io Air baffles in railroad tunnels for decreased airflow therein and improved ventilation and cooling of locomotives By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a system and method for decreasing airflow and improving ventilation within a tunnel, such as a railroad tunnel, including a path for movement of a vehicle (e.g., train) therethrough. The system has a plurality of air baffles mounted within the tunnel, each device comprising a body and a mounting device. Each mounting device positions each body inside and along the length of the tunnel between the entrance and the exit. The air baffles are configured to restrict airflow at least in part in a longitudinal direction of the tunnel, thereby increasing a relative difference between a vehicle speed and air speed in a tunnel annulus when the vehicle passes through the tunnel. The restriction (e.g., decrease) of airflow in the tunnel reduces the piston effect resulting from the vehicle or train passing through, thus reducing emissions and heat generated by the locomotives in the tunnel. Full Article
io Annular diaphragm compression driver By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An annular diaphragm compression driver for electro-acoustic conversion has an annular diaphragm, which bears a moving coil, and a compression driver housing with a closed housing base. Opposite the housing base is a sound wave routing element having a sound discharge channel. The compression driver also has an annular magnet system unit, which has an annular magnet gap (M) and a compression chamber, adjoining the magnet gap (M), for the annular diaphragm. The open exit end of the sound discharge channel is in slot form and its entry start is annular. The sound path between the compression chamber and the entry start contains an annular collecting space. The collecting space and the sound discharge channel contain a central sound guidance body having a portion which merges to match the slot-like exit end. The sound discharge channel is formed between the sound guidance body and the sound wave routing element. Full Article
io Source acquisition with multiple frequency components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seismic source array includes a first source and a second source. The first source has a first spectral output and the second source has a second spectral output different than the first spectral output. The first source has a first total volume different than a second total volume of the second source. Full Article
io Multi-layer assembly with retention feature By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few. Full Article
io Positioning an input transducer for an earpiece based upon dynamic data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth. Full Article
io Digital communication system for loudspeakers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A communication system for communicating with at least one loudspeaker is described where the loudspeaker is connected to audio equipment over standard two-wire speaker wire operable to carry an audio signal. The communication system includes a master node in electrical communication with a signal path carrying the audio signal between the audio equipment and the loudspeaker, the master node also including an interface with the audio equipment, a data encoder operable to encode data signals, a data transceiver operable to place the data signals onto the audio signal at frequencies above audio frequencies. The communication system also includes at least one slave node in electrical communication with the audio signal and each loudspeaker, the slave node including a data transceiver operable to receive data signals from the master node, a data decoder, and an interface able to communicate with the loudspeaker. Full Article
io Bone conduction device having an integrated housing and vibrator mass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bone conduction hearing aid device comprising a vibrator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the device. The device further comprises a housing mass forming a housing for one or more operational components of the device, wherein the housing mass is attached to the vibrator so as to move in response to the vibration. The device also comprises a coupling configured to attach the device to a recipient so as to deliver the generated mechanical to the recipient's skull. Full Article
io Audio performance system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An audio performance system for use during an event including a shipping container containing at least a first electroacoustic device. A lifting device forms a first portion of the shipping container, the lifting device configured to movably secure the first electroacoustic device between a first position for transport of the container and a second position for the event. A second portion of the shipping container is configured to be manually removable. A third portion of the shipping container is configured to positionably secure a second electroacoustic device for the event. Full Article
io Speaker diaphragm, speaker, and production method of speaker diaphragm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A speaker diaphragm contains a material obtained by adding a cycloolefin polymer resin to a carbon fiber-reinforced liquid crystal polymer. The speaker diaphragm having high sound velocity, a speaker, and a production method of the speaker diaphragm can thereby be obtained. Full Article
io Sound-absorbing member lamination structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a sound absorbing member lamination structure in which the functions by the sound field adjustment can effectively be achieved by preventing the sound reflection against an intension of design in a boundary between the sound absorbing member and the other layer, when the sound absorbing member and the other layer are laminated into a united body. When the sound absorbing member and the other layer are placed in a stacked state, they are bonded with the use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, so that the sound absorbing member and the other layer are combined together, with the pressure-sensitive adhesive kept uncured in a stacked state of the sound absorbing member and the other layer. Thus, such an uncured pressure-sensitive adhesive does not become a reflection portion of a sound. It is therefore possible to cause the sound to pass through appropriately the boundary between the respective layers. Full Article
