Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120126490 | UNITIZED RADIAL FLUID SEAL - A unitized radial fluid seal includes a shell having a first elastomeric seal body affixed thereto and defining a primary seal lip. A sleeve includes a substantially cylindrical, axially-extending sealing flange and a protective flange extending substantially radially from the axially-extending sealing flange. A spring radially urges the primary seal lip into sealing contact with a sealing surface of the axially-extending sealing flange. A second elastomeric seal body is affixed to the sleeve and includes a resiliently-elastic angled lip extending from a terminal end of the axially-extending sealing flange opposite of the radially-extending protective flange. The sealing surface and an axially-outward facing surface of the angled lip define an angle (α) that is between about 130-170°. The primary seal lip is axially retained between the angled lip and the radially-extending protective flange. | 05-24-2012 |
20120153573 | Fluid Seal Assembly - A fluid seal assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed between an outer surface, i.e. engine block or any other part that requires application of the assembly and a rotatable member, such as, for example a shaft, wherein the assembly circumscribes the shaft and lubricated the shaft and the same rotates around the axis. The assembly includes a primary seal and a wear sleeve. The primary seal includes a casing and a seal element that contacts a sealing surface on the wear sleeve. The casing includes an outer diameter and an outer seal formed onto the outer diameter. The wear sleeve has a cylindrical portion defining an inner diameter and an inner seal formed into the inner diameter of the wear sleeve. The outer and inner seals of the present invention provide improved retention in metal bores during thermal expansion and eliminate spring back effect of the assembly after installation. | 06-21-2012 |
20140042710 | UNITIZED RADIAL FLUID SEAL - A unitized radial fluid seal includes a shell having a first elastomeric seal body affixed thereto and defining a primary seal lip. A sleeve includes a substantially cylindrical, axially-extending sealing flange and a protective flange extending substantially radially from the axially-extending sealing flange. A spring radially urges the primary seal lip into sealing contact with a sealing surface of the axially-extending sealing flange. A second elastomeric seal body is affixed to the sleeve and includes a resiliently-elastic angled lip extending from a terminal end of the axially-extending sealing flange opposite of the radially-extending protective flange. The sealing surface and an axially-outward facing surface of the angled lip define an angle (α) that is between about 130-170°. The primary seal lip is axially retained between the angled lip and the radially-extending protective flange. | 02-13-2014 |
20140250688 | FLUID SEAL ASSEMBLY - A fluid seal assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed between an outer surface, i.e. engine block or any other part that requires application of the assembly and a rotatable member, such as, for example a shaft, wherein the assembly circumscribes the shaft and lubricated the shaft and the same rotates around the axis. The assembly includes a primary seal and a wear sleeve. The primary seal includes a casing and a seal element that contacts a sealing surface on the wear sleeve. The casing includes an outer diameter and an outer seal molded onto the outer diameter. The wear sleeve has a cylindrical portion defining an inner diameter and an inner seal molded into the inner diameter of the wear sleeve. The outer and inner seals of the present invention provide improved retention in metal bores during thermal expansion and eliminate spring back effect of the assembly after installation. | 09-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080303891 | Polarization-based shadow detection - In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for determining an illumination flux condition in a scene. The method comprises the steps of generating and storing a sequence of images of the scene, each one of the sequence of images comprising an array of pixels and corresponding to the scene photographed in a preselected polarization direction, different from the polarization direction of other ones of the sequence of images, determining a polarization sequence vector for at least one pixel in the array, as a function of color information for the pixel in the array, among the sequence of images; and utilizing the polarization sequence vector to determine one of a shadowed and lit illumination condition for the at least one pixel. | 12-11-2008 |
20090033755 | Image acquisition and processing engine for computer vision - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an image processor is provided. According to a feature of the present invention, the image processor comprises a CPU arranged and configured to receive an image input, the image input depicting a scene, the CPU being further arranged and configured to execute a routine to receive the image input and perform preselected spatio-spectral analysis of the image to create a version of the image input optimized for analysis of the scene. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034835 | System and method for identifying complex tokens in an image - In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of identifying token regions in the image, each token region comprising a connected image region of similar color and intensity, and utilizing the identified token regions to generate single material token regions for use in processing material and illumination aspects of the image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090161950 | Image segregation system with method for handling textures - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of converting a color band representation of the image to a homogeneous representation of spectral and spatial characteristics of a texture region in the image and utilizing the homogeneous representation of spectral and spatial characteristics of a texture region in the image to identify homogeneous tokens in the image. | 06-25-2009 |
