pro LIGHTING APPARATUS, AUTOMOBILE, AND PROJECTION LENS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A lighting apparatus includes: a projection lens; a light source behind the projection lens; a reflector that reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens; and a shield that blocks a portion of the light reflected by the reflector to form a cutoff line in a distribution pattern of the light. A textured section demarcated by unit regions is formed on a surface of the projection lens, and when a region in a center of the projection lens is defined as a central region, and regions left and right of the central region are defined as left and right regions, respectively, in a front view, a proportion of the unit regions in the central region is greater than a proportion of the unit regions in each of the left region and the right region. Full Article
pro SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK HAVING A QUERY BUILDING LOGIC By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and a method for providing a query building logic for supporting testing requirements are disclosed. The system receives one or more business inputs from one or more users. An application database is configured for rendering one or more unique database schemas and a set of predefined parameters. The application database is accessed by at least one user to select one or more database schemas and identify a set of predefined parameters, based on one or more business conditions set for the at least one user. Further, the system comprises a TDS (Test Data Specification) framework that is configured to dynamically frame one or more queries based on one or more business inputs, selected database schemas and the identified predefined parameters by the one or more users. Full Article
pro Aggregate Projection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In an example, an aggregate function is associated with an aggregate projection for a data storage system. Input data to be loaded into the data storage system is aggregated according to the aggregate function and stored in the aggregate projection. Full Article
pro METHOD AND SERVER FOR PUSHING INFORMATION PROACTIVELY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for pushing information proactively includes: receiving updated data; querying search records that match the updated data; determining search records that meet a push condition, and obtaining user information corresponding to the search records that meet the push condition; pushing, according to the user information, the updated data to all or part of users corresponding to the user information. In the embodiments of the present invention, after receiving updated data, the server proactively obtains the search records of users, screens the users according to the push condition, and pushes the updated data to the screened users. In this way, the information is proactively pushed, which shortens the time interval of providing information for the users, and improves the efficiency of obtaining needed information by the users. Full Article
pro Orchestration of Date Query Processing in a Database System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a method receives a query for data in a database system and calls a plurality of engines to analyze information for the query. A calculation graph is generated from at least a portion of the plurality of engines where each of the at least a portion of the plurality of engines add a node to the calculation graph based on analyzing of the information for the query. Then, the method executes the query by calling the nodes of the calculation graph. Each node uses metadata added to the node from a respective calculation engine to perform a calculation for the node. Then, a result of the query is output based on the respective calculations performed by the nodes. Full Article
pro MEANS TO PROCESS HIERARCHICAL JSON DATA FOR USE IN A FLAT STRUCTURE DATA SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A data system can include a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data source, a cluster computing system, and a hierarchical JSON handler. The schema of the JSON data source can include a hierarchically-structured element having a nested array. The cluster computing system can store datasets across multiple nodes for parallel manipulation. The datasets can have a flat structure and can be queried using a Structured Query Language (SQL). The cluster computing system can lack the ability to directly import the hierarchically-structured element of the JSON data source into a dataset. The hierarchical JSON handler can be configured to extract and flatten the hierarchically-structured element of the JSON data source and import the extracted and flattened JSON data into one or more target datasets of the cluster computing system. The cluster computing system can then able to perform operations upon the target datasets. Full Article
pro SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROFILING A USER BASED ON VISUAL CONTENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for profiling a user may generate abstract data based on features identified in visual content, the visual content stored in a computing device of a user, and may generate a profile of the user based on the abstract data and based on metadata related to the visual content. A profile may be used to perform at least one of: generating a prediction related to a behavior of the user and selecting content to be presented to the user. Full Article
pro METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING A PREFIX ASSOCIATED WITH A SEARCH QUERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for and a method of processing a prefix associated with a search query. The method comprises receiving a user input defining a prefix and identifying a list of suggested search queries associated with the prefix. The method determines that (i) a first suggested search query is associated with a first resource and (ii) a first cumulative resource weight based on a first relation between the first suggested search query and the first resource is no less than a second cumulative resource weight based on a second relation between a second suggested search query and a second resource. If so, the method then identifies display data associated with a content item associated with the first resource and transmits, prior to a completed search query associated with the prefix being submitted to the search engine, to the electronic device, the display data along with the list of suggested search queries. Full Article
