rage Energy storage system and method of controlling the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An energy storage system and a method of controlling the same is provided. The energy storage system may directly provide generated DC power or DC power stored in a battery to a DC load without performing a DC/AC conversion or an AC/DC conversion. Furthermore, in the case where a grid operates abnormally (e.g. power interruption) and the energy storage system functions as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power stored in a battery may be selectively provided to loads according to power remaining in a battery, and thus stored power may be used stably. Full Article
rage Cord storage apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cord storage apparatus includes an electric motor configured to retract a power reception cord to be connected to an external power supply and a control unit configured to determine whether or not the power reception cord is retracted away from the ground when the power reception cord is connected to the external power supply and control the electric motor to stop retracting the power reception cord when the power reception cord is retracted away from the ground. Full Article
rage Heater for liquefied petroleum gas storage tank By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A catalytic tank heater includes a catalytic heating element supported on an LPG tank by a support structure that holds the element in a position facing the tank. Vapor from the tank is provided as fuel to the heating element, and is regulated to increase heat output as tank pressure drops. The heating element is internally separated into a pilot heater and a main heater, with respective separate fuel inlets. The pilot heater remains in continual operation, but the main heater is operated only while tank pressure is below a threshold. Operation of the pilot heater keeps a portion of the catalyst hot, so that, when tank pressure drops below the threshold, and fuel is supplied to the main heater, catalytic combustion quickly expands from the area surrounding the pilot heater to the remainder of the catalyst. Full Article
rage Simulation method, simulation apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A simulation apparatus includes a storing unit that stores therein information about a shape of a blank piece to be cut out from raw wood, information about a final shape of a wooden piece obtained by compressing the blank piece, and image data of a surface of the blank piece. The apparatus also includes detecting unit that detects a knot appearing on the surface of the blank piece by image recognition using the image data; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of the detected knot using shape information on the blank piece; and a determining unit that determines, in accordance with the shape of the estimated knot, a cutting location and a cutting shape of the blank piece in such a manner that the cutting location and shape include a part and a thickness of the knot is substantially the same as that of the compressed blank piece. Full Article
rage Storage tank mounting arrangement for an agricultural implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam. Full Article
rage Roll or buffer storage for a flat web material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A buffer store for a flat web material includes two roller registers having freely rotatable rollers movable relative to one another in a direction radial to a roller axis, thereby forming loops of the web material between the rollers, a piston-cylinder arrangement having a chamber containing a compressible medium and acting as a spring between the registers to generate web tension in the material, and a control-valve arrangement that switches between a first condition, for normal operation, and a second condition, for operation during a fault. In the first condition, the control-valve arrangement connects the cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder arrangement to a device for providing a constant operating pressure. In the second condition, the control-valve arrangement closes the cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder arrangement and connects it to a relief valve that relieves pressure therein to a residual pressure significantly smaller than the operating pressure. Full Article
rage Wall-mounted expandable toilet tissue roll storage means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A toilet tissue roll holder is provided having a telescoping structure that is attachable to a wall surface for providing replacement toilet tissue to a dispenser and shrouding unused rolls prior to deployment. The device includes a lowermost housing having a base surface, rounded sidewalls, an interior volume, and an open front. The lowermost housing connects to a first upstanding sidewall thereabove, which in turn supports a plurality of telescoping sidewalls that form individual toilet tissue roll containers extending upward. A viewing window is provided through at least one of the device sidewalls above the lowermost housing to allow an administrator to visualize whether a minimum number of reserve toilet paper rolls are still available. The structure is expanded and contracted depending on the number of rolls therein, while the lowermost housing and first upstanding sidewall provide the base structure that is secured to a support wall. Full Article
