actor Method of installing reactor units By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube. Full Article
actor Method for measuring the neutron flux in the core of a nuclear reactor using a cobalt detector and associated device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method for measuring the neutron flux in the core of a nuclear reactor, the method including several steps recurrently performed at instants separated by a period, the method comprising at each given instant the following steps: acquiring a total signal by a cobalt neutron detector placed inside the core of the reactor; assessing a calibration factor representative of the delayed component of the total signal due to the presence of cobalt 60 in the neutron detector; assessing a corrected signal representative of the neutron flux at the detector from the total signal and from the calibration factor; assessing a slope representative of the time-dependent change of the calibration factor between the preceding instant and the given instant; the calibration factor at the given instant being assessed as a function of the calibration factor assessed at the preceding instant, of the slope, and of the time period separating the given instant from the preceding instant. Full Article
actor Nuclear fission reactor, vented nuclear fission fuel module, methods therefor and a vented nuclear fission fuel module system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed embodiments include methods of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module. Given by way of non-limiting example and not of limitation, an illustrative method of assembling a vented nuclear fission fuel module includes receiving a nuclear fission fuel element capable of generating a gaseous fission product. A valve body is coupled to the nuclear fission fuel element, and the valve body defines a plenum therein for receiving the gaseous fission product. A valve is disposed in communication with the plenum for controllably venting the gaseous fission product from the plenum. A flexible diaphragm is coupled to the valve for moving the valve. A cap is mounted on the valve, and a manipulator extendable to the cap for manipulating the cap is received. Full Article
actor Derivatisation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of GCSF, or of a GCSF like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds. Full Article
actor Antibodies directed to the deletion mutants of epidermal growth factor receptor and uses thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to novel antibodies, particularly antibodies directed against deletion mutants of epidermal growth factor receptor and particularly to the type III deletion mutant, EGFRvIII. The invention also relates to human monoclonal antibodies directed against deletion mutants of epidermal growth factor receptor and particularly to EGFRvIII. Diagnostic and therapeutic formulations of such antibodies, and immunoconjugates thereof, are also provided. Full Article
actor Recombinant chimeric protein of neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirugen, and pharmaceutical composition thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST A chimeric protein containing neutrophil inhibitory factor and hirugen, the chimeric protein having an amino acid sequence that includes FPRPGSGG (SEQ ID NO:21) Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the chimeric protein, which can be used for treating or preventing cerebral injury and cerebral edema, or for inhibiting platelet aggregation. Full Article
actor Immobilized tumor necrosis factor-α muteins for enhancing immune response in mammals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNFα muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNFα mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor. Full Article
actor Use of epidermal growth factor for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in diabetic neuropathy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to human medicine and to the use of epidermal growth factor (EGF) for preparing a pharmaceutical composition which is administered by infiltration into the periphery of nerve ganglia and/or trunks for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful sensory-motor neuropathy as well as manifestations of ischemic neuritis. The invention also includes a composition containing EGF which can be formulated together with anesthetics or analgesics or encapsulated in microspheres and to the use thereof for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful sensitive-motor-type diabetic neuropathy and the manifestations of ischemic neuritis. Full Article
actor Use of epidermal growth factor for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in diabetic neuropathy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is relevant to human medicine, and, in particular, to the use of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in a pharmaceutical composition, said composition is administered through infiltration at the periphery of nerve trunks and/or ganglia, for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful, sensory-motor neuropathy, as well as ischemic neuritis. It is also relevant to an EGF containing composition, where this molecule can be formulated together with anesthetic or analgesic drugs, or encapsulated in microspheres, and their use for the morphofunctional restoration of peripheral nerves in painful, sensory-motor neuropathy, as well as in ischemic neuritis. Full Article
