ge Plate heat exchanger for isothermal chemical reactors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radial-flow plate heat exchanger (5) embedded in the catalytic bed of an isothermal chemical reactor (1) has heat exchange plates (10) comprising fluid passages (13) between a first metal sheet (20) and a second metal sheet (21) joined by perimeter weld seams (23) on a first surface (A) of the plate, a feeding channel (14) and a collecting channel (15) for the heat exchange fluid are formed with suitable metal sheets which are seam welded (25) directly to the opposite surface (B) of the plate, this structure allows the manufacturing of the plate (10) with an automated seam welding process, such as laser beam welding. Full Article
ge Operation management apparatus, operation management method, and operation management program By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value. Full Article
ge Heat exchanger By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including an evaporator with a pair of base plates, each base plate having a first surface with channels extending from a manifold at a first end of the evaporator to a manifold at a second end of the evaporator, some of the channels are embedded into the base plate and some of the channels are arranged outside of base plate, a condenser with channels extending from a manifold at a first end of the condenser to a manifold at a second end of the condenser, at least one riser pipe and at least one return pipe. Full Article
ge Method for controlling a variable charge air cooler By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler in response to an estimated condensation formation value within the charge air cooler. In this way, condensation accumulation within the charge air cooler may be prevented. Full Article
ge Double plate heat exchanger By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plate heat exchanger (10) of the double plate type having a plurality of stacked plate elements, each comprising a first plate (1) and a second plate (9). At least the first plate (1) is provided with a surface pattern with a plurality of dimples (5) defining a first distance to a plate plane (8), and a plurality of canal parts (6) defining a second, smaller, distance to the plate plane (8). The first plate (1) and the second plate (9) are joined in such a manner that the protruding areas (5, 6) in combination form flow paths (11) being fluidly connected to rim portions (3) of the plates (1, 9). The heat exchanger (10) provides efficient leakage detection via the flow paths (11) while ensuring a good thermal contact between heat exchanging fluids through the plates (1, 9) via flat portions (7) between the protruding parts (5, 6). Full Article
ge Heat exchanger By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending in a horizontal direction, at least one fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes, a vertically oriented header coupled to corresponding ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, the header distributing refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and a partition device that partitions an inner space of the header, the partition device including at least two through holes that guide refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes. Full Article
ge Apparatus and method for equalizing hot fluid exit plane plate temperatures in heat exchangers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for minimizing cold spots on plates of a plate-type fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger averages the plate temperature at a hot-fluid exit plane of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger matrix is constructed to internally vary the flow patterns of opposing hot and cold fluid streams so that the heat transfer coefficient values of one or both fluid streams, designated as h, are optimized so the hot fluid value is a greater value than that of a cold fluid value. Plate variable flow structures are arranged in a manner that allows higher velocity hot fluid flow and possible lower velocity cold fluid flow in areas where the plate temperatures are coolest and the opposite configuration where plate temperatures are hottest. Full Article
ge Apparatus and method for cleaning regenerative-burner media bed By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A regenerative burner device for a furnace and a method of removing contaminants from such a device. The burner device includes a burner for introducing heat and waste gas into a furnace during ignition when supplied with fuel and a combustion gas, a media bed comprising refractory particles, and ducting for delivering combustion gas to said burner during ignition, and for drawing waste gas from said furnace on termination of ignition. The ducting causes the combustion gas and the waste gas to pass in succession through the media bed. Means are provided for periodically delivering a rapid flow of a decontaminating gas into said media bed. The rapid flow is of sufficient force to dislodge contaminants collected in the media bed from said waste gas. Full Article
