em METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEPARATING CARBON DIOXIDE FROM A GAS STREAM AND FOR REMOVING DEGRADATION PRODUCTS IN THE WASHING MEDIUM BY PHOTOLYTIC DECOMPOSITION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas stream, in particular from a flue gas stream, wherein, a gas stream is brought into contact with a washing medium in an absorber of a separation device and the carbon dioxide contained in the gas stream is separated; the charged washing medium is supplied to a desorber of the separation device to release the carbon dioxide; a vapor stream is removed from the desorber and is supplied to a cooling unit to form a condensate; degradation products, in particular nitrosamines, contained in at least a partial stream of the condensate are photolytically decomposed to decomposition products; at least the decomposition products, in particular nitrites and amines, are removed; and at least a partial stream of the condensate is returned to the desorber. A corresponding separation device separates carbon dioxide from a gas stream. Full Article
em DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING CARBON DIOXIDE FROM A GAS STREAM, IN PARTICULAR FROM A FLUE GAS STREAM, COMPRISING A COOLING WATER SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A device for separating carbon dioxide from a gas stream, in particular from a flue gas stream, includes an absorber for separating the carbon dioxide from the gas stream by means of a washing medium, a desorber which is fludically connected to the absorber to release the absorbed carbon dioxide from the washing medium, a gas cooler which is fludically connected upstream of the absorber to cool the gas stream, and a processing unit which is connected downstream of the gas cooler and which is equipped and designed to clean water from the gas cooler. A method separates carbon dioxide from a gas stream. Full Article
em DPF Cleaning Process Using a Temporary Plug By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of removing or reducing the particulate buildup within the diesel particulate filter of an aftertreatment system includes the selective application of a blocking agent to a filter medium of the diesel particulate filter, displacement of the particulate from the filter medium using a fluid stream, and subsequent removal of the blocking agent. Full Article
em DEVICE FOR EXTRACTION OF POLLUTANTS BY MULTICHANNEL TUBULAR MEMBRANE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 11 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A device for extraction of pollutants by multichannel tubular membrane containing at least one fluid channel allowing the fluid to go through a feed inlet to an outlet end characterized in that membrane comprises at least an extraction channel filled with molten salt in order to adsorb said pollutants having to be extracted from the said fluid. Advantageously, the membrane is a ceramic membrane. An application is for the treatment of traces of pollutants in a liquid or gaseous fluid. For example, the removal of small pollutants as volatile organic compounds from an aqueous stream in industrial wastewater treatment or other water treatment applications, or the separation of aromatic compounds form an hydrocarbon feed in petrochemical applications. Another application is in the removal of water traces in products of high added value as pharmaceutical, cosmetic or biocarburant for example. Full Article
em VIRTUAL IMPACTOR FILTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 11 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A filter system and method use a filter housing that defines an interior chamber and that includes an inlet opening extending into the interior chamber. The outer air flow housing has an outlet conduit through which a flow of air having particles is directed toward the inlet opening of the filter housing along a flow direction toward the interior chamber of the filter housing. The outer air flow housing engages the filter housing such that the filter housing is separated from the outer air flow housing along the flow direction to permit at least some of the air to pass around an exterior of the filter housing and exit the outer air flow housing while the particles in the at least some of the air pass into the interior chamber of the filter housing through the inlet opening. Full Article
em METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF GAS BUBBLES FROM FLUID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for removing gas bubbles from fluid. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the filter, while a pump supplies fluid to the filter. Full Article
em DEGASSING LIQUID ELUENT OF A PREPARATIVE SFC FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for degassing a supersaturated solution. An example degasser is described having a continuous body of gas-permeable tubing to remove an amount of a gas from the supersaturated solution below the gas's saturation point in the supersaturated solution. The degasser can be connected to at least one of a fraction collector or a detector. The example degasser is sized and/or positioned to cause a change in pressure (ΔP) across the degasser to drive removal of a dissolved gas from a supersaturated solution passing through the degasser. As a result of the reduction of gas, efficiencies in system flow and fraction collection are achieved. Full Article
em INTEGRATION OF STAGED COMPLEMENTARY PSA SYSTEM WITH A POWER PLANT FOR CO2 CAPTURE/UTILIZATION AND N2 PRODUCTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a staged complementary swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Full Article