io Sound absorption material and method of manufacturing sound absorption material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Described embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a sound absorption material. The method comprises: forming a low density fibrous web to act as porous bulk absorber, the fibrous web containing a proportion of bi-components fibers, each bi-component fiber having a core material and a sheath material around the core material; applying a thin facing later to the low density fibrous web, wherein the facing layer is adhesively compatible with the sheath material; heating the fibrous web to a temperature sufficient to soften the sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers; and pressing the facing layer and fibrous web together under low pressure such that at least part of the facing layer contacts the softened sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers to form an adhesive bond between the facing layer and the fibrous web. Full Article
io Optimized pattern of a damping layer for wall, floor, and ceiling constructions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An acoustic damping article includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a surface area S. The acoustic composition further includes a polymer resin. The polymer resin coats partially the surface area with a set of areas. The ratio of the coated areas over the surface area S is less than 1 and the polymer resin coverage is not greater than about 500 g/m2. Full Article
io Neutrally-buoyant borehole investigation tools and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Neutrally-buoyant tools for seismic data collection are provided that may range from several hundred meters to several kilometers in length and have integrated sensors which move along with the borehole fluid in response to a passing seismic wave. The disclosure also provides methods of deploying neutrally-buoyant tools, which includes using a tractor, adding a weight or both to the tool in order to overcome the difficulty of lowering a neutrally buoyant tool into a borehole, and optionally occasionally clamping the tool to the borehole to alleviate tension in the tool. This disclosure also provides methods of acquiring seismic data, which involves positioning a neutrally-buoyant tool in a borehole such that the tool is able to move relatively freely along with the borehole fluid in response to a seismic wave passing through the fluid, firing a seismic source, and using the sensors to collect seismic data generated thereby. Full Article
io Hybrid silencer with gas-liquid separating function in fuel cell system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hybrid silencer in a fuel cell system includes an expansion chamber connected to a predetermined apparatus of the fuel cell system, where the expansion chamber reduces acoustic noise of a fluid discharged from the predetermined apparatus, a water-absorber disposed inside the expansion chamber, where the water-absorber absorbs a liquid component of a fluid which flows into the expansion chamber; and a perforated silencer which discharges the fluid from which the liquid component is removed by the water-absorber while reducing acoustic noise of the fluid discharged therefrom. Full Article
io Thermal-acoustic sections for an aircraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of thermal-acoustic sections for an aircraft for reducing noise along an acoustic path produced from an acoustic source are provided herein. The thermal-acoustic section comprises a first porous layer having a first characteristic acoustic impedance. A second porous layer is disposed adjacent to the first porous layer and has a second characteristic acoustic impedance that is greater than the first characteristic acoustic impedance. The thermal-acoustic section is configured to be positioned along the acoustic path such that at least a portion of the noise from the acoustic source is directed through the first porous layer to the second porous layer to promote absorption of the noise. Full Article
io Coaxial passive radiation monomer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A coaxial passive radiation monomer apparatus is disclosed. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a dynamic speaker monomer combined with a passive radiator in a single unitary structure located in spatial proximity with respect to one another to thereby and further comprising an elastic material at the base of the speaker assembly for enhanced and optimized resonance frequencies for the active and passive components of the overall device. Full Article
io Animal identification system and related method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for identifying an animal comprises an identification tag/transponder device surgically implanted into tissue of the animal and a scanning unit. As the animal passes in a vicinity of a scanning unit, the system causes the identification device to send a signal to a receiving portion of the scanning unit, and processes the signal, and identifies the animal from the signal. The system is of particular benefit to veterinary surgeries in assisting their smooth operation. Full Article
io Modular fire prevention flooring By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A modular fire prevention flooring system includes a plurality of fire prevention flooring planks. Each plank is generally tubular and forms a drain channel. Fluids spilled onto the upper surface of the flooring system may drain through a plurality of drain holes formed in the upper surface of the planks. The planks may further include a metal filler positioned within the drain channels to stop combustion of burning fluids spilled into the drain channels. The metal filler may break up burning liquids and remove heat therefrom. In some embodiments, a purging fluid may be flowed through the planks to purge any spilled fluids therefrom. Full Article
