con Semiconductor device for battery control and battery pack By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device for battery control includes a CPU, a first bus coupled to the CPU, a second bus not coupled to the CPU, and a protective function circuit for protecting a battery from stress applied thereto. The semiconductor device also includes a non-volatile memory storing trimming data, a trimming circuit to perform trimming required to allow the protective function circuit to exert a protective function, and a bus control circuit capable of selectively coupling the first bus and the second bus to the non-volatile memory. The semiconductor device further includes a transfer logic circuit which causes, by making the bus control circuit select the second bus, a trimming data transfer path leading from the non-volatile memory to the trimming circuit to be formed and the trimming data stored in the non-volatile memory to be transferred to the trimming circuit without involving the CPU. Full Article
con Battery pack with integral non-contact discharging means and electronic device including the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A battery pack and an electronic device are disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery for storing electric energy, and a non-contacting discharging unit for receiving the stored electric energy from the battery and for transferring the stored electric energy to a power receiving unit in a non-electrically contacting manner. The electronic device includes a main body and the battery pack. The main body includes a power receiving unit. The battery pack is for mounting to and supplying power to the main body. Full Article
con Battery module, electric vehicle, authentication apparatus, and discharging control method for battery module By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a battery module including: a power storage unit storing power; a first authentication unit carrying out first authentication via a first authentication route; a second authentication unit carrying out second authentication via a second authentication route; and a discharging control unit controlling discharging from the power storage unit to an external appliance, wherein the first authentication unit is operable, when the first authentication has succeeded, to share key information to be used in the second authentication with an authentication party for the second authentication, the second authentication unit carries out the second authentication using the key information shared with the authentication party, and the discharging control unit is operable, when the second authentication has succeeded, to permit discharging from the power storage unit. Full Article
con Control system of wind power generator, wind farm, and method for controlling wind power generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A wind power generator generates power through a rotation of a rotor and is interconnected, and operated with its power generation output previously limited in order to be able to further supply the power to a power system in response to a decrease in system frequency. Thus, a concentrated control system derives a required restricted amount corresponding to a power generation output required to respond to the decrease in system frequency, derives a value by subtracting an amount corresponding to a latent power generation output with which the power generation output can be increased, from the required restricted amount, and sets a restricted amount of the power generation output in each wind power generator to perform the operation with the power generation output previously limited to respond to the decrease in system frequency, based on the above value. Full Article
con Method and device for primary frequency regulation based on bang-bang control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention provides a method and a device for primary frequency regulation based on bang-bang control, the method comprises: obtaining in real-time a power grid frequency of a steam turbine generator set; performing a subtraction operation on a rated power grid frequency and said power grid frequency to generate a power grid frequency difference; performing a dead zone process on the power grid frequency difference according to a dead zone fixed value to generate a frequency difference; performing a frequency difference compensation operation on the frequency difference to generate a frequency difference compensation instruction; and combining an original primary frequency regulation output instruction with the frequency difference compensation instruction and outputting the result to a steam turbine speed regulation system when a selecting switch is 1. Full Article
con Control system, method and program, and floating wind turbine generator provided therewith By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The control system of this floating wind turbine generator is a control system of a floating wind turbine generator in which the control system controls a pitch angle control section by a pitch angle instruction value calculated on the basis of signals detected by a second sensor detecting a relative angle between a nacelle and a tower and a third sensor detecting a yaw angle from a reference position of the tower so that a signal detected by a first sensor detecting wind direction deviation relative to a vertical direction of a rotation plane of wind turbine blades indicates an angle within a predetermined range from the vertical direction of the rotation plane of the wind turbine blades, and controls a yaw driving device by a yaw driving instruction value calculated on the basis of the signals detected by the second sensor and the third sensor. Full Article
con Method and apparatus for generating electricity by thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material using heat from condensers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated by extracting thermal energy from a gas to condense the gas into a liquid and transferring the thermal energy to the electrically polarizable material. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material in thermal communication with a heat source, wherein the heat source is a condenser. An apparatus is also described which comprises a chamber, one or more conduits inside the chamber for conveying a cooling fluid and an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes on an outer surface of the conduit. A gas introduced into the chamber condenses on the conduits and thermal energy is thereby transferred from the gas to the electrically polarizable material. Full Article