actor Tractor cab heating and ventilating systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tractor cab HVAC system has a blower (22) which draws air into the system via air intake means (13) in the roof (14) of the cab (10). Ducting (15) in the roof of the cab directs air drawn in via the intake means down the center of one or more hollow adjacent pillars (16) of the cab to an air filter (18) contained in a housing (20) located between the adjacent pillars. Further ducting (19) extends from the air filter housing to an HVAC unit (11), the HVAC unit processing the air drawn into the system prior to discharging the processed air into the cab. The filter housing (20) is of generally rectangular form and is connected at opposite ends to the two hollow adjacent pillars (16) of the cab via inlet openings (20a) in the housing to allow the passage of intake air from the pillars to the filter (18). Full Article
actor LED assembly having a refractor that provides improved light control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT An LED assembly that includes optics and optical arrangements for light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, a reflector is provided within a void between the lens and the LED. This reflector can reflect light emitted by the LED in a non-preferred direction back toward the preferred direction. In other embodiments, an optical element is formed or otherwise provided in the lens cavity and shaped so that, when the lens is positioned above the LED, the refractor bends the emitted light in a preferred direction. In some embodiments, both a reflector and optical element are provided in the LED assembly to control the directionality of the emitted light. Such embodiments of the invention can be used to increase the efficiency of an LED by ensuring that generated light is being directed to the target area of choice. Full Article
actor Power factor correction capacitors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Apr 2016 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a case capable of receiving a plurality of capacitive elements, each capacitor element having at least two capacitors, and each capacitor having a capacitive value. The apparatus also includes a cover assembly with a peripheral edge secured to the case. The cover assembly includes, for each of the plurality of capacitive elements, a cover terminal that extends upwardly from the cover assembly generally at a central region of the cover assembly. Each cover terminal is connected to one of the at least two capacitors of the respective one of the plurality of capacitive elements. The cover assembly also includes, for each of the plurality of capacitive elements, a cover terminal that extends upwardly from the cover assembly at a position spaced apart from the cover terminal generally at the central region of the cover assembly. Full Article
actor Inductor Q factor enhancement apparatus has bias circuit that is coupled to negative resistance generator for providing bias signal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides an apparatus for enhancing Q factor of an inductor. The apparatus includes a negative resistance generator coupled to the inductor for providing a negative resistance, and a bias circuit coupled to the negative resistance generator for biasing the negative resistance generator. Full Article
actor Method and apparatus to facilitate the provision and use of a plurality of varactors with a plurality of switches By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST A plurality of varactors are coupled via a first electrode to a shared terminal that in turn can operably couple to a source of control voltage. A second electrode for each varactor couples to a corresponding switch, where each switch couples to at least two different voltage levels. So configured, the second electrode of each varactor can be individually connected to either of two voltage levels. This can be leveraged to control, in coarse steps, the overall aggregate effective capacitance presented by these components. At least some of these varactors can have differing corresponding capacitances, the specific values of which can be selected in order to facilitate relatively equal spacing and substantially equal rates of reactance change versus the control voltage value between aggregate-capacitive reactance ranges as correspond to differing settings for the switches at various levels for the control voltage source. Full Article
actor Varactor device with reduced temperature dependence By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses a varactor device (100) for improved temperature stability, comprising a first varactor (160) connected to a decoupling network (150). The device further comprises a voltage stabilizer (110), said stabilizer comprising a capacitor (140) and a temperature dependent capacitor (130), and in that the stabilizer comprises means for connection to a DC-feed (120). Suitably, the decoupling network (150) is connected in parallel to the first varactor (160), and the capacitor (140) of the voltage stabilizer (110) is connected in parallel to the decoupling network (150), the temperature dependent capacitor (130) of the voltage stabilizer (110) being connected in series to the diode of the voltage stabilizer (110). Full Article
actor Dynamically adjustable Q-factors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST One embodiment relates to a circuit for active loss compensation. The circuit includes a parallel inductor-capacitive (LC) tank circuit having a first single-ended output. A first adjustable capacitor, which includes a first terminal and a second terminal, is coupled to the first single-ended output. The circuit also includes a first pair of transistors having sources coupled to a first common node. One transistor of the first pair of transistors has a drain coupled to the first single-ended output and the other transistor of the first pair of transistors has a gate coupled to the second terminal of the first adjustable capacitor. Other embodiments are also disclosed. Full Article