em STAGED PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION FOR SIMULTANEOUS POWER PLANT EMISSION CONTROL AND ENHANCED HYDROCARBON RECOVERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for using pressure swing adsorption to separate and/or capture resulting emissions are provided. A stream of recycled exhaust gas is passed into a first swing adsorption reactor comprising a first adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. An enriched N2 stream is recovered from a forward end of the first swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the first swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The first swing adsorption reactor is purged with a portion of the first N2 stream recovered from the first swing adsorption reactor. The first purge output is passed to a second swing adsorption reactor comprising a second adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. A second N2 stream is recovered from the second swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the second swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The second swing adsorption reactor is purged with a steam purge. Full Article
em STAGED COMPLEMENTARY PSA SYSTEM FOR LOW ENERGY FRACTIONATION OF MIXED FLUID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A staged complementary pressure swing adsorption system and method for low energy fractionation of a mixed fluid. Two beds in a four-column PSA system are selective for component A, and another two columns are selective for component B. The cycle creates an intermittent A and B product, using the purge effluent from the complementary product fed at an intermediate pressure. This intermittent product is used as purge gas for low-pressure purged elsewhere in the cycle using appropriate storage tanks. The use of an intermediate pressure in this cycle enables continuous production of purified component A and B without the use of compressors. Columns may also be configured to enable pressure to equalize between complementary columns. Full Article
em SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BACKLUSHING A VACUUM FILTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vacuum filter backflushing system having an air recapturing adapter coupled to a vacuum motor's air exhaust port which recaptures a portion of exhaust air and introduces the air into a recaptured air passage. The recaptured air passage is coupled to an air flow director which is configured to direct air to an air filter. The air flow director is configured to selectively prevent air from flowing through the filters in a normal air flow direction and allow the air in the recaptured air passage to backflush the filter by dislodging particles from air filter media. The recaptured air passage can terminate after a last air filter, such that the recaptured air passage is pressurized, or the recaptured air passage can recouple back into the air exhaust port or the air recapturing adapter, such that the air is in constant motion in the recaptured air passage. Full Article
em THERMAL DRYING SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An additive manufacturing device includes at least one liquefier assembly that receives filament material from at least one feedstock and extrudes the material in a flowable form. A thermal drying system removes water vapor and heats compressed air to a preselected temperature set point to form conditioned air. At least one enclosed filament path houses and guides the filament material from a supply to the at least one liquefier assembly. The enclosed filament path is exposed to the conditioned air from the thermal drying system so as to keep the filament material dry as it is fed to the at least one liquefier assembly. Full Article
em Wellhead platform systems for use in extracting and testing multi-phase raw mixtures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Example embodiments include systems for use in a wellhead platform. The system may comprise a separator subsystem, a scrubber subsystem, a first stage compressor subsystem, and a second stage compressor subsystem. The separator subsystem may comprise a separator inlet section for receiving multi-phase raw mixtures, a separator container body for housing the received multi-phase raw mixture, and a separator gas outlet section for separating gas. The scrubber subsystem may comprise a scrubber inlet section connected to the separator gas outlet section, a scrubber container body, and a scrubber gas outlet section for separating gas. The first stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive gas separated from the scrubber subsystem, compress the received gas, and output the compressed gas. The second stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive compressed gas from the first stage compressor subsystem, further compress the received compressed gas, and output the further compressed gas. Full Article