io Absorbent composition for mitigating fecal odor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed towards an absorbent composition and its method of production and use. More specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition comprising a liquid absorbing material, at least one alkaline earth metal peroxide, and an acidic material. The acid maintains a high hydrogen peroxide release profile under acidic conditions, such that the composition is found surprisingly effective in mitigating fecal odor. Full Article
io Animal keeping installation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Animal keeping installation comprising a floor (11) provided with a mat (12) on which the animal treads when setting foot on the floor (11) and which mat (12) is arranged to be intermittently propelled by a drive roll (13) placed internally in relation to the mat (12), wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to and mounted in bearing journals (15) for rotation about its center axis in a pendulum (14) which allows the drive roll (13), on the one hand, to bear against the inner side of the mat (12) and, on the other hand, to be released from the said bearing contact in dependence on the position of the pendulum (14), and wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to a drive member (18, 19, 51, 62) for driving the roll (13) at least into a position where the drive roll (13) bears against the mat (12). Full Article
io Animal emotion display system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An animal emotion display system 100 including: a transmitter 10 which is attached to an animal; and a receiver 20 which is capable of communicating with the transmitter, wherein the transmitter 10 includes: a tail wagging detection sensor 12 to detect a plurality of kinds of tail wagging of the animal as a plurality of kinds of emotion of the animal, respectively; and a transmitting section 15 to transmit emotion data corresponding to the respective kinds of tail wagging detected by the tail wagging detection sensor 12 to the receiver 20, and the receiver 20 includes: a receiving section 22 to receive the emotion data transmitted by the transmitting section 15; a display section 25; and a display control section 24 to display a display content corresponding to the emotion data received by the receiving section 22 on the display section 25. Full Article
io Animal watering system with improved electrical isolation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same. Full Article
io Multi-level aquaculture device for benthic organisms such as bivalves, aquaculture method, and biofilter using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An elongate rectangular cultivation box having an open top, is configured so as to allow an outer tank, which serves as a cultivating water storage part, and an inner tank, which serves as a receptacle for bivalves (benthic organisms) S that are to be cultivated, to be both combined and separated. A gap that serves as a water supply opening and a gap that serves as a space in which sediments can accumulate on the bottom of the outer tank are defined when the inner tank is accommodated in the outer tank. Water passage holes are provided in the bottom of the shellfish receptacle (inner tank) and a mesh filter such as netting is stretched across the top face of the bottom. The cultivation boxes are arranged in a vertically stacked manner, with the front portions and rear portions thereof staggered so that cultivation water W that overflows over a front ledge of a shellfish receptacle flows downward into the supply water storage part of a lower cultivation box. Full Article
io Egg tray advancement system for an in ovo injection apparatus, and associated method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An advancement system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an advancement system is configured to advance an egg carrier carrying a plurality of avian eggs to an injection assembly. The advancement system includes a guide assembly configured to receive the egg carrier and provide support thereto during advancement of the egg carrier. A manual advancement device slidingly engages the guide assembly such that the manual advancement device is movable along the guide assembly. The manual advancement device is capable of interacting with a trailing end of the egg carrier to advance the egg carrier to an injection position. At least one stop is positioned to interact with the manual advancement device during advancement of the egg carrier so as to prevent progression of the manual advancement device beneath the injection assembly, thereby locating the egg carrier at the injection position. An associated method is also provided. Full Article
io Sizer for a hanger, a combination thereof, and a method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A sizer for a hanger lacking a hook boss includes a pair of longitudinal walls spaced apart from each other by a pair of end sections. The sizer may include a pair of protrusion, wherein a first is disposed on a first wall of the pair of longitudinal walls and directed toward a second wall of the pair of longitudinal walls. A first jaw is disposed on one of the pair of end section. The pair of longitudinal walls flexes apart when the jaw passes over a flange of the hanger. The first jaw includes a lower portion having a curved edge. The first jaw further includes an upper portion. The lower portion and upper portion meet at an abrupt jaw point. Full Article
io Applicator for compression stockings and the like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT An applicator for applying compression stockings and bandages to the limb of a user. The applicator includes a rigid tubular body, an open top with a rim, an open base and a passageway between the base and top. The applicator includes two or more longitudinal slots in the side wall of the tubular body for use in loading. An anterior notch allows an ergonomic application of the stocking and loading. The applicator may be formed in two parts for variation of its internal dimension. It preferably includes a foot arch. The applicator may be adapted for removal of the stocking. The invention extends to a method of donning and removing a compression stocking. Full Article
