a circulating fluidized bed boiler and a circulating fluidized bed boiler with such an evaporator surface structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An evaporator surface structure of a circulating fluidized bed boiler having a furnace that is enclosed by sidewalls and has a bottom and a ceiling. The evaporator surface structure includes at least one vertical and separate evaporator surface unit that is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the furnace. The at least one evaporator surface unit (i) is formed of planar water tube panels that extend from the bottom of the furnace to the ceiling of the furnace, and (ii) consists of two cross-wise joined vertical water tube panels. Full Article
ace Cooling plate arrangement and method for installing cooling plates in a metallurgical furnace By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention proposes a gap-filler insert (20) for use with cooling plates (12, 12') for a metallurgical furnace, the cooling plates (12, 12') having a front face (14, 14') directed towards the interior of the furnace, an opposite rear face (16, 16') directed towards a furnace wall (10) of the furnace and four edge faces (18, 18'). In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the gap-filler insert (20) comprises a metal front plate (24) with a front side (24) facing the interior of the furnace and anchoring means (28, 28', 30, 30', 32, 34) for mounting the front plate (24) between two neighboring cooling plates (12, 12') in such a way that the front plate (24) extends between the edge faces (18, 18') of both cooling plates (12, 12'), and that the front side (26) of the front plate (24) is flush with the front faces (14, 14') of both cooling plates (12, 12'). Full Article
ace Fire pit that occupies a small space when disassembled By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fire pit includes a circular bottom plate and a circular, centrally-apertured log-supporting plate. A plurality of legs secured about the periphery of the log-supporting plate maintain the bottom and log-supporting plates in vertically spaced, parallel relation to one another. Each leg has a hollow uppermost end. A plurality of arcuate grates is mounted about the periphery of the log-supporting plate and a vertically-oriented post is secured to each of the grates, mid-length thereof. Each of the posts has a lowermost end slideably received within the hollow uppermost end of its associated leg to releasably connect each grate to the log-supporting plate. Arcuate openings positioned radially outwardly of the central opening enhance the flow of oxygen into the areas where combustion occurs. The log-supporting plate is inverted and the grates are stacked atop it when the fire pit is in its storage configuration. Full Article
ace Pen-type pharmaceutical product dispenser By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser. Full Article
ace Sharpener, especially for a cosmetic or pharmaceutical pencil By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A sharpener for sharpening a pencil, in particular a cosmetic pencil, is especially suitable, when used correctly, for producing a particularly uniform outer jacket edge in the region of the pencil tip. The sharpener includes a sharpener body, in which a pencil guide channel is provided. The pencil guide channel has a circular cone-shaped channel section and opens out in a pencil inlet opening on the outer side of the sharpener body. A paring blade is positioned tangentially to the lateral surface of the channel section. The paring blade serves to pare off a pencil tip, which includes a front lead section and a rear outer jacket section. A shaping tool cuts a shoulder into the pencil tip, the shoulder being set back in relation to a circular cone-shaped enveloping surface of the pencil tip. The shaping tool is arranged relative to the pencil guide channel to insert the shoulder into the transition between the lead section and the outer jacket section of the pencil tip. Full Article
ace Replaceable cover for bars in a printing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A paper transport system for transporting a web in a printing system includes a stationary bar positioned such that the web slides over a portion of an exterior surface of the bar, a rotatable source roller for supplying unused cover material, and a rotatable take-up roller for receiving used cover material. Cover material extends between the source roller and the take-up roller and is disposed over the portion of the exterior surface of the bar that the web slides over. A locking mechanism can be used to maintain tension in the cover material. Full Article
ace Soil deflector wing for furrow opener with replaceable winged tip body By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A paired row opener has a furrowing tip arranged to be selectively supported on a body of the opener. The furrowing tip includes a knife portion and a pair of wing portions extending rearwardly and outwardly therefrom where are separable together from the opener body. A pair of deflector wings are integrally formed on the opener body above inner edges of the respective wing portions which are abutted with the opener body so as to deflect disturbed soil away from a seam between the inner edge of the wing portions and the opener body. An insulated mounting block is fastened onto a rear bracket of the opener body which receives an anhydrous ammonia delivery tube therethrough so permit optional delivery of anhydrous ammonia at a location which is insulated and spaced rearwardly from the opener body. Full Article