actor Tunable high quality factor inductor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EDT An inductor circuit with high quality (Q) factor includes a primary inductor and a compensation sub-circuit. The compensation sub-circuit is electrically isolated from the primary inductor. The compensation sub-circuit is magnetically coupled with the primary inductor to compensate the loss in the primary inductor. Full Article
actor Deposition of integrated protective material into zirconium cladding for nuclear reactors by high-velocity thermal application By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A zirconium alloy nuclear reactor cylindrical cladding has an inner Zr substrate surface (10), an outer volume of protective material (22), and an integrated middle volume (20) of zirconium oxide, zirconium and protective material, where the protective material is applied by impaction at a velocity greater than 340 meters/second to provide the integrated middle volume (20) resulting in structural integrity for the cladding. Full Article
actor Integral helical coil pressurized water nuclear reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST An integral pressurized water nuclear reactor for the production of steam utilizing a helical coil steam generator, a plurality of internal circulation pumps, and an internal control rod drive mechanism structure. Full Article
actor Apparatus, method and program for monitoring nuclear thermal hydraulic stability of nuclear reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for monitoring nuclear thermal hydraulic stability of a nuclear reactor, contains: a calculation unit configured to calculate a stability index of a nuclear thermal hydraulic phenomenon based on nuclear instrumentation signals, the signals being outputted by a plurality of nuclear instrumentation detectors placed at regular intervals in a reactor core; a simulation unit configured to simulate the nuclear thermal hydraulic phenomenon based on a physical model by using information on an operating state of the nuclear reactor as an input condition; a limit value updating unit configured to update a limit value of the nuclear thermal hydraulic phenomenon based on a result of the simulation; and a determination unit configured to determine, based on the stability index and the limit value, whether or not to activate a power oscillation suppressing device. Full Article
actor ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Compact nuclear reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pressurized water nuclear reactor (PWR) includes a once through steam generator (OTSG) disposed in a generally cylindrical pressure vessel and a divider plate spaced apart from the open end of a central riser. A sealing portion of the pressure vessel and the divider plate define an integral pressurizer volume that is separated by the divider plate from the remaining interior volume of the pressure vessel. An internal control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) has all mechanical and electromagnetomotive components including at least a motor and a lead screw disposed inside the pressure vessel. Optionally CRDM units are staggered at two or more different levels such that no two neighboring CRDM units are at the same level. Internal primary coolant pumps have all mechanical and electromagnetomotive components including at least a motor and at least one impeller disposed inside the pressure vessel. Optionally, the pumps and/or CRDM are arranged below the OTSG. Full Article
actor ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Pressurized water reactor with upper vessel section providing both pressure and flow control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes a vertical cylindrical pressure vessel having a lower portion containing a nuclear reactor core and a vessel head defining an internal pressurizer. A reactor coolant pump (RCP) mounted on the vessel head includes an impeller inside the pressure vessel, a pump motor outside the pressure vessel, and a vertical drive shaft connecting the motor and impeller. The drive shaft does not pass through the internal pressurizer. A central riser may be disposed concentrically inside the pressure vessel, and the RCP impels primary coolant downward into a downcomer annulus between the central ser and the pressure vessel. A steam generator may be disposed in the downcomer annulus and spaced apart from with the impeller by an outlet plenum, A manway may access the outlet plenum so tube plugging can be performed on the steam generator via access through the manway without removing the RCP. Full Article
actor Chemistry probe assemblies and methods of using the same in nuclear reactors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) probe assemblies may be used to monitor ECP of materials due to coolant chemistry in an operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiment assemblies include at least one ECP probe that detects ECP of potentially several different materials, a structural body providing a fluid flow path for the coolant over the ECP probes, and a signal transmitter that transmits or carries ECP data to an external receiver. The ECP probes may be of any number and/or type, so as to detect ECP for different component materials, including stainless steel, a zirconium alloys, etc. The ECP probes may further detect ECP due to ion concentration, pH, etc. The ECP data may be transmitted through wired or wireless signal transmitters. Example methods include installing and using example embodiment ECP probe assemblies in nuclear reactors and facilities. Full Article
actor System and method for annealing nuclear fission reactor materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials. Full Article