em Methods and Systems for Selective Hydrogen Gas Extraction for Dissolved Gas Analysis Applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for selectively extracting hydrogen gas dissolved in oil are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a selectively permeable membrane provided at a point of contact between oil and a sensor chamber. The selectively permeable membrane has a hydrogen specificity and a thickness selected to minimize detection of further gasses dissolved in the oil by a hydrogen gas sensor cross-sensitive to the further gasses. The selectively permeable membrane can include polyimide. The further gasses include carbon monoxide, acetylene, and ethylene. The system can include a further membrane and a porous metal disc. The porous metal disc is bound to the selectively permeable membrane by using the further membrane as an adhesive layer and by applying pressure and temperature. The porous metal disc supports the selectively permeable membrane and the further membrane against pressure of the oil when exposed to a vacuum. The further membrane includes fluorohydrocarbons. Full Article
em CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon dioxide capture system includes a first capture system and a second capture system. The first capture system including a first absorber that causes carbon dioxide contained in a combustion exhaust gas to be absorbed in a first absorbing liquid. The second capture system causes carbon dioxide contained in a combustion exhaust gas to be absorbed in a second absorbing liquid. The second rich liquid releases carbon dioxide at a lower temperature than the first rich liquid. Full Article
em SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDENSING MOISTURE IN A BIOREACTOR GAS STREAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a system and method for condensing moisture in a gas stream entering or leaving a bioreactor, the system comprising: a contact condenser container fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through an exhaust line; a condensate accumulator fluidically coupled to the contact condenser container through at least a first condensate line and a second condensate line; the condensate accumulator further fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through a condensate overflow line; a first condensate control device disposed on the first condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the contact condenser container and entering the condensate accumulator; and a second condensate control device disposed on the second condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the condensate accumulator to be mixed with the gas stream. Full Article
em FLOW MANAGEMENT AND CO2-RECOVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for flow management and CO2-recovery from a CO2 containing hydrocarbon flow stream, such as a post CO2-stimulation flowback stream. The apparatus including a flow control zone, a gas separation zone, a pretreatment zone, and a CO2-capture zone. The CO2-capture zone is in fluid communication with the pretreatment zone to provide CO2-capture from a pretreated flowback gas stream and output a captured CO2-flow stream. The CO2-capture zone includes a flow splitter to direct a first portion of the pretreated flowback gas stream to a CO2-enricher to provide an enriched CO2-stream for mixing with a second portion of the pretreated flowback gas to form a mixed stream. The CO2-capture zone further includes at least one condenser to output the captured CO2-flow stream. Full Article
em DUCTLESS FUME HOOD GAS MONITORING AND DETECTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million. Full Article
em CAPPED CARBON FILTER ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon filter is disclosed. Such a carbon filter includes a carbon-based core having a central cavity, a layer of a polymer-based filter material surrounding the carbon-based core, and at least one end cap fixedly attached to the carbon-based core. Full Article
em SORPTION DRYING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Sorption drying system for dehumidification of a moist gas stream, comprising a mass (1) of absorbing material, a moist gas stream (2) arranged to flow through at least a part of the absorbent mass, and a heated stream of regeneration gas (3) arranged to flow through at least a part of the absorbent mass. The sorption drying system further comprises means (4) for deflecting a part of the dehumidified gas stream after flowing through the absorbent mass, a cooler (5) for cooling the deflected dehumidified gas stream, and means (6; 7) for returning the cooled deflected dehumidified gas stream to the moist gas stream at the inlet into the absorbent mass. At least a part of the cooled deflected dehumidified gas stream is arranged to flow through the absorbent mass in a channel separated from the moist gas stream. Full Article
em System for flushing a vacuum toilet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for flushing a vacuum toilet in an aircraft, with a bowl drain for removing toilet waste water from a bowl, a drain line, a bypass flow line for feeding-in air, a drainage valve and a waste water line. The bowl drain and the bypass flow line are connectable to the drain line, and the drainage valve on the input side is connectable to the drain line, and on the output side is connectable to a waste water line. In an implementation of the vacuum toilet as a vacuum urinal, the system may provide either water flushing or waterless flushing. Full Article
em Clamping device, systems, and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A clamping device for mounting a sink to a counter, includes a clamp having a clamp body and a binding tab, a binding post for insertion through a first opening in the clamp body and into a hole in a surface of the sink adjacent to a clamped article, the clamp and binding tab connected to the post and extending away therefrom at least partially over an edge of the clamped article, and a clamp screw for insertion through a second opening in the clamp body and against a solid portion of the binding tab interposed between the clamp screw and the edge of the clamped article. Full Article