ace Method for producing electrically-conducting material with modified surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method to inexpensively and efficiently produce conductive materials on the surface of which a nano-level fine structure is formed includes surface modification including immersing a stable anode electrode and a workpiece as a cathode electrode, the workpiece including a conductive material with a work surface, in an electrolytic solution, then applying a voltage not less than a first voltage and less than a second voltage between the stable anode electrode and the workpiece as the cathode electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution, thereby modifying the work surface, the first voltage being a voltage corresponding to a current value that is ½ of the sum of a first maximum current value appearing first in a positive voltage region and a first minimum current value appearing first in the positive voltage region with respect to voltage-current characteristics of a surface modification treatment system, the second voltage exhibiting a complete-state plasma. Full Article
ace Metal material with a bismuth film attached and method for producing same, surface treatment liquid used in said method, and cationic electrodeposition coated metal material and method for producing same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A metal material is provided with a bismuth coating which enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion and is able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment. The metal material has a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein the percentage of bismuth atoms in the number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%. Full Article
ace Systems and methods for treating a ground surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments of a ground surface treatment system can include a flexible roller system having one or more of rollers arranged in a side-by-side position and include a flexible axle member extending through each row of rollers. Full Article
ace Film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface, dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface, process for producing semiconductor device, and flip chip type semiconductor device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface to be formed on a back surface of a semiconductor element flip chip-connected to an adherend, the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface containing an inorganic filler in an amount within a range of 70% by weight to 95% by weight based on the whole of the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface. Full Article
ace Phase change memory cell with self-aligned vertical heater and low resistivity interface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST A low resistivity interface material is provided between a self-aligned vertical heater element and a contact region of a selection device. A phase change chalcogenide material is deposited directly on the vertical heater element. In an embodiment, the vertical heater element in L-shaped, having a curved vertical wall along the wordline direction and a horizontal base. In an embodiment, the low resistivity interface material is deposited into a trench with a negative profile using a PVD technique. An upper surface of the low resistivity interface material may have a tapered bird-beak extension. Full Article
ace Foam-in-place interior panels having integrated airbag doors including multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assemblies for motor vehicles and methods for making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. A multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate. Full Article
ace Rolling cutter placement on PDC bits By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cutting tool cutting tool may include a tool body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom; and a plurality of rotatable cutting elements mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of rotatable cutting elements are mounted on the at least one blade in a nose and/or shoulder region of the cutting tool at a side rake angle ranging from about 10 to about 30 degrees or −10 to about −30 degrees. Full Article
ace Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective. Full Article
ace Vibrational tool with rotating engagement surfaces and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibrational tool and method is disclosed, which may be utilized to assist in lowering a drill string into a wellbore. In one embodiment, a reciprocating member and a symmetrical rotating member are mounted within a vibrational tool housing. The reciprocating member is urged in one embodiment by a spring assembly toward the rotating member whereby engagement surfaces on the reciprocating member and rotating member encounter each other. As the rotating member rotates, variable surfaces on the engagement surface cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate as the variable surfaces follow or cam with respect to each other during rotation. The resistance to rotation by engagement surfaces and spring assembly, and mass of the rotating member, result in vibrational forces, when drilling fluid flows through the vibration tool housing. Full Article
ace Spacer fluid additive By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A spacer fluid comprises a fluid and a viscosity agent. The viscosity agent is a mixture of at least two polyvinylalcohol compositions. A first polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a first degree of hydrolysis and a second polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a second degree of hydrolysis. The first and second degrees of hydrolysis are substantially different such that the rheology of the spacer fluid is stable during temperatures changes. Full Article