ge Thermal energy storage materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The thermal energy storage material (TESM) system includes a container having a wall surface, and a TESM in at least partial contact with the wall surface. The TESM may include, consist essentially of, or consist of a metal containing compound comprising lithium, one or more different metal cations (i.e., different from lithium) and one or more polyatomic anions. The TESM may have a liquidus temperature, TL, from about 100° C. to about 250° C. The TESM may exhibits a heat storage density from 1 MJ/l to 1.84 MJ/l, as measured from 300° C. to 80° C. The TESM system may be free of water. If any water is present in the TESM system, the water concentration preferably is less than 10 wt. %. Preferably, the TESM system is generally resistant to corrosion at temperatures of about 300° C. Full Article
ge Thermal management of a communication transceiver in an electrical communication device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein are various systems and methods relating to communication devices that include modular transceivers, such as small form pluggable transceivers. According to one embodiment, a communication device may include a chassis defining an interior and an exterior of the communication device. The chassis includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides that together with the top and the bottom form an enclosure. One of the sides may include a first segment disposed in a first plane and a second segment disposed in a second plane. The second segment includes an outwardly extending communication transceiver housing configured to receive a communication transceiver. The communication transceiver may extend through an aperture in the second segment and into interior of the communication device to contact an electrical connector, while a second portion of the communication transceiver in the communication transceiver housing remains on the exterior of the communication device. Full Article
ge Silicon-based lens support structure and cooling package with passive alignment for compact heat-generating devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A silicon-based thermal energy transfer apparatus that aids dissipation of thermal energy from a heat-generating device, such as an edge-emitting laser diode, is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a silicon-based base portion having a first primary surface and a silicon-based support structure. The silicon-based support structure includes a mounting end and a distal end opposite the mounting end with the mounting end received by the base portion such that the support structure extends from the first primary surface of the base portion. The support structure includes a recess defined therein to receive the edge-emitting laser diode. The support structure further includes a slit connecting the distal end and the recess to expose at least a portion of a light-emitting edge of the edge-emitting laser diode when the edge-emitting laser diode is received in the support structure. Full Article
ge Method, arrangement and pelletising plant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for the oxidation and sintering of pellets includes the introduction of a first medium into a compartment through an inlet connected to the compartment and the heating of the medium in the inlet through the use of a combustion arrangement. The use of the combustion arrangement includes the ignition of the fuel, the combustion of the fuel, and the transfer of combustion heat to the first medium that is present at the combustion arrangement. In a region in the inlet outside the direct passage of the first medium, the ignition of the fuel, the combustion of the fuel and the transfer of combustion heat to the first medium take place. By the introduction of a second medium into the region in the direct vicinity of the combustion arrangement, the combustion of the fuel and the transfer of combustion heat also to the second medium take place. Full Article
ge Method of generating hydrogen from the reaction of stabilized aluminum nanoparticles with water and method of forming stabilized aluminum nanoparticles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of generating hydrogen gas from the reaction of stabilized aluminum nanoparticles with water is provided. The stabilized aluminum nanoparticles are synthesized from decomposition of an alane precursor in the presence of a catalyst and an organic passivation agent, and exhibit stability in air and solvents but are reactive with water. The reaction of the aluminum nanoparticles with water produces a hydrogen yield of at least 85%. Full Article
ge Method of making molybdenum-containing targets comprising three metal elements By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to sputter targets and methods for depositing a layer from a sputter target. The method preferably includes the steps of: placing a sputter target in a vacuum chamber; placing a substrate having a substrate surface in the vacuum chamber; reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber to about 100 Torr or less; removing atoms from the surface of the sputter target while the sputter target is in the vacuum chamber (e.g., using a magnetic field and/or an electric field). The deposited layer preferably is a molybdenum containing alloy including about 50 atomic percent or more molybdenum, 0.5 to 45 atomic percent of a second metal element selected from the group consisting of niobium and vanadium; and 0.5 to 45 atomic percent of a third metal element selected from the group consisting of tantalum, chromium, vanadium, niobium, and titanium. Full Article
