| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100326914 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a microfluidic transfer device. The device mitigates risk of cross contamination between working fluids and is amenable to high-volume, low-cost manufacturing techniques. The device may be configured for mass transfer, heat transfer, or both. For instance, certain disclosed embodiments incorporate semi-permeable membranes to transfer target substances from one fluid to another. Moreover, the device may incorporate both heat and mass transfer components. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100326916 | DIALYSIS SYSTEM - A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110253629 | Microfluidic devices, particularly filtration devices comprising polymeric membranes, and method for their manufacture and use - The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis devices. Generally, such devices comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. The fluids can both be liquids, gases, or a liquid and a gas, such as may be used for gas absorption into a liquid. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters; etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialzyer, microheat exchangers, etc. Particular materials had to be developed for use with certain embodiments of the device disclosed herein. For example, a new composite material was made comprising nanocrystalline cellulose filler and a polysulfone polymeric material. A dialyzer comprising the composite membrane also is disclosed. In order to make the nanocrystalline cellulose-polymer composite, a new method was devised for making an organic dispersion of nanocrystalline cellulose. The method comprised first forming an aqueous dispersion of nanocrystalline cellulose. A mixture was then formed comprising the aqueous dispersion and an organic liquid having a boiling point higher than water. The water was then selectively removed to form a second mixture comprising the nanocrystalline cellulose and the organic liquid. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20120074062 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES, PARTICULARLY FILTRATION DEVICES COMPRISING POLYMERIC MEMBRANES, AND METHODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE AND USE - The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis. Such devices generally comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters, etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialyzer, microheat exchangers, etc. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120292246 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES, PARTICULARLY FILTRATION DEVICES COMPRISING POLYMERIC MEMBRANES, AND METHOD FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE AND USE - The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis. Such devices generally comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters, etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialyzer, microheat exchangers, etc. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20140299545 | DIALYSIS SYSTEM - A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream. | 10-09-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090165366 | Microreactor Process for Making Biodiesel - Embodiments of a method for using a microreactor to produce biodiesel. For example, the method may comprise flowing a first fluid comprising an alcohol and a second fluid comprising an oil to the microreactor. Alcohols typically, but not necessarily, are lower aliphatic alcohols, including methanol, ethanol, amyl alcohol or combinations thereof. Biodiesel production can be under supercritical conditions, where such conditions typically are determined relative to the alcohol component. Suitable sources of oil products include soy, inedible tallow and grease, corn, edible tallow and lard, cotton, rapeseed, sunflower, canola, peanut, safflower, and combinations thereof. Catalysts can be used to facilitate biodiesel production, such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, alcoholic metal carbonates, alkoxides, mineral acids and enzymes. Oil conversion to biodiesel typically increases with increasing mean microreactor residence time. Certain embodiments of the present invention can include blending biodiesel produced by the method with petroleum-based products. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20120223015 | MECS DIALYZER METHOD - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cleansing blood through hemodialysis by the process of diffusion across a membrane into dialysate. This dialyzer also removes solutes from the blood by a process of convection, where fluid and dissolved solutes pass through the membrane out of the blood. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the MECS dialyzer uses a counter-flow between the dialysate and blood through a plurality of microchannels. The dialyzer comprises a plurality of flat semi-permeable membranes interleaved between microchannel sheets to define a plurality of flow channels. The stack of membranes and microchannel sheets are aligned and consolidated to form the MECS dialyzer. The MECS dialyzer acts as a flow manifold with ports and headers to collect the blood and dialysate and direct them to and from the microchannels. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20140069861 | Dialyzer - The present invention is related to hemodialysis, and more particularly, to a dialyzer with improved efficiency of mass transfer across a dialysis membrane utilizing microchannel separation provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment, a dialyzer is provided comprising a plurality of semipermeable membrane sheets and a plurality of flow separators. The membrane sheets and flow separators are arranged in alternating configuration and coupled into a laminae stack defining a plurality of parallel microchannel layers. Each microchannel layer comprises a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels. The first and second microchannels of each microchannel layer are in fluid communication with each other via one of the plurality of membrane sheets therebetween. The dialyzer is characterized as having a high surface to volume ratio and a high mass transfer coefficient. | 03-13-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110248812 | CURRENT-CONTROLLED VARIABLE INDUCTOR - A variable inductor comprises one or more magnetic cores providing magnetic flux paths. An inductor coil is wound around one or more inductor sections of the one or more magnetic cores. An inductor magnetic flux flows through one or more closed flux paths along the inductor sections of the magnetic core. A control coil is wound around one or more control sections of the one or more magnetic cores. A control magnetic flux flows through one or more closed flux paths along the control sections of the magnetic core. Under this arrangement, the inductor magnetic flux substantially does not flow through the control sections of the magnetic core and the control magnetic flux substantially does not flow through the inductor sections of the magnetic core. The closed flux paths associated with the inductor magnetic flux and the closed flux paths associated with the control magnetic flux share one or more common sections of the magnetic core not including the control sections and inductor sections. The inductance of said variable inductor is varied by varying said control magnetic flux. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20120007431 | POWER SUPPLY HAVING CONVERTERS WITH SERIALLY CONNECTED INPUTS AND PARALLEL CONNECTED OUTPUTS - A power supply is coupled to an input voltage source. The power supply includes a plurality of converters. Each converter has an input for receiving an input voltage and an output for providing an output voltage. The inputs are connected in series and the outputs are connected in parallel to provide an output voltage. The power supply further includes an output regulating controller coupled to one of the plurality of converters for regulating the output voltage. The power supply further includes one or more input regulating controllers correspondingly coupled to the remaining one or more converters of the plurality of converters for regulating one or more input voltages. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120146546 | LOAD CURRENT BALANCING CIRCUIT - A load current balancing circuit that operates with a direct current (DC) power supply includes at least one transformer having a first inductive element adapted to couple in series with a first load and a second inductive element adapted to couple in series with a second load. The first load is parallel to the second load. The load balancing circuit further includes at least one switch adapted to operate at one or more switching frequencies associated with at least one driving signal. The switch is configured to periodically interrupt respective current flows through the first inductive element and second inductive element substantially simultaneously. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20130194838 | THREE-PHASE SOFT-SWITCHED PFC RECTIFIERS - A low input-current harmonic three-phase boost rectifier includes an input stage for receiving a three-phase input voltage in relation to a neutral node and an output stage adapted to couple to at least one load. The rectifier further includes one or more switching converter stages, each having a plurality of switches coupled to the neutral node, the plurality of switches operating with a fixed duty cycle, the fixed duty cycle being a substantially 50% duty cycle. The rectifier further includes one or more controllers adapted to vary the switching frequency of the plurality of switches based on at least one of a condition of the at least one load or the input voltage and includes one or more decoupling stages, each including one or more inductive elements adapted to inductively decouple the output stage from at least one of the one or more switching converter stages. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130293206 | SWITCH-MODE POWER SUPPLY HAVING REDUCED AUDIBLE NOISE - A power supply having an input and an output, includes a power converter coupled between the input and output of the power supply including at least one switch that is controlled by comparing a sensed voltage, the sensed voltage corresponding to a current flowing through the switch, to a reference voltage. A controller, in response to a change detected in a switching frequency of the switch, reduces audible noise generated by the power supply by at least one of: adjusting the reference voltage; adjusting the current sense voltage; or adjusting a resistance used to generate the sensed voltage. | 11-07-2013 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20130335414 | VISUALIZATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELS OF OBJECTS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ENVIRONMENT - Provided is a method for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include receiving an import request to import a 2D environment to be used as a background for the 3D model; importing, based on the import request, the 2D environment; receiving wireframe data to define a perspective of the 2D environment; receiving scale data to define a scale of the wireframe; visualizing, based on the wireframe data, the wireframe; receiving a superimposing request to superimpose the 3D model of the object onto the 2D environment based on the wireframe data and the scale data; and superimposing the 3D model of the object onto the 2D environment based on the superimposing request. The two-dimensional environment may include existing graphical materials or graphical materials captured as a still image or a live feed image. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140253553 | VISUALIZATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELS OF OBJECTS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ENVIRONMENT - Provided is a method for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include receiving an import request to import a 2D environment to be used as a background for the 3D model; importing, based on the import request, the 2D environment; receiving wireframe data to define a perspective of the 2D environment; receiving scale data to define a scale of the wireframe; visualizing, based on the wireframe data, the wireframe; receiving a superimposing request to superimpose the 3D model of the object onto the 2D environment based on the wireframe data and the scale data; and superimposing the 3D model of the object onto the 2D environment based on the superimposing request. The two-dimensional environment may include existing graphical materials or graphical materials captured as a still image or a live feed image. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20150243071 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING SCALE TO ALIGN 3D OBJECTS IN 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include projecting a ray from a user device to a ground plane and determining an angle at which the projected ray touches the ground plane. The method further helps determine a level for the ground plane for positioning the 3D model of the object in the 2D environment. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150331970 | METHOD FOR FORMING WALLS TO ALIGN 3D OBJECTS IN 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include capturing the 2D environment and adding scale and perspective to the 2D environment. Further, a user may select intersection points between ground planes and top planes, join these intersection points with intersecting lines and form walls, thereby converting the 2D environment into a 3D space. Additionally, the method allows the user to extend the wall plane, enabling the user to form a larger 3D space. The user may further add 3D models of objects on the wall plane such that the objects may remain flush with the wall plane. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332508 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PROJECTION TO ALIGN 3D OBJECTS IN 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include projecting a planar projection from the 3D model while positioning the 3D model within the 2D environment. In one aspect, the method may include aligning a first 3D object and a second 3D object in the 2D environment about an alignment axis by selecting the alignment axis, generating a plane projection along the alignment axis from the first object, and positioning the second object corresponding to the plane projection. In another aspect, the method may comprise projecting an elevated 3D object wherein the projection may be demonstrated as crosshairs, such that crosshairs on the ground plane may be used for placing the second 3D object in the 2D environment. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332509 | METHOD FOR MOVING AND ALIGNING 3D OBJECTS IN A PLANE WITHIN THE 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional model of an object in a two-dimensional environment. The method may include moving and aligning the three-dimensional model of the object along a plane in the two-dimensional environment. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332510 | METHOD FOR REPLACING 3D OBJECTS IN 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include superimposing a first 3D model of an object onto the 2D environment, and replacing the first 3D model of the object with a second 3D model of an object. Further, the method may include superimposing a smart 3D model of an object onto the 2D environment. Additionally, the method may include a code or mark to identify images of the 2D environment to which 3D models of objects have been superimposed. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332511 | METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE CATALOG FOR 3D OBJECTS WITHIN THE 2D ENVIRONMENT - Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include providing an interactive catalog associated with the 3D model of the object while positioning the 3D model of the object onto the 2D environment. In one aspect, the method may include price and product detail information associated with the 3D model of the object. | 11-19-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100200227 | BITUMEN PRODUCTION METHOD - A method for the production of a CO | 08-12-2010 |
| 20130180265 | METHOD FOR REFUELING AND OPERATING NATURAL GAS FUELED TRUCK - A method for operating a vehicle that provides refrigeration and is powered by an engine for burning liquefied natural gas. The vehicle contains on-board storage tanks for liquefied natural gas and liquid nitrogen. These two tanks are in thermal communication with each other and natural gas from the liquefied natural gas storage tank will periodically contact the liquid nitrogen and return as liquefied natural gas. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130206403 | ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PROCESS - A method for recovering oil by injecting oxygen into an underground oil formation where in-situ combustion occurs. The oxygen may be co-injected with additional components to assist in the recovery of the oil, or it may be injected after the injection of the additional components sequentially. The recovered oil may be used in an integrated process above ground for the combustion and generation of power. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130229012 | WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT CARBON CAPTURE - A method and system for integrating a power plant and a post combustion carbon capture plant such as a solvent based absorption-regeneration process plant. Electricity is produced by a boiler feeding steam to one or more turbines. The flue gas from the boiler is fed to a waste heat recovery unit which captures heat and provides it to the post combustion capture plant where it can be used in a stripper interstage heater as a supplemental heat for solvent regeneration. Additionally recovered heat can be also integrated with the power generation plant by transferring it to the boiler feed water heating system. Part of the electricity that is generated is also fed to the post combustion capture plant where it will be used to power unit operations therein. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20140041394 | INTEGRATION OF POWER GENERATION AND POST COMBUSTION CAPTURE PLANTS - A method and system for integrating a power plant and a post combustion capture plant for producing carbon dioxide. The power plant can provide electricity to the post combustion capture plant created by passing steam from a boiler through turbines and feeding the flue gas created by heating the boiler as a feed gas stream to the post combustion capture plant. A back pressure turbine is utilized to provide a significant amount of electrical power while extracted steam is being expanded before being introduced into the reboiler present in the post combustion capture plant | 02-13-2014 |
| 20150306541 | METHODS FOR TREATING FURNACE OFFGAS - A method is provided for separating hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from an offgas stream from a direct reduced iron furnace. The offgas is directed to a separation device which will separate the carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide using a hydrogen sulfide absorber and a carbon dioxide absorber. The hydrogen sulfide can be recycled for reuse in the furnace and the carbon dioxide recovered for other additional uses. | 10-29-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20130015303 | SOLAR MODULE INTEGRATION SYSTEM WITH THERMAL COMPENSATION - An apparatus for supporting a solar module is disclosed including: a first support member; a first wind deflector configured to be attached to the first support member; and a first attachment mechanism configured to attach the first support member to the first wind deflector and allow local motion of the first wind deflector relative to the first support member in response to thermal expansion or contraction of the first wind deflector. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20140144853 | GROUND MOUNTED SOLAR MODULE INTEGRATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. In some embodiments, an apparatus for mounting one or more solar panel modules above a supporting surface is disclosed, the apparatus including: three foundational members embedded in the supporting surface; a support frame configured to receive the solar panel modules; a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the three foundational members to support the solar panel modules; where the support strut assembly includes a plurality of strut members, and includes one or more adjustment mechanisms that may be used to adjust a length or a joining angle of at least one of the strut members. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140145059 | GROUND MOUNTED SOLAR MODULE INTEGRATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. In some embodiments, an apparatus for mounting one or more solar panel modules above a supporting surface is disclosed, the apparatus including: three foundational members embedded in the supporting surface; a support frame configured to receive the solar panel modules; a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the three foundational members to support the solar panel modules; where the support strut assembly includes a plurality of strut members, and includes one or more adjustment mechanisms that may be used to adjust a length or a joining angle of at least one of the strut members. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20150021282 | SOLAR MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS - Systems and methods for mounting one or more solar panel modules are disclosed. First and second support structures can be provided. Each support structure can include a lateral support member extending laterally between two post members, and a clamp movably attached to the lateral support member and movable along a length of the lateral support member. Each of the support structures can be configured to be separately mounted to the supporting surface and aligned along an axis to have each lateral support member support a portion of the first solar panel module. The clamp of the first support structure can configured to be moved to a first Airy point of the first solar panel module and the clamp of the second support structure can be configured to be moved to a second Airy point of the first solar panel module. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150256120 | SOLAR PANEL MOUNTING SYSTEM WITH AERODYNAMIC BALLAST TRAYS - Systems and methods for mounting one or more solar panels are disclosed. A tubular component can be provided. The tubular component can include a first curved portion configured to rise to a first height above and extending along a length of the tubular component. The first curved portion can have a predetermined diameter, a predetermined thickness, and a predetermined bend radius selected to support a first solar panel module attached by a first end at a first attachment point positioned at the first height. The first curved portion can include an elongated leg configured to support a deflector element projecting outwardly at a predetermined angle to the mounting surface. The tubular component also can include a distal end having a second curved portion configured to rise to a second height above and extending along the length of the tubular component. The distal end can have a second attachment point at the second height. The second attachment point can be separated from the first attachment point by a predetermined distance and can be configured to support a second end of a second solar panel module at a predetermined tilt. | 09-10-2015 |