pro SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTENT RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON PERSONALIZED MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ELEMENT CLUSTERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for generating recommendations based on personalized multimedia content element clusters. The method includes obtaining a personalized multimedia content element cluster associated with a user, wherein the personalized multimedia content element cluster includes a plurality of multimedia content elements related to a common concept, wherein the common concept represents a user interest of the user; analyzing the obtained personalized multimedia content element cluster to determine at least one query; searching, using the determined at least one query, for at least one relevant multimedia content element that is relevant to the user interest of the user; and providing, to the user, at least one recommended multimedia content element of the at least one relevant multimedia content element found during the search. Full Article
pro METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEPARATING CARBON DIOXIDE FROM A GAS STREAM AND FOR REMOVING DEGRADATION PRODUCTS IN THE WASHING MEDIUM BY PHOTOLYTIC DECOMPOSITION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas stream, in particular from a flue gas stream, wherein, a gas stream is brought into contact with a washing medium in an absorber of a separation device and the carbon dioxide contained in the gas stream is separated; the charged washing medium is supplied to a desorber of the separation device to release the carbon dioxide; a vapor stream is removed from the desorber and is supplied to a cooling unit to form a condensate; degradation products, in particular nitrosamines, contained in at least a partial stream of the condensate are photolytically decomposed to decomposition products; at least the decomposition products, in particular nitrites and amines, are removed; and at least a partial stream of the condensate is returned to the desorber. A corresponding separation device separates carbon dioxide from a gas stream. Full Article
pro DPF Cleaning Process Using a Temporary Plug By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of removing or reducing the particulate buildup within the diesel particulate filter of an aftertreatment system includes the selective application of a blocking agent to a filter medium of the diesel particulate filter, displacement of the particulate from the filter medium using a fluid stream, and subsequent removal of the blocking agent. Full Article
pro INTEGRATION OF STAGED COMPLEMENTARY PSA SYSTEM WITH A POWER PLANT FOR CO2 CAPTURE/UTILIZATION AND N2 PRODUCTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a staged complementary swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Full Article
pro METHODS FOR PRODUCING OZONE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing ozone is disclosed. The ozone is separated by an adsorbent separation system from a mixture of oxygen and ozone. The adsorbent separation system operates by adsorbing ozone at higher pressures, then desorbing the ozone at normal pressures. Increased ozone concentrations result from these steps while the oxygen component can be recovered and used in producing the mixture of oxygen and ozone. Full Article
pro Universal commode processing unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A waste collection unit includes a motor supported by a housing. A fan is coupled to the motor by a first member configured to provide a rotational input speed. A liquid-gas separator is coupled to a second member configured to provide a rotational output speed. A speed reduction device is coupled to the first and second members. The speed reduction device is configured to provide a rotational output speed that is less than the rotational input speed. In another embodiment, the fan is arranged in the housing and is directly coupled to the motor by the first member. The fan includes first and second sides respectively including first and second pumping elements. A first waste collection line fluidly connects a urinal to the first side. A second waste collection line fluidly connects a fecal storage container to the second side. Full Article
pro Tire protection mount By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tire protection mount may include a bracket that includes a central platform and an arm. The central platform is connected the arm to define an opening. The tire protection mount further includes a shield connected to the bracket that substantially covers the opening. Full Article
pro Chopper attachment to improve conditioning of bio-mass type crops By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A harvesting header includes a cutter bed having a plurality of cutting elements arranged transverse to the header and a crop chopping and conditioning region having a crop chopping device and a crop conditioning device. The crop chopping device is configured to chop crop cut by the cutter bed into smaller lengths and the crop conditioning device is configured to crimp the crop to aid in drying. The first chopping roller has a tubular, cylindrically-shaped body and a plurality of parallel knife-mounting lugs extending radially outward along substantially the full length of the body. A plurality of chopping knives are attached to the knife-mounting lugs and arranged around the body, each chopping knife having a length that is shorter than the length of the knife-mounting lug to which it is attached such that each chopping knife covers only a portion of the lateral length of the first chopping roller. Full Article