con Magnetic controlled power generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A magnetic controlled power generator provides a magnetic controlled loading device, power generator and flywheel device to form two independent modules which are easily assembled and disassembled for easy manufacture and maintenance. Besides, the magnetic controlled power generator has simple installation and lightweight components to generate a radial displacement for magnetic flux control, achieving continuous adjustment of the load resistance, thereby having the effect of reducing the cost and weight. Full Article
con Method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Some embodiments relate to a method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator. The method includes detecting a load of the variable speed generator and determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator. The method further includes using a controller to adjust the speed of the variable speed generator based on the target speed. The method may further include correcting the target speed by calculating a correction factor that corrects the target speed based on a voltage produced by the variable speed generator. Full Article
con Method of operating a wind turbine, wind turbine, wind turbine controlling system, and processing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST According to an embodiment, a method of operating a wind turbine comprising a DC-to-AC voltage converter is provided, the wind turbine being connectable to a grid via the DC-to-AC voltage converter, the method comprising: determining a line voltage of a power line connecting the DC-to-AC voltage converter to the grid; if the determined line voltage exceeds a predefined voltage threshold value, injecting reactive current into the power line, wherein the amount of reactive current injected is chosen such that an output voltage of the DC-to-AC voltage converter is kept within a predetermined voltage range. Full Article
con Method of controlling rotating main field converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A generator system includes a generator having a stationary portion and a rotating portion. An exciter field winding and a main armature winding are disposed on the stationary portion. An exciter armature winding and a main field winding are disposed on the rotating portion. A frequency demodulator is configured to extract a frequency modulated control signal from the exciter armature winding and to demodulate the frequency modulated control signal to generate a demodulated control signal. The generator includes a main field rotating power converter to selectively control current in the main field winding in response to the demodulated command signal. The generator system includes a generator control unit in electrical communication with the generator to monitor the output voltage at the main armature winding and to output an exciter current including the frequency modulated control signal to the exciter field winding based on the output voltage. Full Article
con Switched reluctance generator integrated controls By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of controlling a generator (110) of an electric drive (104) associated with an engine (102) is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the electric drive (104) based on a speed of the engine (102), and selectively engage one of a map-lookup control scheme (150) and a fixed-theta off control scheme (152) for operating the generator (110) based on the operational state of the electric drive (104). Full Article
con Charging and distribution control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system configured for charging and distribution control is provided. The system includes a switching regulator, a control circuit and a first converter. The switching regulator is configured to be selectively operable in one of a first operative state and a second operative state based on a control signal. The first operative state and the second operative state are associated with a maximum level of an alternator output power corresponding to at least one alternator operational feature, at least one alternator operational feature being associated with the alternator output voltage and an alternator speed. The control circuit is configured to generate the control signal based at least on the at least one alternator operational feature. The first converter is configured to generate a first converter output voltage based on the regulated DC output voltage. The first converter output voltage is lower than the regulated DC output voltage. Full Article
con Power supply system for motor vehicle provided with control device of voltage applied to field coil of generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A power supply system for a motor vehicle includes a generator that includes a rotor having a field coil and a stator having an armature coil; a rectifier that rectifies AC power generated in the armature coil; an excitation control circuit that takes control of a voltage applied to the field coil; a capacitor that is connected to the DC side of the rectifier, and receives and transfers the rectified power; a battery connected to an electric load of the motor vehicle; a DC-DC converter that is connected between the capacitor and the battery and capable of converting unidirectionally or bidirectionally an input DC voltage into any DC voltage; and a selection switch which connects the capacitor or the battery to the excitation control circuit as a power supply source. Full Article
con Method and arrangement for operating a wind turbine converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of operating a converter of a wind turbine for providing electric energy to a utility grid includes determining a grid voltage. If the grid voltage is between a nominal voltage and a first voltage threshold, i.e. higher than the nominal voltage, a normal procedure for lowering the grid voltage is performed. If the grid voltage is above the first voltage threshold, another procedure for keeping the wind turbine connected is performed, wherein the other procedure is different from the normal procedure. Further a corresponding arrangement is described. Full Article