io Utility items made with rods of oval construction By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An implement for use in a bathroom or a kitchen which is composed of at least one rod which is oval in cross section, the rod being aesthetic in appearance and providing an advantageous force distribution over rods with circular cross sections. The implement can be a hanging device, such as a hanger, a hanger for ties and belts, and many other variations having a hook portion for engaging a cylindrical support, an over-the-door/vertical wall device also including the rods with the oval cross section, the latter devices being, for example, clothes supporting hooks, hooks for articles made from fabric; wire metal baskets having a rim and/or transition device made from a rod with an oval cross section; paper or magazine holders comprising parallel racks separated by upstanding walls; bag dispenser and handles for implements. Full Article
io Device for conditioning a glove and methods of forming and using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A device to aid in conditioning a baseball glove, namely in the formation and/or maintenance of a baseball pocket, typically includes one or more balls, two or more looped straps, and a means for coupling the two or more looped straps to the one or more balls. The one or more balls are placed in a baseball glove proximate a desired location for the baseball pocket, and the two or more looped straps are fed through a slot of the glove interposing an interior of the glove and an exterior of the glove and wrapped around the exterior of the glove to force the ball deeper into the desired location for the baseball pocket and secure the glove around the ball. Full Article
io Insertion guide for animal footwear By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a paw insertion device. In one embodiment, the device includes two pivotally interconnected arms. Each of the arm can include a paw insertion guide at a distal end. The insertion guides are designed to be inserted into an article of animal footwear. The opposite grip ends of the arms can then be brought together to spread apart the insertion guide and permit the animal paw to be easily positioned within the footwear. A lock subassembly is also included for permitting the insertion device to be locked in the opened position. Full Article
io Friction reducing elements and assemblies for hanging devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A friction reducing element for a hanging device includes a roller configured for positioning on an upper portion of a hook and a tubular elastomeric sleeve stretch-fitted over an outer surface of the roller. The roller is provided with a contoured outer surface and the sleeve is made from a thermoset elastomer such that the friction reducing element facilitates positioning of the hanging device, along a clothing rod. Use of the thermoset elastomer also prevents premature development of areas of deformation on the friction reducing element over time. The friction reducing element may be assembled into an upper portion of a hook for a clothes hanger, or other similar hanging device. Full Article
io Biochar generator and associated methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A biochar generator may include a pyrolysis chamber, a heater connected to the pyrolysis chamber and a biochar collection chamber in communication with the pyrolysis chamber. A biochar collection chamber sensor may sense a composition of the biochar collected in the biochar collection chamber to define a sensed composition of the biochar. A controller in electrical communication with the biochar collection chamber sensor may utilize the sensed composition of the biochar to dynamically alter conditions in the pyrolysis chamber to alter the composition of the biochar. Full Article
io Process for conversion of organic, waste, or low-value materials into useful products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing of waste and low-value products to produce useful materials in reliable purities and compositions, at acceptable cost, without producing malodorous emissions, and with high energy efficiency are disclosed. In particular, multi-stage processes are disclosed to convert various feedstocks such as offal, animal manures, municipal sewage sludge, tires, and plastics, that otherwise have little commercial value, to useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. Disclosed processes subject the feedstock to heat and pressure, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components. Various materials produced at different points in the process may be recycled and used to play other roles within the process. Also disclosed are apparatus for performing multi-stage processes of converting waste products into useful materials, and at least one oil product that arises from the process. Full Article
io Method and device for the positioning of operating units of a coal filling cart at the filling openings of a coke oven By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method of positioning service equipment of a coal-charging larry cart at charging ports of a coke oven, wherein a rail-guided larry cart is moved on the roof of a coke oven and is positioned at locations known by a machine control system and corresponding to charging ports in the oven roof in order to charge the oven chambers, and wherein then at least one piece of service equipment of the coal-charging larry cart is guided to the charging ports by horizontal biaxial positioning movements. According to the invention, an optical measurement method is used after each positioning of the larry cart to detect the coordinates of at least one marking that is applied to the oven roof and that has a fixed relationship with the center axis of a charging port within a measurement field that is predefined by the measurement method and to compare them with reference values that are stored in the machine control system for the marking. The deviations between the measured coordinates and the coordinates stored in the machine control system are determined for both axial directions. Differential values are then taken into account as correction values during the positioning movement of the piece of service equipment. The subject matter of the invention is furthermore formed by an apparatus for carrying out the described method. Full Article