pro Machine with ground working elements providing improved stability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grass cutting machine with two cutting units mounted on opposite sides of the chassis has an inclinometer monitoring the left/right inclination of the chassis. If the inclination value exceeds a defined threshold, the higher of the two cutting units is lifted to improve stability. Full Article
pro Structure for Die Probing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A package includes a device die, which includes a metal pillar at a top surface of the device die, and a solder region on a sidewall of the metal pillar. A molding material encircles the device die, wherein a top surface of the molding material is substantially level with a top surface of the device die. A dielectric layer overlaps the molding material and the device die, with a bottom surface of the dielectric layer contacting a top surface of the device die and a top surface of the molding material. A redistribution line (RDL) extends into the dielectric layer to electrically couple to the metal pillar. Full Article
pro WAFER PROCESSING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a wafer processing method including a processed position measuring step of imaging an area including a beam plasma generated by applying a pulsed laser beam to a wafer, by using an imaging unit during the formation of a laser processed groove on the wafer, and next measuring the positional relation between the position of the beam plasma and a preset processing position. Accordingly, it is possible to check whether or not the laser processed groove is formed at a desired position, in real time during laser processing. If the position of the laser processed groove is deviated, the processed position can be immediately corrected. Full Article
pro Packaging Device Having Plural Microstructures Disposed Proximate to Die Mounting Region By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An example method includes providing a packaging device includes a substrate having an integrated circuit die mounting region. A plurality of microstructures, each including an outer insulating layer over a conductive material, are disposed proximate a side of the integrated circuit die mounting region. An underfill material is disposed between the substrate and the integrated circuit die, the microstructures preventing spread of the underfill. In another example method, a via can be formed in a substrate and the substrate etched to form a bump or pillar from the via. An insulating material can be formed over the bump or pillar. In another example method, a photoresist deposited over a seed layer and patterned to form openings. A conductive material is plated in the openings, forming a plurality of pillars or bumps. The photoresist and exposed seed layer are removed. The conductive material is oxidized to form an insulating material. Full Article
pro SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN IMPROVED INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Presented herein are an interconnect structure and method for forming the same. The interconnect structure includes a contact pad disposed over a substrate and a connector disposed over the substrate and spaced apart from the contact pad. A passivation layer is disposed over the contact pad and over connector, the passivation layer having a contact pad opening, a connector opening, and a mounting pad opening. A post passivation layer including a trace and a mounting pad is disposed over the passivation layer. The trace may be disposed in the contact pad opening and contacting the mounting pad, and further disposed in the connector opening and contacting the connector. The mounting pad may be disposed in the mounting pad opening and contacting the opening. The mounting pad may be separated from the trace by a trace gap, which may optionally be at least 10 μm. Full Article
pro SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR MEASURING THICKNESS VALUES OF SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for determining thickness variation values of a semiconductor substrate comprises a substrate vacuumed to a pedestal that defines a reference plane for measuring the substrate. A measurement probe assembly determines substrate CTV and BTV values, and defines a substrate slope angle. A thermal bonding assembly attaches a die to the substrate at a bonding angle congruent with the substrate slope angle. A plurality of substrates are measured using the same reference plane on the pedestal. Associated methods and processes are disclosed. Full Article
pro Method of Producing an Integrated Power Transistor Circuit Having a Current-Measuring Cell By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing an integrated power transistor circuit includes forming at least one transistor cell in a cell array, each transistor cell having a doped region formed in a semiconductor substrate and adjoining a first surface of the semiconductor substrate on a first side of the semiconductor substrate, depositing a contact layer on the first side, structuring the contact layer to form a contact structure from the contact layer, the contact structure having, in a projection of the cell array orthogonal to the first surface, a first section and, outside the cell array, a second section which connects the first section to an interface structure, and forming an electrode structure on and in direct contact with the first section in the orthogonal projection of the cell array, the electrode structure being absent outside the cell array. Full Article
pro METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of production of a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor layer forming step of forming a semiconductor layer including an inorganic oxide semiconductor on a board, a passivation film forming step of forming a passivation film comprising an organic material so as to cover the semiconductor layer, a baking step of baking the passivation film, and a cooling step of cooling the passivation film after baking, herein, in the cooling step, a cooling speed from a baking temperature at the time of baking in the baking step to a temperature 50° C. lower than the baking temperature is substantially controlled to 0.5 to 5° C./min in range is provided. Full Article