20100142805 | Constraint generation for use in image segregation - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image, organizing spatio-spectral information for the image in a matrix equation expressed by: [A][x]=[b], wherein [A] expresses values determined by a constraining relationship imposed upon the spatio-spectral information, [b] expresses recorded information for the image, and [x] expresses an unknown material/illumination component of the image, and utilizing the matrix equation in an image segregation operation. | 06-10-2010 |
20100142825 | Image segregation system architecture - In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating spatio-spectral information for the image, defining a constraint as a function of the spatio-spectral information, and performing an optimization operation as a function of the constraint to generate an intrinsic image corresponding to the image. | 06-10-2010 |
20100303348 | Multi-resolution analysis in image segregation - In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, forming a set of selectively varied representations of the image file and performing an image segregation operation on at least one preselected representation of the image of the image file, to generate intrinsic images corresponding to the image. According to a feature of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the selectively varied representations comprise multi-resolution representations such as a scale-spaced pyramid of representations. In a further feature of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the intrinsic images comprise a material image and an illumination image. | 12-02-2010 |
20110170768 | Image segregation system with method for handling textures - In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, assembling a feature vector for the image file, the feature vector containing information regarding a likelihood that a selected pair of regions of the image file are of a same intrinsic characteristic, for example, a same texture, providing a classifier derived from a computer learning technique, computing a classification score for the selected pair of regions of the image file, as a function of the feature vector and the classifier and classifying the regions as being of the same intrinsic characteristic, as a function of the classification score. | 07-14-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110114427 | Shock energy absorber - A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy. | 05-19-2011 |
20110233126 | Reverse Osmosis Pressure Vessel End Cap Assembly - A reverse osmosis pressure vessel end cap assembly includes a seal plate positioned within a pressure vessel shell, with one or more load plates positioned to retain the seal plate in position. A load ring is captured or expanded by the load plates to secure the load ring into a channel in the interior surface of the pressure vessel shell. The end cap assembly thus provides secure yet easily removable access to the pressure vessel, capable of withstanding the high pressures of a reverse osmosis filtration system. Various exemplary embodiments of the assembly are provided. | 09-29-2011 |
20120186436 | Shock energy absorber - A shock absorber includes damping material in a solid state and which transitions from a solid to a viscous fluid state when stressed and a plunger device including a depending blade positioned in or adjacent the damping material to be driven into the damping material when impacted transitioning the damping material to a viscous fluid state absorbing the impact. | 07-26-2012 |
20130319215 | Blast/impact mitigation shield - A blast/impact mitigation shield includes, in one example, a first body including a damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed beyond a critical stress and a second body including damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed. A plunger plate has blades extending outwardly therefrom and is located between the first and second bodies. | 12-05-2013 |
20140310938 | BLAST/IMPACT MITIGATION SHIELD - A method of manufacturing a shield by fabricating a plunger plate to include outwardly extending blades on one surface thereof and coupling the plunger plate to a body of damping material with blades of the plunger plate adjacent the body of damping material. The damping material is configured to transition from a solid to a non-flowing viscous fluid state locally near the blades of the plunger plate as they are driven into the body. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311330 | BLAST/IMPACT MITIGATION SHIELD - A blast mitigation method includes forming a body of solid material which transitions from a solid state to a non-flowing viscous fluid state when stressed which attaching it to the body of the undercarriage of a vehicle. The material of the body transitions from a solid state to a viscous fluid, state when an explosion occurs, is proximate the body and it absorbs at least some energy from the explosion mitigating impact on the vehicle. A plunger plate with blades extending outwardly therefrom is coupled to the body and oriented such that the blades are adjacent the body. | 10-23-2014 |
20140318357 | BLAST/IMPACT MITIGATION SHIELD - A shield includes a first body made of damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when critically stressed in compression and a plunger plate with blades extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the first body for transitioning material of the first body from a solid to a viscous fluid state locally near the blades when the blades of the plunger plate are driven into the body. The plunger plate includes a truncated-V shape, a V-shape or a double V-shape. | 10-30-2014 |