actor Nuclear reactor green and sintered fuel pellets, corresponding fuel rod and fuel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sintered fuel pellet for a water nuclear reactor fuel rod including a peripheral wall extending along a central axis and two end faces. At least one of the end faces includes at least a first chamfer extending from the peripheral wall towards the central axis with a first non-zero slope with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis and a second chamfer extending from the first chamfer towards the central axis with a second non-zero slope with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, wherein the first slope is different from the second slope. Full Article
actor Compact nuclear reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST A pressurized water nuclear reactor (PWR) includes a once through steam generator (OTSG) disposed in a generally cylindrical pressure vessel and a divider plate spaced apart from the open end of a central riser. A sealing portion of the pressure vessel and the divider plate define an integral pressurizer volume that is separated by the divider plate from the remaining interior volume of the pressure vessel. An internal control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) has all mechanical and electromagnetomotive components including at least a motor and a lead screw disposed inside the pressure vessel. Optionally CRDM units are staggered at two or more different levels such that no two neighboring CRDM units are at the same level. Internal primary coolant pumps have all mechanical and electromagnetomotive components including at least a motor and at least one impeller disposed inside the pressure vessel. Optionally, the pumps and/or CRDM are arranged below the OTSG. Full Article
actor Compact nuclear reactor with integral steam generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 May 2016 08:00:00 EDT In an illustrative embodiment, a pressurized water nuclear reactor (PWR) includes a pressure vessel (12, 14, 16), a nuclear reactor core (10) disposed in the pressure vessel, and a vertically oriented hollow central riser (36) disposed above the nuclear reactor core inside the pressure vessel. A once-through steam generator (OTSG) (30) disposed in the pressure vessel includes vertical tubes (32) arranged in an annular volume defined by the central riser and the pressure vessel. The OTSG further includes a fluid flow volume surrounding the vertical tubes and having a feedwater inlet (50) and a steam outlet (52). The PWR has an operating state in which feedwater injected into the fluid flow volume at the feedwater inlet is converted to steam by heat emanating from primary coolant flowing inside the tubes of the OTSG, and the steam is discharged from the fluid flow volume at the steam outlet. Full Article
actor Catalytic reactor including one cellular area having controlled macroporosity and a controlled microstructure and one area having a standard microstructure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a catalytic reactor including: at least one first architecture/microstructure including a ceramic and/or metal cellular architecture having a pore size of 2 to 80 ppi and a macroporosity of more than 85%, and a microstructure having a grain size of 100 nm to 5 microns, and skeleton densification of more than 95%, and a catalytic layer; and at least one second architecture/microstructure including a spherical or cylindrical architecture having a pore size of 0.1 to 100 μm and a macroporosity of less than 60%, and a microstructure having a grain size of 20 nm to 10 μm and a skeleton densification of 20% to 90%, and a catalytic layer; the first and second architecture/microstructure being stacked inside said reactor. Full Article
actor Method and device for cleaning exhaust gases by way of fluidized bed reactors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for cleaning exhaust gases, in which an exhaust gas and a sorbent are combined in a fluidized bed reactor. In a subsequent filter system, solid matter is segregated, and thereafter, up to 99 per cent of the sorbent is re-channeled into the fluidized bed reactor, wherein the gas is subjected to a rotation around the flow axis in the fluidized bed reactor. Full Article
actor Data transmission apparatus having frequency synthesizer with integer division factor, corresponding method, and data transmission system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A data transmission apparatus disposed within two network layers operative at different data rates is provided. The data transmission apparatus is coupled to a clock generator which provides a reference clock for a lower network layer and is coupled to a frequency synthesizer with an integer division factor that generates a divided clock for an upper network layer according to the reference clock and the integer division factor. The data transmission apparatus includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit. The first processing circuit corresponding to the upper network layer receives and transmits data by using the divided clock as its operation frequency. The second processing circuit corresponding to the lower network layer receives and transmits data from the first processing circuit by using the reference clock as an operation frequency for encoding data. The divided clock is generated from the frequency synthesizer with the integer division factor. Full Article
actor Mobile device case with retractor reel assembly for user-provided headphones By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens. Full Article