io Process and apparatus for decomposition of polymer products including those containing sulphur such as vulcanised rubber tyres and recovery of resources therefrom By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for pyrolytic destruction of polymer products including whole vehicle vulcanised rubber tires is disclosed. The apparatus 111 has a reaction chamber 153 into which a tire can be placed, and immersed for pyrolytic decomposition in a molten alloy of zinc with a minor proportion of aluminium. The apparatus 111 has a heated reservoir 155 in which the alloy is maintained in a molten state, and from where it can be transferred to the reaction chamber 153 to immerse the tire. Fluid hydrocarbon byproducts are drawn off for condensation and recovery, and solid zinc sulphides are also recovered. Where steel belted tires are processed, carbon and steel residues are also recovered. Full Article
io Thermal treatment of biomass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A biomass pyrolysis process is provided in which biomass feedstock is mixed with a heat carrier. The heat carrier at least partly comprises char. The ratio by weight of biomass to char is in the range 1:1 to 1:20. The process may be carried out by in a screw/auger pyrolysis reactor in which the solid feedstock components are conveyed along the reactor by a first screw. A second screw conveys at least a portion of the solid products of the biomass pyrolysis back to a heat transfer medium input port. Thus, the heat transfer medium includes char from the biomass pyrolysis. Full Article
io Bubbling bed catalytic hydropyrolysis process utilizing larger catalyst particles and smaller biomass particles featuring an anti-slugging reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor. When the product vapor stream is cooled to ambient temperatures, a significant proportion of the hydrocarbons in the product vapor stream can be recovered as a liquid stream of hydrophobic hydrocarbons, with properties consistent with those of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel. Separate streams of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel may also be obtained, either via selective condensation of each type of fuel, or via later distillation of the combined hydrocarbon liquid. Full Article
io Process control by blending biomass feedstocks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A process and system is disclosed for optimizing a key parameter of a biomass feedstock that enhances bio-oil production. The process and system involves optimizing the values of the key parameter in multiple biomass feedstocks by regulating their feed rates and blending those feedstocks to produce a cumulative biomass feedstock with an optimal value for the key parameter. The key parameter in the biomass feedstocks is measured and the feed rates of the multiple biomass feedstocks are adjusted in order to produce a cumulative biomass feedstock exhibiting optimal values for the desired key parameter. The key parameters can include compositional properties, such as lignin content or mineral content, and/or fluidization properties of the biomass materials, such as density, particle cohesion force, or particle size. Full Article
io Process and device for fluidized bed torrefaction and grinding of a biomass feed for subsequent gasification or combustion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A process and a unit for fluidized bed torrefaction and grinding of particles of a biomass with a largest dimension of 2 cm to 5 cm, and which unit contains an envelope having a general shape of a sector having a) two substantially vertical walls delimiting that sector; and b) at least one inclined wall defining three zones, from bottom to top: a lower zone provided with a fluidization means, and provided with a grinder placed at the bottom of that zone; an intermediate zone (2) provided with a fluidization means; and an upper zone (3) provided with a fluidization means; and a pipe (11) for introducing the particles reaching into the unit to the level of the intermediate zone. Full Article
io Production of higher quality bio-oils by in-line esterification of pyrolysis vapor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The disclosure encompasses in-line reactive condensation processes via vapor phase esterification of bio-oil to decease reactive species concentration and water content in the oily phase of a two-phase oil, thereby increasing storage stability and heating value. Esterification of the bio-oil vapor occurs via the vapor phase contact and subsequent reaction of organic acids with ethanol during condensation results in the production of water and esters. The pyrolysis oil product can have an increased ester content and an increased stability when compared to a condensed pyrolysis oil product not treated with an atomized alcohol. Full Article
io Carbon-based durable goods and renewable fuel from biomass waste dissociation for transportation and storage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are described for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure. Full Article
io Method of increasing anhydrosugars, pyroligneous fractions and esterified bio-oil By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The device and method are provided to increase anhydrosugars yield during pyrolysis of biomass. This increase is achieved by injection of a liquid or gas into the vapor stream of any pyrolysis reactor prior to the reactor condensers. A second feature of our technology is the utilization of sonication, microwave excitation, or shear mixing of the biomass to increase the acid catalyst rate for demineralization or removal of hemicellulose prior to pyrolysis. The increased reactivity of these treatments reduces reaction time as well as the required amount of catalyst to less than half of that otherwise required. A fractional condensation system employed by our pyrolysis reactor is another feature of our technology. This system condenses bio-oil pyrolysis vapors to various desired fractions by differential temperature manipulation of individual condensers comprising a condenser chain. Full Article