con Power control method and device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for power control. An apparatus for power control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include: a voltage comparing part configured to compute an error voltage by using a measured voltage measured at the generator and a reference voltage that is designated; a control module configured to compute a first reactive power value for power control of the generator by being inputted with the error voltage; and a driving module configured to compute a reference reactive power value by using the first reactive power value and a second reactive power value computed using an active power value of the power converter and configured to control the power converter in correspondence with the computed reference reactive power value. Full Article
con Current balance control in converter for doubly fed induction generator wind turbine system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for reducing current imbalance between parallel bridge circuits used in a power converter of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) system are provided. A control system can monitor the bridge current of each of the bridge circuits coupled in parallel and generate a feedback signal indicative of the difference in bridge current between the parallel bridge circuits. Command signals for controlling the bridge circuits can then be developed based on the feedback signal to reduce current imbalance between the bridge circuits. For instance, the pulse width modulation of switching devices (e.g. IGBTs) used in the bridge circuits can be modified to reduce current imbalance between the parallel bridge circuits. Full Article
con Double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter and method for improved grid fault ridethrough By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter method are presented in which rotor side current spikes are attenuated using series-connected damping resistance in response to grid fault occurrences or grid fault clearances. Full Article
con System adapted for one or more electrically propellable vehicles (letting water pass by electrical conductors) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement adapted for letting water pass by electrical conductors and their contact surfaces related to a track of a system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be supplied with current and put under voltage. At least two or three tracks are disposed parallel to each other in a common rail structure, with at least two of these tracks being adapted to support and contain individual electrical conductors with contact surfaces put under voltage, and wherein at least one track is disposed closer to the highest point of the roadway and adjacent to a track containing one of said conductors with contact surfaces, which may be put under voltage. Full Article
con 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
con Rolling stock system and control method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A breaker 162 is opened when a pantograph 101 is lowered. The pantograph 101 is connected to an overhead wire 200. Voltage and its phase of the overhead wire are detected by a detector 161. Power is supplied from a power storage device 150c to a tertiary winding 112c via a power converter 14c such that a primary side of the main transformer 110 has the same voltage and phase as the overhead wire so as to reversely excite the main transformer 110. When the voltage of the main transformer 110 has the same phase as the voltage of the overhead wire 200, the breaker 162 is turned on and then the pantograph 101 is raised, to connect the overhead wire 200 and the main transformer 110 to each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of an excitation inrush current to the main transformer 110. Full Article
con Device for the coupling of elastic and rigid contact line systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST For the coupling of two parallel contact wires of an elastic contact line system with a rigid contact line system, which has a power track (3) and a contact wire (4) affixed thereon, an elongated cantilever (5) is provided in a transition area, whose rigidity increases in the longitudinal direction from the elastic contact line system to the rigid contact line system. The two contact wires (1, 2) of the elastic contact line system are located along the cantilever parallel to the first contact wire (4), which is, in turn, clamped over the entire length of the cantilever. All three contact wires (1, 2, 4) are affixed on several multiple clamps (9) in the area of the cantilever (5), which clamps are located in a distributed manner along the cantilever. The multiple clamps (9) are located in recesses (12) of the cantilever. Full Article
con Automated pantograph control for mining truck power system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Controlling a power system in a mining truck includes receiving data indicative of an expected change in suitability of the mining truck for on-trolley operation, and outputting a control command to an actuating mechanism for a pantograph responsive to the data and prior to occurrence of the expected suitability change. A mining truck and power system are further provided, wherein a pantograph having an electrical contactor is adjusted between a first configuration contacting an overhead trolley line, and a rest configuration, responsive to data indicative of the expected suitability change. Full Article
con Arrangement of a rail and a slip contact holder mounted thereon By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An arrangement of a rail for suspended conveyors or suspended cranes and a slip contact holder mounted thereon, wherein the rail comprises a profile body and a profile head connected thereto and disposed above the profile body, wherein the profile body is C-shaped in cross section, forms a hollow space for chassis, and has a slit open to the bottom, and the profile head comprises upper, substantially horizontal profile walls and the slip contact holder is disposed within the hollow space and attached to the upper profile walls. A plurality of punchouts are disposed in the upper profile walls, disposed in at least one row and at regular, repeated distances as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rail, and barb-like catch pawls are disposed on the slip contact bolder and engage with the punchouts in order to attach thereto. Full Article