em Cantilevered brace assembly for wall-mounted toilet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A brace for a wall-mounted toilet, particularly useful for wall-mounted porcelain toilets in hospitals and other health care facilities. The brace a weight receiving structure supported by cantilevered struts that attach the brace to the wall, preferably using the same bolts that attach the toilet to the wall. The weight receiving structure may be seat portion that overlies the rim of the toilet bowl, so that the weight of the user is transmitted from the toilet seat to the seat structure and then to the walls through the struts. Alternately, the weight receiving structure may include an under-bowl support that extends underneath the toilet bowl so that the user's weight is transmitted from the bowl to the wall through the struts. Thus, the cantilevered brace increases the weight-bearing capacity of the wall-mounted toilet. A plastic shroud may be included for enclosing the brace and toilet bowl. Full Article
em Lavatory pan device and non-water lavatory flushing system with the device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lavatory pan device for separating stool and urine includes a stool and urine tray, a supporting device, and a moment force producing device. The stool and urine tray consists of a flat plate and the rib inclining upward and extending outward from the whole or partial edge of the flat plate. The lavatory pan has an opening or an entry way at the longitudinal side and is connected on the supporting device. Through the moment force produced by the prescribed moment force producing device, the stool and urine tray can roll over on the supporting device. The described moment force producing device is set on the stool and urine tray and it is between tow supports of the above supporting device and the opening or entry way. Full Article
em Device and method for use in a shower system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a device for use in a shower system and a related method. The device may include an appliance for adding a medium to shower water. The appliance may be designed such that it works according to the principle of a water jet pump. Advantageously, the medium added to the shower water may contain one or more fragrance media. Full Article
em Trap and drain assembly for draining waste liquids while blocking odors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a flush free drain trap system. The trap of the invention may be used in any trap system intended to block a back flow of odors from the waste line. A sealant liquid floats on top of the waste liquid in the trap to block odors. The trap uses one passageway to pass liquids to the sewer line, similarly to a conventional drain system, for preventing overflow and allowing cleaning. A second passageway allows the trap to dispose of small amounts of the waste liquid though an opening and a valve operated by the buoyancy caused by the accumulation of waste liquid in the trap. In normal use, waste liquid is passed to the sewer line without loss of sealant liquid. Furthermore, the performance of the trap is not affected by the evaporation of the waste liquid when the trap is unused. Full Article
em Method for controlling automatic head care system and automatic hair washing system, and automatic head care system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an automatic head care system and an automatic hair washing system for caring a person's head in a safe and effective manner without applying a straining force on the person's neck. In order to achieve the object, the following steps are performed in turn: a head receiving step in which a pair of arms 114L, 114R are placed at positions for receiving a person's head 10 on a suppotring body 112; a water washing step in which water ejected from a plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; a shampoo step in which washing liquid ejected from the plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; and a head care step in which the head 10 is cared by performing the push-rotating of the pair of arms 114L, 114R in the direction of approaching the head 10 so as to bring the plurality of contacts 109 into contact with the head 10 and by swinging the pair of arms 114L, 114R while moving the plurality of contacts 109. Full Article
em Shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system including a shower door frame having a frame body defining a horizontal drain channel and a plurality of drain holes, at least one side panel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the side panel being sized and configured to be fixedly attached to the frame body and the second end of the side panel further including a hinge mount, and at least one door defining a hinge mount rotatably connected to the hinge mount of the side panel and a door drain channel, the door having an upper portion and lower portion. The door of the present invention flares upward and bows outward such that the upper portion of the door is farther away from the shower door frame than the lower portion of the door. Full Article
em Adjustable flush system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flush valve assembly having a handle assembly positioning bushing for spacing a handle assembly within an opening of the flush valve assembly. The handle assembly positioning bushing having an eccentric opening for receiving the handle such that rotation of the handle assembly positioning bushing with regard to the flush valve assembly body alters the height of the handle assembly and, thus, the volume of water passing through the flush valve assembly during a flush cycle. Full Article