ge Method, arrangement, and pelletising plant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method during the oxidation and sintering of pellets includes the introduction of a first medium into the compartment through an inlet connected to the compartment and the heating of the first medium in the inlet through the use of a combustion arrangement. The use of the combustion arrangement includes the ignition of the fuel, combustion of the fuel, and the transfer of the combustion heat to the first medium that is present at the combustion arrangement. A second medium is introduced to the inlet through an intake in the direct vicinity of the combustion arrangement, where the ignition of the fuel and the combustion of the fuel take place for the transfer of combustion heat also to the second medium. The heated first medium and the heated second medium are mixed before or during their introduction into the compartment. Full Article
ge System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas and oxygen steelmaking furnace gas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Novel systems and methods are described for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron in an integrated steel mill or the like that has a coke oven and/or an oxygen steelmaking furnace. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel systems and methods for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas (COG) or COG and basic oxygen furnace gas (BOFG). Full Article
ge Roller platform for tire inflation cage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A roller platform for use in a tire inflation cage includes a frame and at least one roller assembly and facilitates the rotation of a rim-wheel within the tire inflation cage. The roller platform includes a frame having members that are spaced so that the tire stop on a tire inflation cage fits between the frame members. The roller platform includes cross members that are spaced so that the cross members fit between adjacent bars of a tire inflation cage and so a bar fits between the cross members. Full Article
ge Tire changer with rotational position and tracking control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tire changer machine includes a control system that monitors a rotational position of a sensitive feature associated with a wheel rim and tire during a tire change procedure. The system adjusts operation of the machine to avoid damaging the sensitive feature, which may be a valve stem or a wheel sensor such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor. Full Article
ge Machine for regeneration of pneumatic tyres By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT There is described a machine (1) for regeneration of pneumatic tires (2) comprising a beading device (5) for axial locking of the pneumatic tire to be regenerated in the direction of the revolving axis of the pneumatic tire (2) which provides an untranslatable bead (6) and a translatable bead (7) in said direction, a work rasp (9) mounted on a spindle (25), inflation means (66) of the pneumatic tire and a discharge cochlea (77). Said machine further comprises a roughing miller (8) suitable to prepare the pneumatic tire to a subsequent finishing by means of the rasp (9), said miller (8) being mounted on the same spindle (25) of the rasp (9) and after it, and constituted of a monoblock (27) with discharge channels (28) for chips produced by inserts (29) with a curved profile (30) providing a plurality of planar blades (31) joined by discharge grooves (32) of the chips produced. Full Article
ge Demount tool assembly and methods for automated tire changer machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tire changer machine and tire demounting methodology includes a demount tool assembly having a demount tool selectively positionable relative to a support and configured to extract a bead of the tire from the wheel rim. A guide element is mounted to the support, and the guide element is operable to provide a limited degree of freedom of the distal end from a predetermined path of motion in a tire demount procedure, thereby allowing the distal end to reliably grip the tire bead while the support arm is maintained in a stationary position relative to the wheel rim. Full Article
ge Tire bead breaker device and methods for automated tire changer machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Automated tire changer machines, control systems and methods therefor utilize positive contact and contact force generation between wheel rims and bead breaker devices to break tire bead seals. The bead breaker devices may accordingly follow different geometries of wheel rims without prior knowledge or identification of the specific rim configuration by the machine. Full Article
ge Hot-forged copper alloy part By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hot-forged copper alloy part which has a tubular shape, in which an alloy composition contains 59.0 mass % to 84.0 mass % of Cu and 0.003 mass % to 0.3 mass % of Pb with a remainder of Zn and inevitable impurities, a content of Cu [Cu] mass % and a content of Pb [Pb] mass % have a relationship of 59≦([Cu]+0.5×[Pb])≦64, a shape of the forged part satisfies a formula of 0.4≦(average inner diameter)/(average outer diameter)≦0.92, 0.04≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.3, and 1≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦10, a forging material which is to be hot-forged has a tubular shape and satisfies 0.3≦(average inner diameter/average outer diameter)≦0.88, 0.06≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.35, and 0.8≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦12, and 0%≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦30%, 0≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦75×1/((tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))1/2 in any location in a tube axis direction. Full Article