20140326553 | SHOCK ENERGY ABSORBER - A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy. | 11-06-2014 |
20160069413 | SHOCK ENERGY ABSORBER - A shock absorber includes damping material in a solid state and which transitions from a solid to a viscous fluid state when stressed and a plunger device including a depending blade positioned in or adjacent the damping material to be driven into the damping material when impacted transitioning the damping material to a viscous fluid state absorbing the impact. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100062405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ARC WELDING TRAINING IN A REAL-TIME SIMULATED VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT USING REAL-TIME WELD PUDDLE FEEDBACK - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of displaying the simulated weld puddle on the display device in real-time. | 03-11-2010 |
20100062406 | VIRTUAL REALITY PIPE WELDING SIMULATOR - A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of pipe and open root weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A mock welding tool is provided for performing virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system. | 03-11-2010 |
20150348438 | IMPORTING AND ANALYZING EXTERNAL DATA USING A VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING SYSTEM - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348439 | IMPORTING AND ANALYZING EXTERNAL DATA USING A VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING SYSTEM - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348440 | IMPORTING AND ANALYZING EXTERNAL DATA USING A VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING SYSTEM - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348441 | IMPORTING AND ANALYZING EXTERNAL DATA USING A VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING SYSTEM - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training. | 12-03-2015 |
20150356888 | IMPORTING AND ANALYZING EXTERNAL DATA USING A VIRTUAL REALITY WELDING SYSTEM - A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110301239 | USE OF NOVEL LIPID MEDIATORS TO INHIBIT ANGIOGENESIS - The present invention is generally drawn to novel isolated therapeutic agents, termed resolvins, generated from the interaction between a dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oxygenases and the analgesic aspirin (ASA). Surprisingly, careful isolation of compounds generated from the combination of components in an appropriate environment provide di- and tri-hydroxy containing derivatives of EPA or DHA containing compounds having unique structural and physiological properties. The present invention therefore provides for many new useful therapeutic di- and tri-hydroxy derivatives of EPA or DHA (resolvins of the E series and D series) that diminish, prevent, or eliminate NV, hemangiogenesis and/or angiogenic condition(s) of corneal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of use, methods of preparation, and packaged pharmaceuticals for use as medicaments for the compounds disclosed throughout the specification. | 12-08-2011 |
20130226008 | Calculating Conjunctival Redness - The present application includes methods, systems and computer readable storage devices for determining a color score for at least a portion of a biological tissue. The subject matter of the application is embodied in a method that includes obtaining a digital image of the biological tissue, and receiving a selection of a portion of the image as an evaluation area. The method also includes determining for each of a plurality of pixels within the evaluation area, a plurality of color components that are based on a Cartesian color space, and determining, from the color components, a hue value in a polar coordinate based color space. The method further includes determining a color value based on the hue value for each of the plurality of pixels, and assigning a color score to the evaluation area based on an average of the color values of the plurality of pixels. | 08-29-2013 |
20130273065 | Therapeutic Compositions For Treatment Of Inflammation Of Ocular And Adnexal Tissues - The present invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit the function of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and methods for using this composition to treat inflammatory disease of ocular and adnexal tissues by topical administration. The present invention also discloses devices for delivering this composition to target tissues. | 10-17-2013 |
20130336557 | INFLAMMATORY EYE DISORDERS - Provided herein are methods of evaluating efficacy of a treatment in a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome) and selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome). | 12-19-2013 |
20140147449 | Compositions and Methods for Treating Inflammatory Conditions of the Ocular Surface - This application discloses ophthalmic formulations and methods for treating inflammatory disease and conditions of the ocular surface with one or more C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) antagonists. The compositions may be formulated for subconjunctival or topical administration to the eye and are effective in the treatment of inflammatory disease and conditions of the ocular surface. | 05-29-2014 |