ace Optical-interface patterning for radiation detector crystals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radiation detector is disclosed that includes a scintillation crystal and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect low-energy scintillation photons generated within the scintillation crystal. The scintillation crystals are processed using subsurface laser engraving to generate point-like defects within the crystal to alter the path of the scintillation photons. In one embodiment, the defects define a plurality of boundaries within a monolithic crystal to delineate individual detector elements. In another embodiment, the defects define a depth-of-interaction boundary that varies longitudinally to vary the amount of light shared by neighboring portions of the crystal. In another embodiment the defects are evenly distributed to reduce the lateral spread of light from a scintillation event. Two or more of these different aspects may be combined in a single scintillation crystal. Additionally, or alternatively, similar SSLE defects may be produced in other light-guiding elements of the radiation detector. Full Article
ace Surface contamination monitoring system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface contamination monitoring system/method configured to correct the detected the radioactive net count rate (NCR) value of a whole-body surface contamination monitoring device based on monitored subject height and thickness is disclosed. The system includes a height detection means for determining the height of a monitored subject and a thickness detection means for determining the thickness of at least a portion of the monitored subject. The net count rate (NCR) is corrected based on the determined height and thickness of the monitored subject as applied to site calibration factor data and self-shielding factor data to produce a corrected net count rate (CNR). If the corrected net count rate (CNR) registers above a preset alarm threshold, the monitored subject is considered contaminated and an appropriate alarm is registered. Full Article
ace Removable surface-wave networks for in-situ material health monitoring By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for measuring properties of a surface under test with surface waves includes a surface wave network including a dielectric substrate, a reactive grid of a plurality of metallic patches on a first surface of the dielectric substrate, a plurality of electronic nodes on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and a ground plane on a second surface of the dielectric substrate permeable to RF fields of the surface waves, and a controller configured for causing a respective one of the electronic nodes to transmit at least one surface wave and configured for collecting data for signals received by at least one other of the plurality of electronic nodes. Full Article
ace Device for checking pharmaceutical products, in particular hard gelatin capsules By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a device (10; 10a;10b; 10c; 50) for checking pharmaceutical products (1), in particular hard gelatin capsules, by means of at least one radiation source (30; 60) preferably embodied as an X-ray source, and a conveying device which conveys the products (1) in a clocked manner in a radiation area (31) of the radiation source (30; 60). The radiation emitted by the radiation source (30; 60) penetrating the products (1) preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axes thereof (2), and the radiation is captured on the side of the products (1) opposite the radiation source (30) by means of at least one sensor element (35) which is coupled to an evaluation device (36). The invention is characterized in that the conveyor device is embodied as a conveyor wheel (15; 15a; 51) which can rotate in a stepped manner about an axis (12; 52), and the products (1) are arranged, while being conveyed in the radiation area (31), in receiving areas (28; 37; 56) of the conveyor wheel (15; 5a; 51). Full Article
ace Monolithic optical coupling module based on total internal reflection surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, an optical device comprises a monolithic optical module which includes a first total internal reflection (TIR) surface, a second TIR surface adjacent the first TIR surface, and a first optical port aligned with the first internal optical beam dividing interface. An interface between the first TIR surface and the second TIR surface forms a first internal optical beam dividing interface. An exterior surface of the first TIR surface and an exterior surface of the second TIR surface form a generally V-shaped notch on the monolithic optical module. A first optical beam entering the monolithic optical module through the first optical port and incident on the first internal optical beam dividing interface is partially reflected by the first TIR surface to travel in a first direction as a second optical beam and partially reflected by the second TIR surface to travel in a second direction as a third optical beam. The second direction is generally opposite to the first direction. Full Article
ace Low sulfur coal additive for improved furnace operation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance. Full Article
ace Apparatus and methods for large particle ash separation from flue gas using screens having semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Apparatus for separating ash particles from a flue gas. The apparatus includes a screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. The semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces having holes through which said flue gas flows and through which the ash particles will not pass. The screen has a single layer for performing the separation in a manner such that the ash particles fall away from the screen and collect outside of the screen. A method of reducing velocity of a flue gas passing through screening apparatus for separating flue gas from ash particles. The method includes replacing a first screen of the screening apparatus with a second screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. Full Article