rage Bottled beverage comprising cap containing dietary supplement and bottle filled with dispersion medium for dietary supplement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bottled drink includes a cap and a bottle where a granular supplement containing multiple constituents in a stable manner is stored in the cap and a solution suitable for dispersing the granules is filled in the bottle. Granules which contains mutually incompatible multiple chemical agents or nutritional constituents and whose surface is coated with polyglyceryl fatty acid ester are stored in the cap of the bottle and the bottle is filled with a solution whose viscosity at a shear deformation speed of 0.01 s−1 is 10 to 300 Pa·s. Full Article
rage Multi-compartmented sandwich storage device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-compartmented food storage device having a top hermetic storage compartment, a bottom hermetic storage compartment and a central hermetic storage compartment that is interposed there between. Each of the top and bottom compartments being hingedly secured to the central compartment along an upper and lower end. Full Article
rage 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
rage Open sleigh that disassembles to a generally flat storage position and assembles into an interlocked operating position By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Dec 1985 08:00:00 EST A sleigh for travel over a snow covered surface adapted to be disassembled or knocked down into a storage or transport position, from an operating position, is shown. Runners of the sleigh are pivotally connected to a floorboard along side edges thereof. The runners are locked into an operating position and may be unlocked to fold against a bottom surface of the floorboard in a stored position. An upper body including a seat is formed of multiple planar pieces which are dependently interlocked with each other for assembly and later disassembly. Means are provided for interlocking the runners to a hitching assembly to which a horse is conventionally harnessed. Full Article
rage Device for the pulsed release of an amount of fluid that is stored in a storage housing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for the pulsed release of an amount (3) of fluid that is stored in a storage housing (2) includes a piston (5) biased by a first spring (4) and movable within the storage housing (2) to dispense the fluid by the spring bias, when triggered by an actuator (6) to release a lock holding the piston in place (7). The lock (7) has individual catches (8) keeping the piston (5) in its pretensioned position and, when actuated by the actuator (6), releases the piston (5). Full Article
rage System for preparing coffee beverage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus. Full Article
rage Stream detection and/or characterization for beverage dispensing in a refrigerator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed. Full Article
rage Method and apparatus for engaging a beverage extraction device with a container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Devices and methods for clamping a beverage extraction device to a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. One or more clamp arms may be arranged to clamp the extraction device to a wine bottle as well as allow the device to be supported upright on a table top. Clamp arms may include tab and ridge features that operate to properly engage and position a wide variety of different bottle neck shapes relative to the device. The one or more clamp arms may move the bottle neck distally, e.g., toward a resilient pad, so that the neck is suitably positioned relative to the device. Proper positioning and engagement of the neck may allow for desired piercing of a cork or other closure of the bottle by the device. Full Article
rage Control of energy storage system inverter system in a microgrid application By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system that manages a supplemental energy source connected to a power grid uses a two stage control strategy to manage power transfers in and out of the power grid as well as in and out of an energy storage system, such as a battery bank. One stage uses a non-linear transfer function to control an output frequency of a DC-to-AC inverter to limit undesired effects of power transients that occur on the grid. A second stage uses control strategy for transferring energy between the energy storage system and an internal DC link based on a relationship between a voltage on a DC link connecting the first and second stages and a DC link reference voltage, the voltage on the DC link, and a voltage at the energy storage system. The control strategy includes rapid charging, over-charging protection, and grid transient stabilization. Full Article
rage Tubulars storage and handling system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hydrocarbon drilling tubulars storage and handling system, said system comprising: —first and second rotary storage racks, each rotary storage rack being rotatable about a vertical axis and having storage slots for storage of multiple tubulars in each rotary storage rack in vertical orientation, the first and second rotary storage rack each including a drive to rotate the storage rack about its vertical axis, —a tubulars racking device positioned between the first and second rotary storage racks, said racking device including a rotary structure that is rotatable about a vertical axis and a drive to rotate the rotary column structure about said vertical axis, the rotary structure supporting at a first side thereof a first tubular racker assembly and at a second side thereof a second tubular racker assembly, each tubular racker assembly including one or more one gripping members adapted to grip a tubular. Full Article
rage Assembly for assisting the removal from storage and transfer of wire By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT An assembly for moving wire from one point to a second point distant from the first point. The assembly comprises a first unit comprising a wire straightener and a second unit that moves the wire through the assembly. Full Article