pro CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE DEVICE FABRICATION UTILIZING PROTECT LAYERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Hall effect devices and field effect transistors are formed incorporating a carbon-based nanostructure layer such as carbon nanotubes and/or graphene with a sacrificial metal layer formed there over to protect the carbon-based nanostructure layer during processing. Full Article
pro ENCAPSULATION STRUCTURE FOR AN OLED DISPLAY INCORPORATING ANTIREFLECTION PROPERTIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to encapsulation structures for OLED displays, wherein the structure provides sufficient barrier properties against oxygen and moisture as well as anti-reflection properties. The structure includes a layer comprising a photo-aligned substance which in a synergistic manner controls both barrier and anti-reflection properties. Full Article
pro Copper-zinc alloy product and process for producing copper-zinc alloy product By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A copper-zinc alloy product of the invention contains zinc in an amount of higher than 35% by weight and 43% by weight or less and has a two-phase structure of an α-phase and a β-phase. Further, the ratio of the β-phase in the copper-zinc alloy is controlled to be higher than 10% and less than 40% and the crystal grains of the α-phase and the β-phase are crushed into a flat shape and arranged in a layer shape through cold working. According to the copper-zinc alloy product, it is possible to decrease the copper content and to appropriately secure the strength and cold workability by appropriately controlling the ratio of the β-phase. Full Article
pro Profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers and composite part comprising a profiled retaining section By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers includes an upper region, a center region and a lower region forming at least one anchor. The upper region is designed as a piping, or in the manner of a piping, for protruding over a visible side of the skins to be positioned. The center region includes two sides to be sewn to the decorative layers. The anchor is designed to be introduced in a groove having a lesser width than the anchor itself and to exert a force on the groove in the lateral direction. The upper region, the center region and the anchor are integral with each other and arranged in the vertical direction relative to each other. Also described is a composite part that uses the profiled retaining section. Full Article
pro Finger probe with electrode array By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:00:00 EDT Full Article
pro Memorial product including cremation remains By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST A memorial product is presently disclosed that includes a glass structure having a first helix of cremation remains and a second helix of a second material, wherein the helix of the cremation remains and the helix of the second material are intertwined to form a double helix in the glass structure. In some embodiments, the second material is additional cremation remains or a colored material selected to correspond to the deceased represented by the cremation remains. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a memorial product including forming a first portion of molten glass into a substantially cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, applying cremation remains on a first portion of the exterior surface, applying a second material on a second portion of the exterior surface, and gathering a second portion of molten glass over the first portion of molten glass to encase the cremation remains and the second material. Full Article
pro Production of and drying of copolymer fibers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present invention concerns processes for reducing water in never-dried fiber comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride, the process having the following steps in a continuous process, (a) a step of drying a never-dried fiber having at least 0.1% sulfur at less than 150° C. until the moisture content of the fiber is less than 60 weight percent; and (b) a step of further drying the fiber above 150° C. while the moisture content of the fiber is no more than 60 weight percent; and the fiber being further heated to at least 350° C. in either an additional continuous or separate step. Full Article
pro Body bag having absorbent lining and improved peripheral seal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A body bag (900) can be assembled by a stitching process while providing increased fluid retention capabilities. An upper outer layer (101) and a lower outer layer (102), each of which can be non-woven materials, form the outer surfaces of the body bag (900). An absorbent layer (103) is disposed between the upper outer layer (101) and the lower outer layer (102). One or more edges (303,403,503,603) can be folded into a periphery (332) of the body bag (900). Stitching (802) can then be applied along the periphery (332) such that the stitching (802) passes through the upper outer layer (101), the lower outer layer (102), an upper edge (994) of the fold in the absorbent layer (103), and a complementary bottom edge (995) of the fold in the absorbent layer (103). Handles (1001,1002,1003,1004) can be included as well. Full Article
pro Method to improve the appearance of a corpse and new thanatocosmetic compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method to improve the appearance of a corpse by means of the application of specific thanatocosmetic compositions. The invention also relates to the new compositions and to their use in thanato-aesthetics. Full Article
