150results about How to "Big economy" patented technology

A two-mode, compound-split, electra-mechanical transmission utilizes an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor / generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage device, the first motor / generator and the second motor / generator. The transmission employs three planetary gear sets. Each planetary gear arrangement utilizes first, second and third gear members. Moreover, one gear member of the first or second planetary gear set is operatively connected to the input member, and one gear member of the third planetary gear set is selectively connected to ground. A lock-up clutch selectively locks two of the planetary gear sets in a 1:1 ratio.

A system and method for connecting an insured to an insurer using a mobile device in order to provide insurance services. The mobile device, which is associated with the insured, includes a mobile insurance module that is in communication with a server insurance module of a server, which is associated with the insurer. Together, the mobile insurance module and the server insurance module establish a communication channel with the insurer over which insurance services (e.g., requesting a quote, buying a policy, filing a claim and reviewing account information) are provided. The communication channel leverages the technological capabilities of the mobile device, such as a smart phone, to deliver data in a fast, efficient and integrated manner having robust functionalities.

A unitized cast system for immobilizing and supporting a body part. The unitized casting system includes a first inner layer for padding and dissipating heat against the patient's skin. A second layer is formed from a thermoformable structural material such as perforated plastic. A protective third outer layer is provided to provide insulation for the second layer. These three layers are formed together to form a unitized cast system that is easily formed and applied to the patient.

A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizes an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor / generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage device, the first motor / generator and the second motor / generator. The transmission employs three planetary gear sets. Each planetary gear arrangement utilizes first, second and third gear members. At least one of the gear members in the first or second planetary gear sets is connected to the first motor / generator. Another gear member in the second and third planetary gear arrangement is connected to the second motor / generator. One of the gear members of the first or second planetary gear sets is continuously connected to one of the gear members in the third planetary gear set. Another gear member of the first or second planetary gear set is operatively connected to the input member, and one gear member of the third planetary gear set is selectively connected to ground. A lock-up clutch selectively locks two of the planetary gear sets in a 1:1 ratio.

Tracking forms allow tracking of the completion status and implemented quality standards of a building construction project. A tracking form is prepared for one or more tasks requiring completion at the construction site. Each task is assigned two components on its tracking form: a quality control indicator form, which contains one or more quality control indicators indicating whether certain quality standards are met; and a completion indicator, which indicates the completion status of a task. The completion status may be a discrete binary value, or may instead be a continuous value. Preferably, the workers performing the tasks complete each task's quality control indicator form and completion indicator during design and construction as milestones relating to the task are completed, or at the end of some predetermined time period. The completion indicators relating to the tasks are logged so that the completion status of the project may be monitored, and the information recorded on the quality control indicator forms may be sampled and checked to verify that construction quality standards are being met.

An electromechanical assembly for a series of guns used in the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is a cylindrical housing having a charge-carrier loaded with explosive charges in contact with a detonating cord which contacts an electronically activated detonator. The guns are joined by intermediary joints and terminate in a bottom sub on its lower end and a firing head at its upper end. The charge-carrier of each gun is detonated, beginning with the bottommost gun. Insulating end plates are on the lower and upper ends of the carrier for centering and anchoring the charge-carriers. An electrical wire runs from a retractable contact pin in each carrier, through the intermediary joint which has a changeover switch sensitive to the high pressures produced by the explosion in the carrier located in the gun immediately beneath it, rupturing a mechanical fuse and allowing the switch to close.

A method of halogenating coal prior to combustion, wherein the coal is treated with a halogen prior to pulverization and the pulverized halogenated coal is delivered to a burner as fuel for a combustion process.

Electromechanical assembly for connecting a series of guns used in the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun has a cylindrical housing for a charge-carrier loaded with explosive shaped-charges set in radial fashion. The charges are in contact with a detonating cord that is in contact with an electronically activated detonator. The series of guns are joined firmly by intermediary joints and terminate in a bottom sub on its lower extreme, where the series is initiated by a firing head which is connected to the surface with an electrical connection. It is possible to detonate the charge-carrier of each gun, beginning with the bottommost gun that remains active.