rage Composite chair storage device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A composite chair storage device includes a chair, a slide mechanism and an exercise module for storing a composite chair. A first roller and a second roller are embedded into two slide rails for performing linear displacement. With the assistance of a sliding third roller and a pressure element capable of turning over an exercise equipment of an exercise module, the exercise module can be stored into a containing space of the chair or unfolded from the containing space of the chair quickly and conveniently, to achieve the effect of folding and unfolding the composite chair effectively. Full Article
rage Movable discharge device for use in particle/bulk material storage silo and particle/bulk material storage silo By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo. Full Article
rage Bills and/or card validator and storage apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to apparatus for the provision of receipt, validation and collection of banknotes or tickets which are input by a user, typically as payment for a service which has or is to be provided. The apparatus allow for the accurate location of the banknote or ticket as it passes through the apparatus and the accurate validation of the same. In one embodiment a printer assembly is provided which allows the apparatus to print tickets and to pass the same in the reverse direction to input banknotes or tickets, to be provided to the user as, for example a credit which can be cashed subsequently by the user. Full Article
rage Device for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storage units for the intermediate storage of notes of value By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a sensor unit (300) for detection of at least one feature of each note of value, and a control unit (28) which classifies the notes of value into accepted notes of value and sheet-shaped media to be returned, dependent on the feature to be detected by the sensor unit (300). A sorting gate (400) is arranged downstream the sensor unit (300), wherein the control unit (28) controls the sorting gate (400) to supply notes of value classified as accepted notes of value to a first intermediate storage (32), and notes of value classified as sheet-shaped media to be returned to a second intermediate storage (500). Full Article
rage Medium storage and feeding device and medium processing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A medium storage and feeding device and a medium processing device that may prevent occurrences of faults more reliably than the related art. A drum (21) is provided that winds up a banknote BL nipped by pairs of tapes (28L, 28R, 30L and 30R) together with the pairs of tapes. Torque limiters (25L, 25R, 27L and 27R) are separately provided at each of tape reels (24L, 24R, 26L and 26R). The torque limiters control torques between the tape reels and reel rotation axle shafts (22 and 23), such that tensions applied to the tapes between the tape reels (24L, 24R, 26L and 26R) and the drum (21) are constant. Thus, tensions on the tapes between the respective tape reels and the drum may be kept constant, banknote nipping stability may be improved, and occurrences of faults may be prevented more reliably than in the related art. Full Article
rage Carbon-based durable goods and renewable fuel from biomass waste dissociation for transportation and storage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are described for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure. Full Article
rage Data storage system and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A data storage system, having a data processor operable to convert digital data signals into ink dot patterns, and a data processor operable to receive the ink dot patterns and convert them into digital signals, the system having at least one print media receiving carrier or panel, a printing member operable to deposit ink dot patterns in a print medium on the carrier panel, and a print media reader operable to read the ink dot patterns and create data signals there from, and a method of storing and retrieving data. Full Article
rage PEAK CANCELLATION-CREST FACTOR REDUCTION DEVICE, PEAK-TO-AVERAGE POWER RATIO REDUCTION METHOD, AND PEAK VALUE DETERMINATION DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A peak cancellation-crest factor reduction (PC-CFR) device includes a clipping unit configured to output a clipping error signal by clipping amplitude values of a first baseband complex signal based on a predetermined threshold value; a peak value determination unit configured to receive the clipping error signal, and determine a first amplitude value as a peak value when the first amplitude value is greater than a second amplitude value input before the first amplitude value and a third amplitude value input after the first amplitude value among amplitude values of the clipping error signal; a cancellation pulse generator (CPG) allocation unit configured to allocate the peak value to a CPG; and a subtractor configured to subtract a cancellation pulse generated from the CPG from the first baseband complex signal and output a second baseband complex signal with a reduced peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Full Article