actor Method and device for producing process vapor and boiler feed steam in a heatable reforming reactor for producing synthesis gas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method for producing process vapor and boiler feed steam in a heatable reforming reactor for producing synthesis gas. The sensible heat of a synthesis gas produced from hydrocarbons and steam can be used so that two types of vapor are produced during the heating and evaporation of boiler feed water and process condensate. The method also includes a conversion of the carbon monoxide contained in the synthesis gas. The method includes an optional heating of the boiler feed water using the flue gas from the heating of the reforming reactor. The sensible heat of the synthesis gas and of the flue gas originating from the heating can be used more efficiently. The disadvantages from the flue gas heating, which are caused by the fluctuating heat supply in the flue gas duct, are avoided. A system for practicing the method is also disclosed. Full Article
actor Belt retractor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A belt retractor has a frame (10), a belt spool (12) that is rotatably mounted in the frame (10), and a force limiter (22) that is adapted to reach a force limiting position. A guide-in mechanism (26) is provided which causes the force limiter (22) to reach the force limiting position as a function of the length of belt webbing withdrawn. Full Article
actor Bi-directional locking retractor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely. Full Article
actor Webbing retractor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a webbing retractor, the center of a rack and rack-teeth in an axial direction of a pinion is placed on the opposite side of a leg plate side with respect to the central axis of a cylinder. The piston is acted upon by a tilting-force toward the leg plate side from the pinion. A stop portion of an upper stay is placed on another leg plate side of the leg plate. Even when the piston is acted upon by the tilting force toward the leg plate side from the pinion, the stop portion can stop the movement of the leg plate toward the other leg plate side, and tilting of the piston and the cylinder toward the leg plate side can be suppressed. Moreover, the need to increase the strength of a frame and so forth can be eliminated, so the webbing retractor can be made compact and lightweight. Full Article
actor Method and apparatus for implement control of tractor hydraulics via isobus connection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs. Full Article
actor Passive load and active velocity based flow compensation for a hydraulic tractor hitch By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hitch on a vehicle is raised and lowered by a hydraulic actuator controlled by an electrically operated valve. A control system receives a command that indicates a designated velocity and uses the command to operate the valve. Based on a reference external force exerted on the hitch, the control system is configured with relationships for converting a plurality of command values to corresponding electric current levels for operating the valve. The control system compensates for effects due to differences between the actual force acting on the hitch and the reference external force. Velocity feedback adjusts the electric current level applied to the valve. The passive load force control provides a predictor of the hitch load force to eliminate overshoot/undershoot of hitch motion. During hitch motion, the velocity feedback also compensates for effects due to load and hitch geometry changes that occur. Full Article
actor Fluidized bed reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fluidized bed reactor includes a bottom portion, a roof portion, and side walls vertically extending between the bottom portion and the roof portion, forming a reaction chamber of the reactor. At least one side wall of the reaction chamber forms at least one vertical indentation in the reaction chamber, which indentation extends from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber. The indentation extending from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber is formed of a portion of the at least one side wall, protruding from the plane of the at least one side wall towards the reaction chamber, and the portion of the at least one side wall includes at least two substantially vertical indenting wall portions deviating from the plane of the at least one side wall at vertical lines within a distance from each other. Full Article
actor Tractor and printer using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, a tractor comprises a guide shaft, a first belt unit, a second belt unit, a fixing unit and a connecting unit. The first belt unit is supported by the guide shaft so as to move in an axis direction of the guide shaft. The second belt unit is arranged to face the first belt unit in the axis direction of the guide shaft and supported by the guide shaft. The fixing unit, which is movably supported by the guide shaft in the axis direction of the guide shaft and is capable of being fixed on the guide shaft. The connecting unit configured to connect the first belt unit to the fixing unit with a clearance in the axis direction of the guide shaft. Full Article
actor Locomotive positive power bus contactor method of assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A method of manufacturing a power contactor from an existing contactor having a magnetic amplifier that comprises a blowout coil and a ferromagnetic core, and an arc chute for extinguishing an arc generated by opening the existing contactor under a current load is disclosed. The method includes removing a bolt assembly from the existing contactor and at least one side plate from the existing contactor. The method also includes removing the ferromagnetic core from the existing contactor. Full Article
actor Credit-card-sized carrier of both standard and micro form-factor flash-memory cards By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet. Full Article