em Valve control system, bidet using the same, and valve control method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There are provided a valve control system, a bidet using the same, and a valve control method. The valve control system includes a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device controlling the operation of the latch valve. The valve control device determines whether or not the latch valve is malfunctioning upon analyzing a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor. When the latch valve is malfunctioning, the valve control device controls the latch valve to re-operate. Full Article
em Integrated electronic shower system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory. Full Article
em Touchless faucet assembly and method of operation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A faucet assembly includes a base for mounting adjacent a basin of a sink and a spout projecting upward and outward away from the base and terminating at a water outlet. A light emitter is mounted to one section of the spout and emits a beam of light directed toward another section of the spout, wherein the beam of light does not intersect a region beneath the outlet. A light sensor, mounted to the spout, produces a signal indicating whether the beam of light is striking the light sensor. A control circuit responds to the signal by opening a valve that thereby conveys water to the spout. Full Article
em Sink covering assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sink covering assembly for selectively concealing the contents of a sink includes a screen with a peripheral edge. A plurality of suction cups is coupled to the screen adjacent to the peripheral edge of the screen. Each of the suction cups is configured for engaging a surface adjacent to a sink whereby the screen extends over and covers the sink. Full Article
em Swim spa with plenum arrangement at head end By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A swimming pool with a circulating water flow includes a plurality of side walls adjacent a swimming compartment, one of the side walls including an outlet, at least one inlet positioned at each lateral side of the outlet, and a plenum arrangement on a side of the one wall opposite the swimming compartment. The plenum arrangement is in communication with each inlet and the outlet. A water propulsion device is positioned within the plenum arrangement and effects a pair of circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment. Full Article
em Shower curtain rod assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shower curtain-rod assembly is arranged to have distinct and structurally separate gravitational and torsional load bearing capabilities. The shower curtain may be formed with folded pockets to receive shower curtain stays. The pockets are made by creating overlapping layers of the shower curtain and then ultrasonically welding the overlapping layers together. The shower curtain-rod assembly includes a shower rod having an internal track, a shower ring coupled to a shower curtain stay, and rollers supported on the internal track and coupled to the stay. The internal track generally supports the weight of the shower curtain, the rollers, the stays, and the shower ring. In one embodiment, a channel formed in an outer wall of the shower rod cooperates with a torsional restraint tab extending from an inner surface of the shower ring, which is located over the shower rod. Full Article
em Shower curtain incorporating entertainment system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shower curtain is provided with two pockets adapted to receive spaced apart stereo speakers and a third pocket adapted to receive a personal entertainment system. The third pocket is provided with a clear inside window pane facing the inside of the shower and adapted for finger-touch control through the window pane. A closure system integral with the shower curtain is provided for external access to the pockets. In one embodiment, the closure system for access to the pockets is a tongue-in-groove fastening arrangement that provides external access to a personal entertainment system as well as a channel through which wires run to couple the entertainment system to the speakers. Full Article
em Load control system and method for an agricultural harvester By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for controlling a load on an agricultural harvester (100) comprising a first sensor (124, 126, 128, 130) to sense a first load, a second sensor (132, 134, 136, 138) to sense a second load, an electronic control unit (200) coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to determine a difference between the first load and the second load, and to either (a) raise a harvesting head (102) or (b) stop the agricultural harvester (100), or (c) both, when the difference exceeds a threshold load. Full Article