io Coking plant with flue gas recirculation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Improvement in carbonization in a carbonization furnace and simultaneous reduction in NOx emissions is achieved by recirculation of waste gas from a coking oven back to the oven chamber, the downcomers, or the sole channel system. Full Article
io Carbonization method and device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a method of manufacturing charcoal. It is characterized in that: first hot gases are generated by at least one heating means; its first gases are mixed with second gases in order to form a gas mixture; this mixture is sent into a charge of wood in order to generate therein a pyrolysis front; an overpressure is created between the upstream end and the downstream end of the charge so as to force this front to pass through it in one direction, namely from the upstream end to the downstream end; and third gases are recovered downstream of the charge, at least a first portion of said third gases, in the form of a stream of said second gases, is conveyed by a conveying means. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method. Full Article
io Method for processing biomass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for processing biomass to produce biofuel includes decomposing lignocellulosic material into byproduct polymers that include lignin, decomposing the lignin into targeted chemical fragments, and chemically converting the targeted chemical fragments into a biofuel. Full Article
io Solids removal from bio-oil using biomass filter aid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A green process and system are disclosed for utilizing a biomass filter aid in the filtration of a bio-oil. The process comprises filtering a bio-oil containing residual solids from a conversion reaction in the presence of the biomass filter aid to produce a filtered bio-oil. The biomass filter aid facilitates efficient removal of residual solids from the bio-oil. The spent biomass filter aid containing the residual solids may be recycled as a conversion feedstock or used as a combustion heat source in the biomass conversion system. Full Article
io Carbon-based durable goods and renewable fuel from biomass waste dissociation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure. Full Article
io Air proportioning system for secondary air in coke ovens depending on the vault vs. sole temperature ratio By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for proportioning of secondary combustion air into the secondary air soles of coke oven chamber ovens is shown. The device is formed by a slide gate or a parallelepiped device or by plates moved by means of a thrust bar, the thrust bar being moved longitudinally in parallel to the coke oven chamber wall so that the plates move away from the secondary air apertures and open or close these. The thrust bar is moved by means of a positioning motor, with the power transmission being effected hydraulically or pneumatically. Via suitable measuring parameters, it is thus possible to optimize secondary heating so that heating is provided evenly from all sides, thus achieving an improvement in coke quality. Full Article
io Continuously converting biomass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods, devices and systems for continuously converting biomass are described herein. A device has a feed section for holding a moving bed of biomass, namely wood, having a drying section, a flame zone for degassing, and a, smolder zone for carbonizing the biomass into a solid converted product, namely charcoal. The device includes a tank for collecting the solid converted product arranged below a grate and coupled with the feed section in a gas-tight manner. The system comprising the device, a biogas plant and/or a combined heat and power plant conveys the liquid converted product, namely pyroligneous acid or acetic acid, to the biogas plant and/or the solid converted product, namely charcoal, to the combined heat and power plant. Full Article
io Selective temperature quench and electrostatic recovery of bio-oil fractions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process for quenching, separating and collecting targeted components of a hot pyrolysis product stream from the pyrolysis of biomass is provided. The process utilizes sequential steps of rapid quenching and electrostatic precipitation comprising injecting a coolant comprising at least one of nitrogen, a noble gas and mixtures thereof into a hot pyrolysis vapor to selectively condense a first fraction of components from the hot pyrolysis vapor at a first predetermined temperature which is then collected by electrostatic precipitation in a first electrostatic precipitator at about the first predetermined temperature, where a wall temperature of the first electrostatic precipitator is maintained slightly higher than the first predetermined temperature. The sequential steps of coolant injection and collection are repeated at progressively cooler temperatures in order to selectively collect one or more fractions of the hot mixture. Full Article
io Ultrasonic microwave molecular vacuum distillation system for waste tires By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for tire distillation including an upper chamber, a first conveyor configured to transport a tire through the upper chamber, a lower chamber located beneath the upper chamber, the lower chamber that includes an ultrasonic purge chamber configured to radiate the tire with ultrasonic radiation, a microwave radiation chamber configured to radiate the tire with microwave radiation, and a second conveyor configured to transport the tire from the ultrasonic purge chamber to the microwave radiation chamber. The system further includes a vacuum system configured to maintain an atmosphere in the ultrasonic purge chamber and the microwave radiation chamber under a vacuum wherein the tire is preheated during conveyance through the upper chamber from heat produced in the lower chamber. Full Article