actor Post laser drilling stress relief of surgical needles made of refractory alloys By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method of stress relieving drilled surgical needles is disclosed. At least the metal about a drilled bore hole is heat treated to relieve stress without annealing. Full Article
actor Systems and methods for real-time catalyst particle size control in a polymerization reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described. Full Article
actor Interleaved two-stage power factor correction system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems are described for providing power factor correction for high-power loads using two interleaved power factor correction stages. Each power factor correction stage includes a controllable switch that is operated to control the phasing of each power factor correction stage. The phasing of output current from the second power factor correction stage is shifted 180 degree relative to the output current from the first power factor correction stage. Full Article
actor Reactor tank By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit. Full Article
actor Reactor for the continuous production of charcoal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A reactor for the continuous production of charcoal, having a substantially vertical structure, comprising, in sequence, a top charging zone, a drying zone, a carbonization zone, a cooling zone, and a discharge zone, wherein the charging zone has a smaller cross section than the drying zone and has an extension into the drying zone , forming an annular space around the extension, which space comprises, in the wall of the drying zone, an outlet to a gas extraction line for the recirculation of these gases into the reactor. The reactor reduces sawdust drag by the gases extracted from the preheating zone, without substantially altering the shape and the size of the reactor, which is achieved due to the fact that the charging zone is arranged eccentrically relatively to the drying zone, and that the outlet to the gas extraction line of the drying zone is located substantially on the larger area section of the annular space. Full Article
actor Method and system for mixing reactor feed By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system of feeding fuel into a gasifier are provided. The feed injector system includes a first injector port assembly including a plurality of annular channels substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis that define corresponding fluid flow paths that direct a flow of fluid substantially axially therethrough from a respective source to a reaction zone and a second injector port assembly including a flow port surrounded by a plurality of auxiliary ports spaced about a circumference of the flow port, the plurality of auxiliary ports communicatively coupled to a toroidal passage configured to receive a flow of fluid and channel the flow of fluid to the auxiliary ports such that the flow of fluid is discharged from the auxiliary ports having an axial flow component, a radially inward flow component, and a circumferential flow component. Full Article
actor Refractory oven doors and refractory oven door framing walls of a coke oven battery By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A heat-resistant door device for closing a horizontal coke oven chamber is made of a refractory material, using a material containing silica or a material containing silica and aluminum oxides, in particular. The material has a low temperature expansion coefficient and it is thermally well insulating so that the door is not deformed and/or distorted during the coal carbonization process. The door device is built of a coke oven wall mainly located above the door and embracing the door as well as of a mobile door located underneath. Thereby less cold ambient air enters into the coke oven chamber and radiation losses are minimized. The door may be comprised of an ellipsoidal bulge by which the coke can be better pushed into the coking chamber. The oven wall embracing the oven door can also be made of a refractory material containing silica or of a material containing silica and aluminum oxides. Full Article
actor Bubbling bed catalytic hydropyrolysis process utilizing larger catalyst particles and smaller biomass particles featuring an anti-slugging reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor. When the product vapor stream is cooled to ambient temperatures, a significant proportion of the hydrocarbons in the product vapor stream can be recovered as a liquid stream of hydrophobic hydrocarbons, with properties consistent with those of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel. Separate streams of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel may also be obtained, either via selective condensation of each type of fuel, or via later distillation of the combined hydrocarbon liquid. Full Article
actor Reciprocating reactor and methods for thermal decomposition of carbonaceous feedstock By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present technology describes apparatus, systems, and methods for the thermal decomposition of carbonaceous feedstocks through continuous pyrolysis. A reciprocating reactor is described that includes an inner reactor pipe and an outer reactor pipe. The outer reactor pipe has a first portion that surrounds the inner reactor pipe forming an annulus space, and a second portion that extends beyond the inner reactor pipe and forms a turnaround zone. The inner reactor pipe defines an inner reactor zone that produces partially reacted carbonaceous feedstock, and the annulus space defines an outer reactor zone that produces product gases and solids. Full Article