em Mower deck trimmer assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A trimmer assembly for attachment onto the mower deck of a riding mower. The assembly comprises an L-shaped attachment and a height adjustment assembly. The L-shaped attachment is connected to the trim blade spindle of a riding mower, and comprises a pulley surface and a downwardly extending trim shaft holding surface. A series of pulleys within the L-shaped attachment are connected together by a trimmer drive belt that facilitates the movement of the trimmer shaft when the trim blade spindle rotates. The height adjustment comprises an upstanding shaft with a lever attached thereon. The lever is pivotally attached onto the top of the upstanding shaft, and comprises a foot actuatable handle, whereby the movement of the handle alters the height of the L-shaped attachment. The device further includes a pair of wheels that enable side-to-side movement, and a spring loaded mount that provides protection against damages from impacts. Full Article
em Drive assembly for an agricultural harvesting platform By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A drive arrangement for driving a first sickle bar section (42) and a second sickle bar section (36) of a harvesting platform (20) comprises a first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) having an output drivingly connected to a respective first end of a respective sickle bar section (36, 42). Drive trains connect the first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) to an input drive shaft (24). At least one of the drive trains comprises a belt drive. A synchronization transmission (82) is coupled to the second ends of the sickle bar sections (36, 42) and couples them in opposite movement directions. Full Article
em Row insensitive biomass harvesting and billeting system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A harvesting system and method providing a row insensitive plant cutting and gathering capability, suitable for harvesting tall, stalky plants such as sweet sorghum, cane, and the like, in high volume, which also billet cuts the harvested plants. Multiple plants are cut simultaneously on a continuous basis at any locations across a header of the system, and the cut plants are gathered into a continuous overlapping flow having a vertical extent or thickness of several stalks or canes and their associated foliage. The flow is then vertically compacted into a mat of reduced thickness while being conveyed into a billet cutter, which cuts the stalks or canes into billets of a desired length and discharges the billets to a desired location, all while the harvester is moving through a field harvesting. The system can be incorporated into a conventional sugarcane harvester in place of conventional base cutters and row dividers. Full Article
em Biomass storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for forming a water storage material from a biomass input material using supercritical or subcritical fluid processing, the water storage material capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing the liquid. The apparatus utilizes supercritical fluid processing, subcritical fluid processing, charring, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus. The apparatus further including a processing station configured to hold the biomass input material, and to use the biomass input material for processing into the water storage material. Full Article
em Shield apparatus for agricultural implement header By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shield apparatus is mounted on the header of an agricultural implement which includes a rotatable collecting member to direct collected material rearwardly towards a rear discharge opening. The shield apparatus includes a panel member and a mounting bracket assembly which supports the panel member above the rear discharge opening of the header spanning in a lateral direction transversely to the forward working direction such that the panel member extends from a rear edge rearward of the collecting member to a front edge which is spaced forward and upwardly in relation to the rear edge. The shield apparatus ensures that material thrown upwardly above the rear of the header frame is redirected downwardly into the rear discharge opening of the header for collection by the implement in the usual manner. The shield apparatus does not interfere with the visibility of the operator when the panel member is clear. Full Article
em Suspension system for wheel rakes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A suspension system for forage rakes having at least one floating forage rake wheel has a hydraulic cylinder is used for both lift and suspension of the floating forage rake wheel. A hydraulic accumulator provides expansion room for hydraulic fluid to move in and out of the hydraulic cylinder during suspension. Full Article
em Machine with ground working elements providing improved stability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grass cutting machine with two cutting units mounted on opposite sides of the chassis has an inclinometer monitoring the left/right inclination of the chassis. If the inclination value exceeds a defined threshold, the higher of the two cutting units is lifted to improve stability. Full Article