con Transferring electric energy to a vehicle, using a system which comprises consecutive segments for energy transfer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line. Full Article
con Upper lateral structure for the occasional or continuous collection of main-drive or auxiliary electrical power by a land vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The upper lateral collection structure (8) is mounted on a land vehicle (1), notably an urban public transport vehicle, and cooperates, for the purpose of overhead electrical power supply to the vehicle, with fixed contact slippers (16) located along its route. This structure comprises: a conducting track (14) arranged longitudinally (NEW) the upper lateral part of the vehicle and comprising a contact region (15) for the contact slipper; an electrical connection connecting the conducting track to the electrical circuit of the vehicle; an insulating support (24) on which the conducting track is mounted; a means of mechanical connection of the collecting structure to the vehicle; and a damping device which damps out the shocks resulting from the contact slipper and ensures satisfactory contact between the conducting track and the contact slipper. This invention is of benefit to the manufacturers of electrically powered public transport vehicles. Full Article
con Arrangement for operating consumers in a rail vehicle with electrical energy, selectively from an energy supply network or from a motor-generator combination By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for operating a rail vehicle includes a DC voltage intermediate circuit which is connected to an energy supply network, at least one traction inverter which is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and at its AC voltage side which is connected one or more traction motors of the rail vehicle. An auxiliary system inverter is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and is connected at its AC voltage side to a primary side of an auxiliary system transformer. Auxiliary systems are connected to a secondary side of the auxiliary system transformer via an auxiliary line. Electrical energy generated by an electrical energy supply unit is transferred via the auxiliary line, the auxiliary system transformer and the auxiliary system inverter into the DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation of the at least one traction motor. Full Article
con Method of controlling combustion of gas appliance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method of controlling combustion of a gas appliance includes the following steps: a) Read a first burning data in a database; b) Burn gas according to the first burning data; c) Obtain a burning efficiency of the gas appliance; and d) Compare the burning efficiency with a predetermined value, and repeat the step b to the step d when the burning efficiency is higher than the value, or read a second burning data in the database and burn gas according to the second burning data when the burning efficiency is lower than the value. The present invention provides plural stages of burning according to the main component of the gas to be burned to increase the total burning efficiency. Full Article
con Model-free adaptive control of supercritical circulating fluidized-bed boilers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A novel 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) Fuel-Air Ratio Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controller is introduced, which can effectively control key process variables including Bed Temperature, Excess O2, and Furnace Negative Pressure of combustion processes of advanced boilers. A novel 7-input-7-output (7×7) MFA control system is also described for controlling a combined 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) process of Boiler-Turbine-Generator (BTG) units and a 5×5 CFB combustion process of advanced boilers. Those boilers include Circulating Fluidized-Bed (CFB) Boilers and Once-Through Supercritical Circulating Fluidized-Bed (OTSC CFB) Boilers. Full Article
con Condensing gas appliance and condensate trap therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A condensing fuel-fired appliance has a condensate trap that includes a trap body; a float; a flue gas inlet port for the introduction of flue gas into the interior region of the trap body; a condensate outlet port for the discharge of condensate from the interior region; and a flue gas outlet port for the discharge of flue gas from the interior region of the trap body. The float is configured to move in response to condensate collected in the interior region of the trap body to a position to substantially block the discharge of flue gas from the interior region through the flue gas outlet port. The float is also configured to move to a position to substantially block the discharge of flue gas from the interior region through the condensate outlet port when there is little or no condensate in the interior region of the trap body. Full Article
con Buckstay connecting system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A buckstay connecting system includes a socket part that is fixed to the horizontal buckstay being separated from a lower end of the vertical buckstay between the lower end of the vertical buckstay and the horizontal buckstay, and an insertion part that is fixed to a lower portion of the vertical buckstay, is inserted into the socket part so as to be able to slide in a vertical direction, inhibits the horizontal buckstay from being inclined, and is allowed to be fastened to the socket part. Full Article
con Burner control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance. Full Article
con Masterless control system methods for networked water heaters By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a masterless control system for controlling a plurality of fluidly and operably connected water heaters to meet a hot water demand such that overall efficiency is maximized and usage disparity between water heaters is minimized. There is further disclosed a method for detecting a small system demand in said network by adjusting the setting of each flow limiting valve of each water heater. There is still further disclosed a method for enabling seamless addition or removal of a heater in service and heating load distribution to water heaters. Full Article