ace Methods and apparatus for the improved treatment of carbonaceous fuel and/or feedstocks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for the generation and application of segregated catalytic additives for the pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous fuel and/or feedstocks. The application of such segregated additives results in the reduction of environmentally harmful emissions during combustion as well as gasification processes. Specifically, pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous materials with the inventive additives results in the reduction of NOx and/or mercury emissions by least 20% and 40% respectively. Full Article
ace System and method for cogeneration from mixed oil and inert solids, furnace and fuel nozzle for the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST This invention provides a system and method for efficiently and completely combusting oil in mixture with particulate solids. A furnace (kiln) having a feed nozzle with a lead screw drives the mixture from a feed hopper. This nozzle includes forced-air jets/ports at its tip providing makeup air and allowing atomization of the mixture. The nozzle thereby directs the mixture into a rotating combustion chamber that is tilted downwardly from the front toward a solid waste outlet port at the rear. Uncombusted fuel and air backflow to an upper, secondary chamber near the primary chamber front, and are completely combusted at a high temperature. Gasses exit a flue that can include a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger can be operatively connected to a heating device or other mechanism that converts the heat into usable energy. The nozzle can include a cone with axially tilted air ports about its perimeter. Full Article
ace Furnace and ductwork implosion interruption air jet system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods are disclosed for rapidly counteracting a transient low-pressure condition, that can occur intermittently in the exhaust section of a power plant or other such industrial facility upstream of exhaust fans as a result of an event that interrupts the generation and/or flow of exhaust gases, using jet nozzles disposed in the exhaust section and connected to a source of pressurized air or other suitable momentum material. By orienting the jet nozzles in a direction generally opposite to the flow of exhaust gas and actuating the system to release a burst of compressed air, for example in the event of a power plant interruption, the low-pressure condition can be ameliorated preventing damage to the exhaust section. Full Article
ace Elevated fixed-grate apparatus for use with multi-fuel furnaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A combustion device in the form of an elevated fixed-grate that includes arcuately shaped solid refractory brick with ribs placed thereunder so as to allow horizontal air flow for fuel combustion. The brick are arranged atop one another in a stacked concentric configuration that forms a central fuel passageway and allows cascading of a fuel pile throughout the combustion stages. The device provides the benefit of proper de-ashing online while distributing the underfire air radially around the fuel pile. The elevated design of the bricks allows the air to be evenly distributed throughout the fuel pile and further allows the isolation of overfire and underfire air. Segregating overfire and underfire air in an evenly distributed manner allows the burner to combust a wide range of fuel moisture contents without modifying the mechanical components of the burner. Full Article
ace Heating furnace and heating method employed by heating furnace By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hydrogen vacuum furnace (100) is provided with a process chamber (1) wherein a subject (10) to be heated is stored; a heating chamber (2) wherein a heater lamp (25) is stored; and a crystal board (3) for separating the subject (10) and the heater lamp (25) one from the other. In the hydrogen vacuum furnace (100), the subject (10) is heated by a radiant ray applied from the heater lamp (25). The process chamber (1) and the heating chamber (2) are provided with gas feed ports (11, 21) and exhaust ports (12, 22), respectively, for feeding and exhausting a gas. When the subject (10) is being heated, atmospheric pressure in each chamber is adjusted so that the heating chamber (2) is under positive pressure to the process chamber (1) by feeding or exhausting the gas. Full Article
ace Surface treatment equipment including a laser engraving system for treatment of a strip By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A surface treatment equipment is designed for forming nickel barriers on a plurality of terminals for preventing solder wicking is disclosed. The surface treatment equipment includes a retractable feeding system, a laser engraving system, an image sensor, and a control system. The retractable feeding system is utilized to transmit a strip that has the terminals. The laser engraving system is utilized to ablate the terminals. The image sensor is utilized to collect a plurality of images of the ablated terminals. The control system receives the images to perform image recognition. When a defective terminal is recognized, the control system controls the retractable feeding system to transmit in reverse and controls the laser engraving system to repeatedly ablate the defective terminal. The defective terminals can be automatically recognized by the image sensor accompanying the control system. Thus, the drawback of a human visual inspection is solved. Full Article