em Mower cutting deck having a height of cut adjustment system with deck suspension linkages that each have an easily acessible threaded adjuster for deck truing or rake angle setting purposes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mower carrying a rotary cutting deck has a height of cut system for adjusting the vertical position of the deck relative to the mower frame for changing or adjusting the height of cut. The height of cut system comprises a pair of parallel cross shafts that carry a plurality of pivotal suspension linkages that connect to the deck, the cross shafts and linkages pivoting jointly with one another and with a pivotal control lever. One of the cross shafts carries a torsion spring to counterbalance the weight of the deck. The control lever is maintained in a plurality of adjusted pivotal positions by a height selection bracket fixed to the frame with the height selection bracket being capable of having its position changed or adjusted relative to the frame by a single adjustment bolt. Each suspension linkage has its effective length adjusted by turning a threaded adjuster carried at the upper end of a connecting rod that is part of each linkage to allow the deck to be leveled relative to a reference plane. The adjustment of the height selection bracket is accomplished without affecting the length adjustments previously made to any of the suspension linkages. Full Article
em Height of cut system for lawn mower By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A deck lifting and height of cut assembly for a lawn mower, in which the deck lifting assembly includes at least one movable component and the height of cut assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism having a plurality of stop surfaces. A prop extends between the movable component of the deck lifting assembly and a first stop surface of the height adjustment mechanism to prevent the cutting deck assembly from lowering below a first height. The height adjustment mechanism is adjustable to place a second stop surface in engagement with the prop so that the cutting deck assembly is prevented from lowering below a second height different from the first height. The prop may also be used to maintain the cutting deck assembly in the full-up position during travel of the lawn mower between work areas. Full Article
em Folding divider assembly for corn header and method of operation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A corn header has a row unit frame and an auger sweeping ears of corn toward a center of the corn header. A corn row divider assembly has a snout and gatherer hood hingeably coupled to, and aft of, the snout. An aft end of the gatherer hood is located beneath and to the rear of the fore end of the auger in an operational configuration of the divider assembly. The divider assembly further has a four-point hinge assembly coupling the aft end of the gatherer hood to the row unit frame. The four-point hinge assembly is configured to pivot the gatherer hood between the operational configuration and a non-operational configuration in which the gatherer hood is in a raised condition. The four-point hinge assembly moves the aft end of the gatherer hood forward so that the gatherer hood clears the auger when pivoting to the non-operational configuration. Full Article
em Grass collection system with through-shaft PTO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grass collection system may have an impeller with a through-shaft that mechanically couples power take off (PTO) energy to the mower deck. The PTO shaft may pass through the impeller and blower housing to power the mower deck, resulting in a compact mechanism. The PTO shaft may pass through a grass tunnel that connects between the blower housing and the mower deck, then may be connected to the mower deck to power the mower blades. The grass collection system may be deployed on a front mounted deck tractor that has front wheel drive. The front wheels may each have a hydrostatic pump and gearbox, and the PTO shaft may pass between or under the front wheel drive systems in connecting to the mower deck. Full Article
em Rotary implement having hard metallic layer and method therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rotary implement includes a metallic body that is rotatable around an axis. The metallic body includes a tapered leading edge having an interface surface and an opposite, free surface. The metallic body has a first composition. A metallic layer has a first side surface that is attached to the interface surface and a free, second side surface opposite from the first side surface. The metallic layer has a second, different composition from the first composition. A rotary machine can include an actuator and the rotary implement operably coupled to the actuator. A method for making a rotary implement includes providing the metallic body that has the tapered leading edge having the interface surface and the opposite, free surface. The metallic layer is then attached to the interface surface of the metallic body. Full Article
em Semiconductor Device and Method of Forming Ultra High Density Embedded Semiconductor Die Package By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device has a plurality of semiconductor die. A first prefabricated insulating film is disposed over the semiconductor die. A conductive layer is formed over the first prefabricated insulating film. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and first prefabricated insulating film. The first prefabricated insulating film is laminated over the semiconductor die. The first prefabricated insulating film includes glass cloth, glass fiber, or glass fillers. The semiconductor die is embedded within the first prefabricated insulating film with the first prefabricated insulating film covering first and side surfaces of the semiconductor die. The interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the semiconductor die opposite the first surface. A portion of the first prefabricated insulating film is removed after disposing the first prefabricated insulating film over the semiconductor die. A second prefabricated insulating film is disposed over the first prefabricated insulating film. Full Article