20150307619 | Use of C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 7 (CCR7) Inhibitors - This application discloses ophthalmic formulations and methods for treating dry eye disease with a C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) inhibitor. | 10-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100105772 | USE OF NOVEL LIPID MEDIATORS TO INHIBIT ANGIOGENESIS - The present invention is generally drawn to novel isolated therapeutic agents, termed lipoxins, generated from the interaction between a dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) such as arachidonic acid (AA), oxygenases and the analgesic aspirin (ASA). Surprisingly, careful isolation of compounds generated from the combination of components in an appropriate environment provide di- and tri-hydroxy containing derivatives of AA containing compounds having unique structural and physiological properties. The present invention therefore provides for many new useful therapeutic di- and tri-hydroxy derivatives of AA (lipoxins, aspirin-triggered epi-lipoxins) that diminish, prevent, or eliminate NV, hemangiogenesis and/or angiogenic condition(s) of corneal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of use, methods of preparation, and packaged pharmaceuticals for use as medicaments for the compounds disclosed throughout the specification. | 04-29-2010 |
20100183587 | Therapeutic Compositions for Treatment of Corneal Disorders - The invention provides methods and compositions for minimizing, preventing, or treating damage to corneal nerves by administering to a subject with such damage or at risk of exposure to such damage a composition which blocks an activity of an IL-1 cytokine and/or an IL-17 cytokine. | 07-22-2010 |
20100203103 | THERAPEUTIC COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION OF OCULAR AND ADNEXAL TISSUES - The present invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit the function of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and methods for using this composition to treat inflammatory disease of ocular and adnexal tissues by topical administration. The present invention also discloses devices for delivering this composition to target tissues. | 08-12-2010 |
20110104236 | THERAPEUTIC COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATMENT OF OCULAR INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS - The invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit the function of the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and methods for using this composition to treat IL-17-mediated ocular inflammatory disorders. The invention also discloses devices for delivering this composition to the eye. | 05-05-2011 |
20110206620 | Therapeutic Compositions for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease - Described herein are materials and methods for treating dry eye disease in a subject. | 08-25-2011 |
20120014970 | Therapeutic Compositions for Treatment of Corneal Disorders - The invention provides methods and compositions for minimizing, preventing, or treating damage to corneal nerves by administering to a subject with such damage or at risk of exposure to such damage a composition which blocks an activity of an IL-1 cytokine and/or an IL-17 cytokine. | 01-19-2012 |
20140094519 | LIPOXIN ANALOGS AS NOVEL INHIBITORS OF ANGIOGENESIS - The present invention is generally drawn to novel isolated therapeutic agents, termed lipoxins, generated from the interaction between a dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) such as arachidonic acid (AA), oxygenases and the analgesic aspirin (ASA). Surprisingly, careful isolation of compounds generated from the combination of components in an appropriate environment provide di- and tri-hydroxy containing derivatives of AA containing compounds having unique structural and physiological properties. The present invention therefore provides for many new useful therapeutic di- and tri-hydroxy derivatives of AA (lipoxins, aspirin-triggered epi-lipoxins) that diminish, prevent, or eliminate NV, hemangiogenesis and/or angiogenic condition(s) of corneal tissue. The present invention also provides methods of use, methods of preparation, and packaged pharmaceuticals for use as medicaments for the compounds disclosed throughout the specification. | 04-03-2014 |
20150246966 | Therapeutic Compositions for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease - Described herein are materials and methods for treating dry eye disease in a subject. | 09-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130291969 | BULK COOKING OIL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A portable cooking oil distribution device for filling remote fryers with fresh cooking oil. In other embodiments the device can also collect used cooking oil from the fryer. In one embodiment, a portable device includes a fresh oil tank, a three-way valve connected by piping to the fresh oil tank, a pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and a nozzle connected by piping to the pump, the nozzle having an outlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. The device may also include a used oil tank, a second three-way valve connected by piping to the used oil tank, a second pump connected by piping to the three-way valve, and piping connecting the second pump to the nozzle, where the nozzle includes a inlet tube connected to the piping between the pump and the nozzle. | 11-07-2013 |
20130291997 | BULK COOKING OIL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for supplying fresh cooking oil to fryers and removing used cooking oil from the fryers of facilities. The systems and methods include utilizing one or more portable vehicles to carry fresh and used oil for delivery and collection to and from fryers in remote kitchens, or kitchens where hard piped oil lines are not preferred. Also provided are methods of delivering cooking oil to, and removing cooking oil from, the facility via one or more additional vehicles that travels between the facility and one or more depots. In one embodiment, there is provided a bulk cooking oil distribution system having a bulk fresh cooking oil tank and a bulk used cooking oil tank. The system includes a fresh cooking oil tank and a used cooking oil tank, where these tanks are associated with a portable device for delivery and pickup of cooking oil in a facility. | 11-07-2013 |