pro Dishwasher with a damping device and method for producing a damping device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dishwasher includes a washing compartment, at least one dishware container, and a guide assembly to allow the dishware container to be moved out of the washing compartment and into the washing compartment. The movement of the dishware container in relation to the washing compartment is cushioned by at least one damping device which is arranged inside the washing compartment. Full Article
pro Hinge in composite material and process for its manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a hinge having a rigid portion integral with a flexible portion suitable to be bent with respect to the rigid portion, wherein the rigid portion has a substrate in a rigid composite material and the flexible portion has a first flexible sheet, wherein a first portion of the first flexible sheet is joined at least partially to the substrate by means of at least one first layer of resin for composite materials, wherein the flexible portion also has a second flexible sheet joined at least partially by means of at least one second layer of resin for composite materials both to the first portion of the first flexible sheet and to at least one second portion of the first flexible sheet which is not joined to the substrate. Full Article
pro MODIFIED ACTUATOR DESIGN TO IMPROVE LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND DAMPING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides systems for mitigating brake vibration. In various embodiments, a brake force distribution arrangement may comprise: a member in operable communication with an actuator having at least two contact surfaces such that as one of the at least two contact surfaces moves in a direction of actuation of the actuator the other moves in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the actuator. Full Article
pro SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A LAYER ONTO A SURFACE OF A SOLID SUBSTRATE AND PRODUCTS FORMED THEREBY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for forming a vehicular brake rotor involving loading a shaped metal substrate with a mixture of metal alloying components and ceramic particles in a dieheating the contents of the die while applying pressure to melt at least one of the metal components of the alloying mixture whereby to densify the contents of the die and form a ceramic particle-containing metal matrix composite coating on the metallic substrate; and cooling the resulting coated product. Full Article
pro Method for the capture and disposal of carbon dioxide in an energy conversion process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An energy conversion process that exports by-product CO2 at elevated pressure where a fuel gas feed stream is mixed with a reactant stream and additional CO2 is added to at least part of, the fuel gas feed stream, the reactant stream or both through desorption by contacting with a CO2-rich solvent stream in a first stage contactor to produce a mixed feed gas stream and a CO2-lean solvent stream; passing said mixed feed gas stream to a chemical conversion step, where further CO2 is produced; chilling at least part of the products of said chemical conversion step and thereby produce a CO2-lean gas stream; and passing at least part of said CO2-lean gas stream said to a second stage contactor where further CO2 is removed, by absorption, to produce a product gas stream and a solvent stream rich in CO2 from which said CO2-rich solvent stream is subsequently derived. Full Article
pro Chemically-modified mixed fuels, methods of production and uses thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A chemically-modified mixed fuel includes methane gas from at least two methane-production sources and can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein includes providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source and blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel. In some cases, at least one additional methane-containing gas can be provided from at least one additional methane-production source and blended with the chemically-modified fuel. Full Article
pro Gas generator and processes for the conversion of a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gas generator and process for converting a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas. The gas generator is preferably used for generating protection gas or reducing gas for start up, shut down or emergency shut down of a SOFC or SOEC. The process for converting fuel into oxygen-depleted gas and/or a hydrogen-enriched gas includes combusting the fuel in a primary catalytic burner with an oxygen-containing gas to produce a flue gas with oxygen, combusting or partially oxidizing the flue gas comprising oxygen with excess fuel in a secondary catalytic burner to produce a gas with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and reducing the trace amounts of oxygen from the gas comprising traces of oxygen and obtaining an oxygen-depleted gas, or reducing the carbon monoxide present in the gas by conversion to carbon dioxide or methane to obtain a hydrogen-enriched gas. Full Article
pro Process for purifying solid carboniferous fuels prior to combustion, liquefaction or gasification using a rotary chamber By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up. Full Article
pro Fuel processing system with temperature-control fluid circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An integrated reformer and combustion apparatus for use in a fuel cell system comprises at least one reformer plate (3) at which in use a reforming reaction can take place and at least one combustion plate (1) at which in use a combustion reaction can take place. The plates are arranged in a stack such that the reformer plates (3) and combustion plates (1) are interspersed. The apparatus is arranged such that in use a reforming reaction and a combustion reaction can take place simultaneously, the combustion reaction providing heat for the reforming reaction. A further fluid circuit (19, 29) may be provided in thermal communication with at least one of the reformer unit and the combustion unit so as to allow the temperature of that unit to be controlled. Full Article