ge Thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability and method for producing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet and a method for producing the same where coalescence and growth of inclusions in the molten steel are prevented and the inclusions are finely dispersed in the steel sheet, whereby surface defects and cracks at the time of press forming are prevented, growth of recrystallized grains at the time of continuous annealing is promoted, and a high r value (r value≧2.0) and elongation (total elongation≧50%) are exhibited, that is, ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability comprised of, by mass %, 0.00030.003%≦C≦0.003%, Si≦0.01%, Mn≦0.1%, P≦0.02%, S≦0.01%, 0.0005%≦N≦0.0025%, 0.01%≦acid soluble Ti≦0.07%, acid soluble Al≦0.003%, and 0.002%≦La+Ce+Nd≦0.02% and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, said steel sheet characterized by containing at least cerium oxysulfite, lanthanum oxysulfite, and neodymium oxysulfite. Full Article
ge Method of manufacturing a sputtering target and sputtering target By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT [Object] To provide a method of manufacturing a sputtering target and a sputtering target that are capable of achieving refinement and uniformity of crystal grains. [Solving Means] A method of manufacturing a sputtering target according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forging an ingot formed of metal by applying a stress in a first axis direction (z-axis direction) and a plane direction (xy-plane direction) orthogonal to the first axis direction. The ingot is additionally forged by applying a stress in a second axis direction (axial directions c11, c12, c21, c22) obliquely intersecting with a direction parallel to the first axis direction. The ingot is heat-treated at a temperature equal to or higher than a recrystallization temperature thereof. In such a manner, since slip deformation can be caused not only in the first axis direction and the plane direction orthogonal thereto but also in the second axis direction, the high density and uniformity of an internal stress can be achieved. Full Article
ge Methods of forming molybdenum sputtering targets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In various embodiments, planar sputtering targets are produced by forming a billet at least by pressing molybdenum powder in a mold and sintering the pressed powder, working the billet to form a worked billet, heat treating the worked billet, working the worked billet to form a final billet, and heat treating the final billet. Full Article
ge Oxygen monolayer on a semiconductor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A Si or Ge semi-conductor substrate includes an oxygen monolayer on a surface thereof. The oxygen monolayer can be fractional or complete. A Si4+ or Ge4+ oxidation state of the surface of the Si or Ge substrate, respectively, resulting from the presence of the oxygen monolayer represents less than 50%, preferably less than 40% and more preferably less than 30% of the sum of Si1+, Si2+, Si3+ and Si4+ oxidation states or the sum of Ge1+, Ge2+, Ge3+ and Ge4+ oxidation states, respectively, as measured by XPS. Full Article
ge Bearing steel being excellent both in workability after spheroidizing-annealing and in hydrogen fatigue resistance property after quenching and tempering By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is bearing steel excellent in workability after spheroidizing-annealing and in hydrogen fatigue resistance property after quenching and tempering. The bearing steel has a chemical composition containing, by mass %: 0.85% to 1.10% C; 0.30% to 0.80% Si; 0.90% to 2.00% Mn; 0.025% or less P; 0.02% or less S; 0.05% or less Al; 1.8% to 2.5% Cr; 0.15% to 0.4% Mo; 0.0080% or less N; and 0.0020% or less O, which further contains more than 0.0015% to 0.0050% or less Sb, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, to thereby effectively suppress the generation of WEA even in environment where hydrogen penetrates into the steel, so as to improve the roiling contact fatigue life and also the workability such as cuttability and forgeability of the material. Full Article
ge Low alloy steel for geothermal power generation turbine rotor, and low alloy material for geothermal power generation turbine rotor and method for manufacturing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A low alloy steel ingot contains from 0.15 to 0.30% of C, from 0.03 to 0.2% of Si, from 0.5 to 2.0% of Mn, from 0.1 to 1.3% of Ni, from 1.5 to 3.5% of Cr, from 0.1 to 1.0% of Mo, and more than 0.15 to 0.35% of V, and optionally Ni, with a balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. Performing quality heat treatment including a quenching step and a tempering step to the low alloy steel ingot to obtain a material, which has a grain size number of from 3 to 7 and is free from pro-eutectoid ferrite in a metallographic structure thereof, and which has a tensile strength of from 760 to 860 MPa and a fracture appearance transition temperature of not higher than 40° C. Full Article
ge Interchangeable cases for biometric monitoring devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content. Full Article