ace Packaging system for portable electronic devices with removable faceplates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A removable faceplate for a portable electronic device is provided. The faceplate permits a user to change the physical appearance of a surface of the device while retaining access to the mechanisms for controlling the function of the device. Preferably, the removable faceplate and electronic device are configured with a means for association and dissociation that can be activated without the use of a tool and the means is not visible when the faceplate is attached. Additionally, an improved packaging system is provided to enable a vendor or manufacturer to package faceplates with the devices that they will cover and to allow substitution of faceplates in the packaging without disturbing the packaging of the electronic device itself. Further, there is a method for distribution of the packaging system. Full Article
ace Folding utility surface with built in containers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to utility surfaces. Specifically, the invention relates to a utility surface, generally a table or other flat surface, with drawers attached to the utility surface. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the utility surface and attached drawers may be folded into a collapsed format that is convenient for portability. Full Article
ace Children's tray with placement indicator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A children's tray with a placement indicator includes a tray and a groove/spot formed in the tray to indicate where an eating item (including food, utensils, or dishware) is to be placed. The tray can be mounted, removably or fixedly, to a variety of child support structures, including high chairs, booster seats and bouncers and includes a wall around the periphery intended to prevent items from falling off of the tray. The groove/spot formed in the tray may be formed from of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the material used to form the tray. The groove/spot formed in the tray may be formed from of a material having a different color than the material used to form the tray. Full Article
ace Storage case for pharmaceutical syringe unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT A storage case (100) for storing a pharmaceutical syringe unit (4) that is mounted to a pharmaceutical administering device (8) comprises a base body (1) that is open at its upper face, and a cover (2) for covering the opening in the base body (1). The base body (1) has in its interior a concave portion (5) that holds the cylindrical pharmaceutical syringe unit (4). The concave portion (5) has holders (6) that hold two ends of the pharmaceutical syringe unit (4), and a center concave portion (7) for attaching and removing the pharmaceutical syringe unit (4) and being provided in a position that corresponds to the main body portion of a stored pharmaceutical syringe unit (4). The center concave portion (7) further has a bottom part positioned lower than the holders (6), and is formed such that the pharmaceutical administering device (8) can be disposed in an upright position. Full Article
ace Making bound document having fastener and spacer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT Sheets are bound to form a bound document by fastening together the sheets and a binding strip. A spacer is applied to a back sheet adjacent to the feet of the fasteners. A wraparound portion of the binding strip is folded around the spine edges of the sheets so that adhesive on the strip contacts the spacer or the back sheet farther from the spine than the feet of the fasteners. The adhesive is affixed to the back sheet. The binding strip includes a spacer adjacent to the heads of the fasteners, protruding above the face-attachment portion at least as far as the heads of the fasteners do. Full Article
ace Binding strip including spacer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A binding strip includes a substrate having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a spine-alignment edge, a free edge opposite the spine-alignment edge and substantially non-perpendicular thereto, a face-attachment portion of the exterior surface adjacent to the spine-alignment edge, and a wraparound portion of the interior surface adjacent to the free edge. A border is defined laterally between the face-attachment portion and the wraparound portion and substantially parallel to the spine-alignment edge. An adhesive layer is arranged over the wraparound portion. A first spacer is affixed to the interior surface opposite the face-attachment portion so that a fastener area is defined. The spacer has a selected thickness. Full Article
ace Bound document having binding strip with spacer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A bound document has front, back, and interior sheets with spine edges. The document has a binding strip and fasteners binding the sheets and the binding strip together. The strip has a flexible substrate with a face-attachment portion through which the fasteners are driven, and a wraparound portion that is bent so adhesive on the wraparound portion contacts the back sheet farther from the spine edge of the book than the feet of the fasteners. The strip also has a first spacer affixed to the interior surface opposite the face-attachment portion so that a fastener area is defined, the spacer at least as thick as the protrusion of the heads of the fasteners above the face-attachment portion. Full Article