pro Fuel processor and method for generating hydrogen rich gas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fuel processor for generating hydrogen rich gas or cleaned hydrogen rich gas from hydrocarbon fuel includes an inner housing and an outer housing defining a mantel space between them, wherein at least one fuel reformer unit for reforming hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas and optionally a gas-cleaning unit for cleaning the hydrogen rich gas from unwanted by-products are arranged in the inner housing. The fuel processor further includes a processor inlet for introducing hydrocarbon fuel into the inner housing and a processor outlet for releasing cleaned hydrogen rich gas from the inner housing. The outer housing further includes a fluid inlet for introducing a heat transporting fluid into the mantel space. The inner housing includes at least one opening for providing a fluid-connection between the inner housing and the mantel space. A method for operating such a fuel processor is also provided. Full Article
pro Apparatus and method for rapidly producing synthetic gas from bio-diesel by-product using microwave plasma By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided are an apparatus and a method for rapidly producing a synthetic gas from a bio-diesel byproduct using microwave plasma, in which, while a plasma flame is generated by a plasma generator and waste glycerin, a bio-diesel byproduct, as fuel, is gasified by being supplied to the generated plasma flame of high temperature, the fuel is supplied in various types to increase the contact time or the contact area with the plasma flame and thus promote gasification thereof and the contents of steam and oxygen supplied and the plasma power are controlled to increase the collection amount of combustible gas and thus allow rapid production of the synthetic gas. Full Article
pro Process and system for gasification with in-situ tar removal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a process and system for gasifying biomass or other carbonaceous feedstocks in an indirectly heated gasifier and provides a method for the elimination of condensable organic materials (tars) from the resulting product gas with an integrated tar removal step. More specifically, this tar removal step utilizes the circulating heat carrier to crack the organics and produce additional product gas. As a benefit of the above process, and because the heat carrier circulates through alternating steam and oxidizing zones in the process, deactivation of the cracking reactions is eliminated. Full Article
pro Processes for the separation of methane from a gas stream By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided. In addition, the processes provide for the generation of a hydrogen-enriched gas stream and, optionally, a carbon monoxide-enriched gas stream, which can be mixed or used separately as an energy source for subsequent catalytic gasification processes. Full Article
pro Method and system for producing synthetic gas from biomass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing synthetic gas from biomass by: a) grinding the biomass, feeding the biomass into a pyrolysis furnace while spraying a first superheated water vapor into the pyrolysis furnace, controlling the temperature of the pyrolysis furnace at 500-800° C., contacting the biomass with the first superheated water vapor for a pyrolysis reaction to yield crude synthetic gas and ash including coke; b) cooling the ash, and separating the coke from the ash; c) transporting the crude synthetic gas and the coke into a gasifier, spraying a second superheated water vapor into the gasifier, controlling the gasifier at an operating temperature of 1200-1600° C., contacting the biomass with the second superheated water vapor for a gasification reaction to yield primary synthetic gas; and d) cooling, removing dust, deacidifying, and desiccating the primary synthetic gas to obtain clean synthetic gas. Full Article
pro Method for producing methane by catalytic gasification of coal and device thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a gasifier comprising a syngas generation section, a coal methanation section and a syngas methanation section in the order from bottom to top. The invention also relates to a process for preparing methane by catalytically gasifying coal using such a gasifier. Optionally, the gasifier is additionally provided with a coal pyrolysis section above the syngas methanation section. Full Article
pro Enhanced plasma gasifiers for producing syngas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plasma gasification reactor, and process for its operation, with one or both of, first, a quench zone within an upper part of a top section of the reactor and, second, feed ports through a lateral wall of a middle section of the reactor for supplying feed material to a feed bed within the middle section and the feed ports located proximate the feed bed. The quench zone is provided with nozzles for introducing a fluid to reduce the temperature of molten solid bits sufficiently to minimize their sticking within external ductwork. The middle section feed port arrangement assists in more thorough reaction of light particles in the feed material that may otherwise exit with gaseous products. Full Article
pro Staged combustion of sulfureous combustible effluents with recovery of the sulfur in the claus process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process for advantageously efficiently treating a sulfureous combustible effluent stream by recovering the sulfur in elemental form comprises a step of combustion of the sulfureous combustible effluent stream with an oxidant gas in excess, and then a step of post-combustion of the effluents from the combustion step with an acidic gas. The stream of the post-combustion effluents, free of chemical compounds that are harmful to the efficacy of the Claus catalysts, is treated in a Claus unit, which performs the recovery of the sulfur in elemental form. Full Article