ge Activity and storage bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An activity and storage bag is includes a central compartment for holding one or more removable objects. The central compartment has an inner surface that is water-resistant and an outer surface. The activity and storage bag further includes a wallet attached to the outer surface of the central compartment for storing wallet items. The wallet includes an external flap that folds out from and attaches back with an internal flap that is connected to the outer surface of the central compartment. The activity and storage bag further includes one or more side pockets attached to the outer surface of the central compartment adjacent to the wallet. Full Article
ge Accessory or fashion item that charges various electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A toteable or wearable fashion item configured to provide an electronic charge to a mobile electronic device. The device includes a battery comprising one USB port and one pin port and a pouch secured to the fashion device and containing the battery substantially concealed therein, the pouch defining at least one opening which facilitates access to the USB port and the pin port. Full Article
ge Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. Full Article
ge Image forming apparatus storing a stylus pen By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel receiving instructions from a user by touch operations, a stylus pen used to perform the touch operations, and a pen holder holding the stylus pen, the pen holder including an opening for insertion of the stylus pen from outside of the pen holder, and a storage section storing the stylus pen. The storage section includes a first hollow portion with a first bottom and a second hollow portion with a second bottom lower than the first bottom. The stylus pen is stored in the storage section by being inserted through the opening, proceeding along the first bottom to enter the second hollow portion, and slanting, upon a center of gravity of the stylus pen passing a boundary between the first bottom and the second bottom, so that a tip of the stylus pen points downwards. Full Article
ge Lighted signs for passenger vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lighted sign for a passenger vehicle includes a decal affixed to an exterior of a window and a lamp housing affixed to an interior surface of the vehicle window immediately opposite the decal. The lamp housing includes an electronics module that illuminates the decal only when the vehicle is moving and when there is insufficient exterior light to clearly see the exterior decal. The decal and design are removable and replaceable. Full Article
ge Illuminable panel frame assembly arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A four sided illuminable frame arrangement for the convenient display of a planar article, the frame arrangement comprising an elongated inner rail receivably connected to an elongated outer rail, the outer rail having an elongated cover rail hingedly connected thereto, the three rails comprising a multi-component assembly for each side of the four sided frame arrangement, the elongated inner rail allowing for fastener-free capture of a light-transparent panel having an L-shaped first side which supports an elongated arrangement of LEDs, the inner rail also having a mounting bracket channel on the rear side thereof, and a second alignment bracket channel disposed thereadjacent, the second alignment bracket channels having upstanding panel-support-flanges for even, peripheral support of the aforementioned light-transparent panel thereon. Full Article
ge Side edge cleaning methods and apparatus for thin film photovoltaic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate. Full Article
ge Staged compressor water wash system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A compressor wash system for compressor washing includes stages of fluid delivery lines coupled at one end to a pump output and at the other end to a corresponding nozzle set. A control valve is connected to the fluid delivery line between the pump and the nozzle set, selectively supplying fluid between the pump and the nozzle set. Each nozzle of a nozzle set is positioned on an inlet of the compressor to allow the stages to wash a portion of the compressor. Nozzle sets are positioned around a bellmouth assembly and/or around an inlet cone of the compressor inlet, with a nozzle spray tip of each nozzle extending into an inlet air flow path of the compressor. Fluid may be directed to one or more of the stages in a sequencing pattern determined and configured to wash the compressor. Templates and installation guides are utilized to position the nozzles. Full Article
ge Cleaning system having heated cleaning enclosure for cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility. Full Article
ge Dishwasher with booster agent dispersal system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack. Full Article
ge High performance low viscoelasticity foaming detergent compositions employing extended chain anionic surfactants By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention meets the needs above by providing a surfactant system, mixture or blend that can be used as a part of a soaking composition. The surfactant system is capable of forming emulsions with, and thus removing, oily and greasy stains. In a preferred embodiment the surfactant compositions of the invention can remove non-trans fat and fatty acid stains. The invention involves foaming soaking compositions that have some or part of the anionic surfactant present in the same replaced with an extended chain anionic surfactant. Full Article