con Control method for a hybrid tankless water heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST An on demand tankless water heater system that is capable of quickly delivering water within a desired temperature range. The tankless water heater provides a hybrid heating method that contains a primary heating system and a secondary heating system disposed in a buffer tank that cooperate to facilitate control of output water temperature during water usage. A pressure differential switch detects low flow demand and allows the secondary heating system to provide immediate heating to the water. This secondary heating system provides a faster temperature response and fine tuning of output water temperature. Full Article
con Steam-generator temperature control and optimization By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system. Full Article
con Diploid control of water heaters By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of controlling a water heater is provided. The method comprises evaluating the fitness of solutions associated with a plurality of individuals in a population for a current operating environment of the water heater. Each of the plurality of individuals comprises a dominant genotype and a recessive genotype. Each genotype represents a solution for controlling the water heater. A fitness function is applied to the dominant genotype of each individual. The fitness function is based on at least one of water flow demand data and energy price data. The method further comprises storing previously encountered genotypes in the recessive genotypes of the individuals. The method further comprises selecting a solution for controlling operation of the water heater based on the fitness evaluation. Full Article
con System and method for thermal control in a gas turbine engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system includes a gas turbine engine that includes a compressor section configured to generate compressed air and a combustor coupled to the compressor section. The combustor is configured to combust a first mixture comprising the compressed air and a first fuel to generate a first combustion gas. The gas turbine engine also includes a turbine section coupled to the combustor. The turbine section is configured to expand the first combustion gas to generate an exhaust gas. The gas turbine engine also includes a boiler coupled to the turbine section. The boiler is configured to combust a second mixture comprising a portion of the first combustion gas and a second fuel to generate a second combustion gas that is routed to the turbine section. In addition, the boiler generates a first steam from heat exchange with the second combustion gas. Full Article
con Water heater and flow rate control method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A water heater in which by applying pulsation of a liquid to be heated which circulates between a tank and a heat exchanger, scale that has been deposited on the inner wall (heat-transfer surface) of a to-be-heated liquid flow channel in a heat exchanger is detached, and the number of times of circulation of the liquid to be heated which circulates between the tank and the heat exchanger is controlled to be three times or less. The number of times of circulation is determined, based on the entire volume of the to-be-heated liquid stored in the tank, a boiling time to be taken for the entire volume of the to-be-heated liquid in the tank to reach a predetermined temperature, and the flow rate of the to-be-heated liquid which passes through the to-be-heated liquid flow channel. Full Article
con DC voltage converter and shock-type high voltage utilization devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Sep 1979 08:00:00 EDT A DC voltage converter includes an oscillator that converts a DC battery voltage to an oscillating voltage, a low voltage transformer that increases the oscillating voltage to a higher oscillating voltage, and a voltage rectifying-capacitor charging network or multiplier that increases the higher oscillating voltage to yet a higher DC voltage at an output terminal for DC high voltage utilization devices and the like. An electric control switch is selectively actuated by the user to apply the battery voltage to the oscillator, resulting in the generation of the stepped-up DC voltage at an output terminal. Another DC voltage converter has an electronic switching circuit that automatically turns the oscillator on and off and a load capacitor across the electrodes that is charged and discharged to provide a shocking voltage. Utilization devices for the voltage developed by the converter shown are a miniature animal training device and a cattle prod device. The miniature animal training device has a pair of outwardly projecting electrodes mounted on a side at one end of the housing that is sized and shaped to fit within and conform to the palm of a hand. The cattle prod device has a pair of electrodes fixedly mounted on the end of a housing assembly made up of telescoping tubular housing sections arranged for relative axial movement whereby the pressing of the electrodes against an object to be shocked actuates the electric control switch and causes a shock of the object. The housing assembly is releasably supported by a rigid handle or an extensible handle assembly. Full Article
con Controlled shock animal training device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 1985 08:00:00 EDT A controlled shock animal training device is shown which includes a mounting collar for mounting the device about a portion of the animal's body. The strap has a pair of electrical contacts which are spaced apart on the mounting strap. An electrical circuit, carried on the mounting strap, connects the pair of spaced electrical contacts and provides a controlled voltage output through the contacts upon triggering of an electrical switch within the circuit. A foldable flap formed in the collar interrupts the electrical circuit during installation of the collar. The shock provided is of limited duration and controlled intensity and requires that the electrical switch be opened and then reclosed to repeat the shocking operation. Full Article