20160016781 | BULK COOKING OIL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for supplying fresh cooking oil to fryers and removing used cooking oil from the fryers of facilities. The systems and methods include utilizing one or more portable vehicles to carry fresh and used oil for delivery and collection to and from fryers in remote kitchens, or kitchens where hard piped oil lines are not preferred. Also provided are methods of delivering cooking oil to, and removing cooking oil from, the facility via one or more additional vehicles that travels between the facility and one or more depots. In one embodiment there is provided a bulk cooking oil distribution system having a bulk fresh cooking oil tank and a bulk used cooking oil tank. The system includes a fresh cooking oil tank and a used cooking oil tank, where these tanks are associated with a portable device for delivery and pickup of cooking oil in a facility. | 01-21-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110308801 | Systems, Apparatus and Methods for Extraction of Hydrocarbons From Organic Materials - A system, apparatus and method for hydrocarbon extraction from organic materials, such as oil shale, coal, lignite, tar sands, animal waste and biomass, which may be characterized generally as feedstock ore. A retort system including at least one fabricated retort vessel may be fabricated within a shaft surrounded by a liner of a process isolation barrier, the upper end of the shaft being closed with a cap sealingly engaged with the liner. The lower end of the shaft provides an exit for collected hydrocarbons, and spent tailings. The shaft may be excavated from the surface into and through one or more subterranean formations, and process control infrastructure is installed within the shaft to for control of hydrocarbon extraction and collection. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313218 | Systems, Apparatus and Methods of a Dome Retort - A system, apparatus and method for hydrocarbon extraction from feedstock material that is or includes organic material, such as oil shale, coal, lignite, tar sands, animal waste and biomass. A retort system including at least one retort vessel may include a monolithic dome structure surrounded by a process isolation barrier, the dome structure being sealingly engaged with the process isolation barrier. The dome structure and the process isolation barrier define a retort chamber, at least a portion of which may comprise a subterranean chamber. A lower end of the dome retort structure provides an exit for collected hydrocarbons and spent feedstock material. Systems may include a plurality of such dome retort structures. A control system may be used for controlling one or more operating parameters of a retorting process performed within such a dome retort structure for extraction and collection of hydrocarbons. | 12-22-2011 |
20120138422 | HIGH PERFORMANCE RETORT STRUCTURE - A high-temperature retort structure enclosing an inner retort volume. The high-temperature retort structure includes a floor forming a lower boundary of the inner volume, a ceiling forming an upper boundary of the inner volume, and a wall forming a lateral boundary of the inner volume. The floor has at least one discharge opening for discharging of material, and the ceiling has at least one intake opening for intake of material. The wall is comprised of an inner layer of high-temperature resistant, fast curing material, an intermediate layer of high-temperature concrete, and a permeability barrier disposed external to the intermediate layer. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138445 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM COMMINUTED HYDROCARBONACEOUS MATERIAL - A method of collecting hydrocarbons from comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material within a vertical retort infrastructure having an outer boundary substantially comprised of igneous cementations materials, an inlet, a substantially horizontal suspended grate, an outlet, and an auger disposed proximate the outlet. In the method comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material in introduced proximate an upper end of the vertical retort. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material is passed through the substantially horizontal suspended grate and heated while passing through the grate. The heat causes organic material within the comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material to pyrolize. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material is then discharged through the outlet with the assistance of the auger disposed proximate the outlet. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138446 | SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING HYDROCARBONACEOUS MATERIAL IN A RETORT STRUCTURE - A system for conveying material in a high volume, substantially continuous retort process. In the system a material is introduced into the retort and forms a live pile atop a distribution system. As the material falls through the distribution system it is heated to pyrolyze any organic matter. The resulting hydrocarbons are collected and the material is collected at a bottom of the retort structure. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141947 | METHOD FOR CONVEYING HYDROCARBONACEOUS MATERIAL - A method of heating and conveying hydrocarbonaceous material in a retort structure having an internal volume, an outlet, a grate, a gas injector, and an auger. In the method the hydrocarbonaceous material is introduced into the internal volume through the inlet. The inlet substantially prevents gaseous transfer between the inner volume and the exterior of the retort structure. The hydrocarbonaceous material is passed through the grate. A gas heated to a first temperature is injected through the gas injector to heat the hydrocarbonaceous material while the hydrocarbonaceous material is atop the grate. The hydrocarbonaceous material is collected after passing through the grate. The hydrocarbonaceous material is then removed through the outlet. | 06-07-2012 |