rage UI PRODUCING APPARATUS, UI PRODUCING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT To improve efficiency of UI production, a UI producing apparatus includes: a UI producing unit configured to allow a user to design UI screens which correspond to contents, respectively; a multi-preview executing unit configured to generate contexts for controlling the UI screens, respectively, and configured to simultaneously display previews corresponding to the UI screens, respectively, based on the contexts; a coordination unit configured to, responding to an event generated on at least one of the UI screens, provide a message, which includes information about the event, to one of the contexts corresponding to another one of the UI screens, in order to cause the UI screens to coordinate with each other; and a screen generating unit configured to modify the one of the contexts, based on the message, so as to generate the UI screens. Full Article
rage INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND TERMINAL, AND COMPUTER STORAGE MEDIUM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are an information processing method and terminal. The method includes: acquiring a first operation (101); in response to the first operation, selecting a plurality of pictures from a local information base or an information base pulled and obtained by a background server, and displaying the same on a user interface of a terminal (102); acquiring a second operation (103); in response to the second operation, partitioning to-be-added first target information into a plurality of items of second target information according to a preset rule, and overlaying the plurality of items of second target information on the plurality of pictures in one batch (104); and forming complete information corresponding to the first target information by the plurality of items of second target information, the second target information being partial information in the first target information (105). Full Article
rage Retractable key storage apparatus with original key adaptor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides an apparatus to retractably store multiple keys. The apparatus is designed to permit a user to install up to eight (8) custom keys in a compact “key wallet.” Individual keys are pivotally deployed by pressing a designated button on the apparatus and are returned to a stowed position by rotating the key back into the apparatus until it locks into position. The apparatus uses a spring-loaded key release mechanism to release and retract the keys. Full Article
rage High rate, long cycle life electrochemical energy storage devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electrochemical energy storage device includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte disposed between the cathode and the anode. The anode includes a capacitive material as a majority component, and further includes an electrochemically active material as a minority component, such that an operating potential of the anode is configured according to a reaction potential of the electrochemically active material. Full Article
rage Cold-storage heat exchanger By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cold storage heat exchanger includes multiple refrigerant tubes, a cold storage container, an inner fin, a cooling air passage and an air-side fin. The inner fin is arranged inside of the cold storage container. The cooling air passage, in which air flows to cool a space, is provided to contact a surface of the refrigerant tube on a side opposite to the cold storage container. The air-side fin is arranged in the cooling air passage and thermally connected to the refrigerant tube. The cold storage container includes multiple recess portions bonded to the inner fin, and multiple protrusion portions located on an outer side of the recess portions. The protrusion portions of the cold storage container are bonded to an outer surface of the refrigerant tube. Full Article
rage Slide assembly for refrigerator storage drawer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A slide assembly for a drawer inside a refrigerator employs both side and central rollers which control both horizontal and vertical movement of the drawer through a first set of rollers employed at front and rear portions at each side of the drawer to control vertical movement within side tracks while the drawer is moved between an extended position and a retracted position. A second set of rollers is mounted along axes which are arranged 90 degrees relative to the first set of rollers and underneath the drawer. This second set of rollers control side-by-side movement of the drawer as it is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the second set of rollers is mounted in a refrigerated compartment and travel within a track or guideway mounted on the bottom of the drawer. Full Article
rage Apparatuses and methods for thermodynamic energy transfer, storage and retrieval By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for transferring and optionally storing and/or retrieving thermal energy are disclosed. The systems and methods generally include a heat engine and a heat pump, the heat engine including first isothermal and gradient heat exchange mechanisms, and the heat pump including second isothermal and gradient heat exchange mechanisms. The heat engine and the heat pump exchange heat with each other countercurrent across the first and second gradient heat exchange mechanisms, the first isothermal heat exchange mechanism transfers heat to an external heat sink, and the second isothermal heat exchange mechanism receives heat from an external heat source. Full Article