ge Cleaning system for a beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents. Full Article
ge Stackable cartridges for bulk feeders By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder. Full Article
ge Low foam media cleaning detergent with nonionic surfactants By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A detergent for cleaning media is provided. The detergent comprises deionized water, between about 1% and about 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having an hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) value between about 10 and about 20, and an ethoxylation level between about 5 and about 20, between about 1% and about 5% by weight of a dispersing agent, between about 3% and about 10% by weight of a chelating agent comprising phosphonic acid, and between about 2% and about 6% by weight of an inorganic salt. Full Article
ge Splitting wedge By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A splitting wedge includes at least a wedge (1), an external sleeve (3), and a wedge sleeve (2). The wedge sleeve (2) and the external sleeve (3) are connected to one another by providing one with a flange (8, 10) and the other with a groove (7, 9), the flange (8, 10) and the groove (7, 9) being substantially perpendicular with respect to a direction of motion (B) of the wedge (1), and by arranging the flange (8, 10) in the groove (7, 9). Full Article
ge Gear grinding machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Provided is a gear grinding machine the maintainability of which can be improved and which is capable of being miniaturized. More specifically, provided is a gear grinding machine wherein a threaded grinding stone (17) and a workpiece (W) are engaged with each other and are rotated in this state, resulting in the workpiece (W) being ground, and wherein between a dressing position (P2) where the threaded grinding stone (17) can be dressed and a retreat position (P1) to which a retreat is made from the dressing position (P2) during grinding, a disk dresser (66) which, by being driven into rotation, dresses the threaded grinding stone (17) is swung about an axis (C2) which is parallel to an axis (C1) that is the rotational axis for the workpiece (W) and which intersects, at right angles, the direction in which the threaded grinding stone (17) is fed toward the workpiece (W). Full Article
ge Arrangement and method for flow control of molten metal in a continuous casting process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for a continuous casting process. The arrangement includes a vessel having a first opening for receiving molten metal in the vessel, a second opening for discharging the molten metal from the vessel, and a body extending between the first opening and the second opening, a first magnetic arrangement attached to the body, the first magnetic arrangement having a magnetic core with legs, and coils arranged around the legs, and a power system configured to provide an alternating current superimposed on a carrier current to each of the coils, each pair of alternating current and carrier current provided to a coil forming a flow control current, wherein flow control currents provided to adjacent coils are phase shifted relative each other, thereby creating a travelling magnetic field in molten metal in the vessel. A corresponding method is also presented herein. Full Article
ge Multi-stage sulfur removal system and process for a fuel system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The stream may then be processed through a sorbent bed to effectively remove the sulfur compounds. Full Article
ge Apparatus and methods for utilizing heat exchanger tubes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, the present techniques include a heat exchange apparatus including: a) a body comprising an interior cavity, the body including: a first surface and a second surface defining at least a portion of the body and the first surface positioned exterior with respect to the second surface and the interior cavity, and the second surface positioned exterior with respect to the interior cavity and interior with respect to the first surface; b) a first conduit for conveying a fluid to the body; c) a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit wherein the second conduit is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the body; and d) a joint between the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the joint moves between a first location and a second location based on the temperature within the interior cavity, wherein at least one of said first location and said second location is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface. Full Article
ge Intertwined tube coil arrangement for a delayed coker heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tube coil for a double fired coker heater wherein the tube coil has at least two independent flow passes in an intertwined serpentine pattern. The tubes are located in a common plane and plumbed in parallel with one another. These tube coils can be used in a number of configurations within the radiant section of a coker heater. Full Article
ge Two-stage hydroprocessing apparatus with common fractionation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Two-stage hydroprocessing uses a common dividing wall fractionator. Hydroprocessed effluents from both stages of hydroprocessing are fed to opposite sides of the dividing wall. Full Article