con Electrified livestock controller By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Mar 1991 08:00:00 EST An electrified livestock controller for guiding animals, preferably pigs, doubles as a gate and a prod. The controller comprises a central panel of generally planar dimensions, comprising a plurality of central, vertically disposed ribs separated from one another by elongated slots. One or more similar accessory panels are hingedly connected to each side of the central panel. The hinge structure facilitates adjustment of the controller for deployment in a variety of configurations. The hinge structure comprises a detent system having a plurality of indexing disks which, when yieldably mated together, facilitate positioning of the panels in a custom configuration. Suitable flush mounted electric strips are defined on all of the ribs, to provide a shocking effect without tissue damage. The system includes a removable cattle prod which, besides functioning as a handle, can be withdrawn from the handle to separately prod animals. Either concurrently with or independently of rib electrification, audio and/or visual effects may be generated to cause Pavlovian conditioning in the animals. A preferred visual effect of ascending motion, which may be induced by a revolving curtain displaying a spiral image, motivates the animals like a prod. The curtain is best operatively disposed behind the vertical ribs of at least one of the panels. Full Article
con Belt with concealed whip By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 08:00:00 EST A personal protection device includes a belt which conceals a whip in an internal sheath formed therein. The whip has a handle which also is concealed by an end portion of the belt. The whip can be quickly and easily withdrawn from the sheath in the belt by releasing the end portion and grasping the handle, all in a substantially single motion. The whip material allows sufficient flexibility to be worn comfortably around the waist, but is rigid enough to be an effective striking device. Embodiments for sports and uniform use are disclosed. Full Article
con Horsewhip coupling configuration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Jun 1997 08:00:00 EDT A horsewhip includes a coupler having one end secured to a handle portion and having a ring formed in the other end. The coupler includes a recess formed in the middle portion. A tail portion includes a loop formed in one end for engaging with the recess of the coupler and includes a free end for engaging through the opening of the ring so as to solidly secure the tail portion to the handle portion. The tail portion may be easily secured to and may be easily disengaged from the handle portion by the users such that the tail portion can be easily replaced with a brand new one. Full Article
con Container system adapted to be accessed by a user riding a horse By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Dec 2004 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a container system that is adapted to be accessed by horse mounted users. The container system finds particular application in storing equestrian implements, such as riding crops. The container is mounted at an elevated height upon a fence and additionally includes rounded forward faces. Thus, the container is easy to access by riders and presents less of a danger to the horse and its rider. Furthermore, the container is advantageously formed from a weather resistant plastic material. Full Article
con Electrical control device for marine animals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST A control device for marine animals comprises an electrical device that applies an electrical voltage directly to a marine animal in order to shock the marine animal, for control thereof. The device preferably comprises a pole or rod having electrical prongs at one end which my be applied to the marine animal, thereby applying and electrical signal having a voltage, amperage and frequency that stuns and/or shocks the animal. The character of the electrical signal is such that the animal is temporarily paralyzed, so that it may be safely handled by humans for bringing it into a watercraft without otherwise damaging the animal. Full Article
con Smart medicine container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. Full Article
con Method and apparatus for dispensing frozen confectionery By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously. Full Article
con Disc dispensing device, tubular container for use in such a disc dispensing device and method of dispensing discs By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine center under control of the control means. Full Article
con Computer-controlled common access cabinet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control system for a common access cabinet having a plurality of drawers and electrically controlled latches. Each latch corresponds to one drawer and is configured to receive an electrical signal. The electrical signal contains an address assigned to a particular drawer. When a latch receives a signal that defines the address of the drawer to which that latch corresponds, the latch unlocks that corresponding drawer. The latches receive the signals over an asynchronous serial interface bus. A user input device receives user identification data that is processed by a processor device to determine if the user is authorized to access any of the drawers. If the user is authorized, the processor device generates a signal that contains an address that corresponds to a drawer identified in the user identification data. The signal is converted to an asynchronous serial signal which is routed to the asynchronous serial interface bus. Full Article
con Stack of interfolded first and second sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A stack of hygiene sheet products including first and second webs that are interfolded with each other. The stack includes a top panel of the first web and a top panel of the second web, wherein the top panel of the first web overlays the top panel of the second web but has been cut away so that the top panel of the second web is revealed by the top panel of the first web. An adherence layer is placed on the top panel of the first web and the top panel of the second web and is exposed at the top of the stack so that it can adhere to an adjacent stack so that when the last sheets of the adjacent stack are pulled through a dispenser opening of a dispenser, the first and second sheets are pulled securely through with it as a result of the direct adherence. Full Article