rage Beverage cooler, a refrigerator comprising such a beverage cooler and a method for cooling beverage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a beverage cooler having an in-line operating cooling unit for instant cooling of beverage flowing through the same, comprising a cooling container (5) having an inlet (10) and an outlet (11), for feeding the beverage to and from the cooling container, respectively, and a cooling tube (14) located inside the cooling container. The cooling container (5) is adapted to be located in an ambient temperature which is above the freezing point for the beverage, wherein the cooling tube (14) is adapted to carry a cooling fluid having a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage and is located such that the beverage can pass between the cooling tube and an outer wall of the cooling container (5). Hence, the beverage will pass by the cooling tube and be cooled from it and freeze to solid phase in the area closest to the cooling tube, whereas the outside of the cooling container, having a temperature above the freezing point of the beverage, will ensure a free passage of non-frozen beverage closest to the outside wall of the cooling container. Full Article
rage Insulated beverage apparatus and cooling device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for a beverage container may include a tubular member that is insulated and has an axis. The tubular member may further include an upper axial end and a lower axial end. Both the upper and lower axial ends can be open. The tubular member may be configured to receive and insulate the beverage container therein. The device may include a base. The base may be removably coupled to the lower axial end of the tubular member to close the lower axial end. The base may include an interior compartment containing a fluid permanently sealed therein. The fluid can have a freezing point of about 0° C. or less. Full Article
rage METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZING AN INDEX OF DATA BLOCKS STORED IN A STORAGE SYSTEM USING A SHARED STORAGE MODULE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A storage system includes a first and second control modules (CMs) connected to a client and a storage module over a communication fabric. In response to a data fragment written to the storage module, the first CM is to create a table of contents (TOC) entry in a TOC page maintained in a first storage partition of the storage module, update its FTL map, determine whether the TOC page contains a predetermined number of TOC entries, and in response to determining that the TOC page contains the predetermined number of TOC entries, send a control signal to the second CM via an inter-processor link. In response to the control signal received from the first CM via the inter-processor link, the second CM is to copy the TOC page from the first storage partition to a memory associated with the second CM to allow the second CM to update its FTL map. Full Article
rage METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ACCESS OF A STORAGE SYSTEM USING A SHARED STORAGE MODULE AS A TRANSPORT MECHANISM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, a first control module (CM) of a storage system receives a first request from a client device to read first data stored in a second storage location of a storage module, where the second storage location is associated with a second CM. The first CM includes a first processor and the second CM includes a second processor. The first CM transmits a first control signal the second CM via the inter-processor link to request the second CM to copy the first data from the second storage location to a first memory location associated with the first CM. The first CM initiates a first data transaction to transmit the first data from the first memory location to the client device through a communication fabric without having to go through the second CM. Full Article
rage FABRIC FOR MODULAR SOLID-STATE STORAGE SYSTEMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A storage system including a hardware module slot, configured to mechanically accommodate a first hardware module. The hardware module slot includes a hardware module data connector configured to electrically interface with the first hardware module inserted into the hardware module slot. The storage system further includes a fabric that includes a first switch. The first switch includes a first protocol interface to the hardware module data connector and is configured to enable first protocol communications between the first hardware module and a second hardware module. The fabric also includes a second switch that includes a second protocol interface to the hardware module data connector and is configured to enable second protocol communications between the first hardware module and the second hardware module. Full Article
rage Nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) with improved thermal energy storage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) including nanoparticles dispersed with a base phase change material and that exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity in comparison to the base phase change material. Full Article
rage Underground thermal battery storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT ‘Underground Thermal Battery Storage System’ using a battery structure of one or more underground thermally insulated cells, where each cell comprised of a waterproof thermal insulation shell, one or more fluid storage tanks and earth matrix. The thermal storage cell's fluid storage tanks are interconnected using a thermal fluid transport system with control valves, circulating pumps, and managed by a programmable controller. The programmable controller uses the cell sensors to determine cell status, control cell interconnections, and to manage the thermal charging and discharging by exterior heating or cooling devices. A moisture injection system is provided to control the thermal conductivity within the cell's earth matrix. Full Article
rage Thermal energy storage materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The thermal energy storage material (TESM) system includes a container having a wall surface, and a TESM in at least partial contact with the wall surface. The TESM may include, consist essentially of, or consist of a metal containing compound comprising lithium, one or more different metal cations (i.e., different from lithium) and one or more polyatomic anions. The TESM may have a liquidus temperature, TL, from about 100° C. to about 250° C. The TESM may exhibits a heat storage density from 1 MJ/l to 1.84 MJ/l, as measured from 300° C. to 80° C. The TESM system may be free of water. If any water is present in the TESM system, the water concentration preferably is less than 10 wt. %. Preferably, the TESM system is generally resistant to corrosion at temperatures of about 300° C. Full Article
rage Activity and storage bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An activity and storage bag is includes a central compartment for holding one or more removable objects. The central compartment has an inner surface that is water-resistant and an outer surface. The activity and storage bag further includes a wallet attached to the outer surface of the central compartment for storing wallet items. The wallet includes an external flap that folds out from and attaches back with an internal flap that is connected to the outer surface of the central compartment. The activity and storage bag further includes one or more side pockets attached to the outer surface of the central compartment adjacent to the wallet. Full Article
rage Cleaning system for a beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents. Full Article
rage System and method for brewing beverages By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for brewing beverages utilizing inertial separation and an adjustable-volume brewing chamber to selectively retain or release particulate matter, oils, and/or other components of the brewed beverage, whereby mechanical filtration may be avoided and smaller particulates may be separated from the beverage. Thus, less material is needed to achieve similar levels of infusion and brewing time may be reduced. Full Article
rage Beverage containers with detection capability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems described herein include individual-use beverage containers including sensors and methods of their use. Beverage containers include: a vessel body configured to hold a beverage; and at least one sensor associated with the vessel body, the at least one sensor including a sensor configured to detect one or more substance in a fluid. Systems include: at least one beverage container including at least one sensor configured to detect one or more substance in fluid; and at least one external device including at least one port configured for communication with the at least one sensor. Methods include: detecting one or more substance within fluid with at least one sensor integral to a beverage container; and interfacing one or more of the at least one sensor with an external device. Full Article
rage Method and apparatus for beverage formation with reservoir access control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for forming a beverage. Movement of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid into a reservoir in a brewer, which is then used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, closing of the brew chamber may cause a lid for a water reservoir to be fully opened or otherwise permit movement of the lid to allow access to the reservoir, allowing a user to provide water into the reservoir. The reservoir lid may open with an abrupt action, causing attention to be drawn to the reservoir lid. In another arrangement, closure of the brew chamber may cause actuation of a baffle, pump, valve or other device to provide a suitable amount of water to a reservoir for beverage formation. In another arrangement, opening of the brew chamber may cause the reservoir lid to be automatically and simultaneously opened with the brew chamber. Full Article
rage Capsule for the preparation of a beverage embedding an identification element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using the detector of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is preferably disposed in the cavity. Full Article
rage System and method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and a use of such a system, a receiving chamber and a holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and/or tea, is disclosed. The system comprises an apparatus for dispensing beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which is placeable or is placed downstream of this nozzle. During use, the nozzle spouts a jet of the beverage with relatively high velocity to and/or into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in this chamber. The system is at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent formation of foam of this beverage, in particular when the beverage is spouted to and/or into the receiving chamber. Further disclosed is an assembly at least provided with a holder, to a holder, a receiving body, the use of a said system and to a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. Full Article
rage Beverage extraction filter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a beverage extraction filter that can extract in a plurality of extraction machine types. The beverage extraction filter comprises a filter unit (40) where coffee powder is housed and a planar lid unit (41) mounted to the top section of the filter unit (40). The lid unit (41) is formed in a layer structure created by a non-permeable first sheet member (42) positioned on the filter unit side (40) and a permeable second sheet member (43) layered on top of the first sheet member (42), and a hole section (42a) through which hot water is made to pass is formed in the center of the first sheet member (42). Full Article
rage Beverage brewing apparatus with pump dispensing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage. Full Article