The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion containing a dispersant and a disperse phase containing a hydrophobic material, the dispersant comprising an anionic compound having a molecular weight less than 50,000 and being selected from the group consisting of carbon-containing compounds and silicon-containing compounds, and a cationic organic compound having a molecular weight less than 50,000. The invention further relates to the preparation and use of the dispersion in the production of paper. The invention also relates to a substantially water-free composition containing a hydrophobic material, an anionic compound having a molecular weight less than 50,000 and being selected from carbon-containing compounds and silicon-containing compounds, and a cationic organic compound having a molecular weight less than 50,000, as well as it use in the preparation of an aqueous dispersion.

A fluid flow control device includes a housing having a fluid inlet (7) and at least one fluid outlet (8). A first fluid flow restrictor (1) serves as an inflow port to a chamber (B) in the housing, and a second fluid flow restrictor (2) serves as an outflow port from the chamber (B). The first fluid flow restrictor and the second fluid flow restrictor are configured to generate different fluid flow characteristics; and the chamber (B) includes an actuating device (5a-1) that is responsive to fluid pressure changes (ΔP2) in the chamber. The first fluid flow restrictor (1) and the second fluid flow restrictor (2) are configured to impose respective different fluid flow characteristics based on different fluid properties.

A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with a drilling fluid that forms a filter cake that includes emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a fragmentation agent; and an amphoteric chemotrope; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the filter cake is disclosed.

The invention discloses a method of converting carbon dioxide to methanol and / or dimethyl ether using any methane source or natural gas consisting of a combination of steam and dry reforming, in a specific ratio to produce a 2:1 molar ratio of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with subsequent conversion of the CO and H2 mixture exclusively to methanol and / or dimethyl ether. This method is termed the BI-REFORMING™ process. Dehydrating formed methanol allows producing dimethyl ether (DME) using any suitable catalytic method, including use of solid acid catalysts. When recycling formed water into the bi-reforming step the conversion of carbon dioxide with methane produces exclusively dimethyl ether without any by-product formation and complete utilization of hydrogen

A multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure comprising a plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies respectively located on a plurality of structure levels through which a central air shaft extends vertically. Each assembly comprises a rotary platform surrounding the shaft that is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation extending through the shaft. In one embodiment, at least two oppositely directed vehicle elevators vertically and separately displaceable in the shaft have respective, substantially parallel, base centre lines that are off-radial with respect to the axis of rotation. Each rotary platform has a plurality of parking spaces arranged in circular array with respect to the axis of rotation and having respective base centre lines off-radially inclined in the same sense with respect to the axis of rotation Each rotatable platform is rotatably displaceable so as to bring any selected pair of opposite parking spaces into respective communication with the elevators with the central base lines of the elevators being co-directional with the central base lines of the selected parking spaces. The structure further comprises at least one vehicle entry and exit level for selective communication with the elevators for transfer thereto and therefrom of vehicles to be parked and to be retrieved. Motorised dollies transport vehicles between the elevators and the parking spaces on the stationary platform.

A method, computer program and system for consuming reusable software assets, said assets being described with elements and attributes, said assets containing at least one variable element (VPs) themselves containing at least one variant. The user executes a program on a computer by first choosing the asset to be consumed. A decision tree corresponding to the asset is traversed, each decision point corresponding to a variable element. The decision point is processed by asking the user inputs to modify the variants of the corresponding variable elements. The modified variable elements are stored. The dependency of the decision point is indicated by a dependency attribute in the variable element.The program can stop at the initiative of the user or when the decision tree is completely traversed. When the decision tree has been partially traversed, the program can be restart after the last decision point processed starting from the partially modified corresponding variable element.

A dielectric barrier discharge plasma generator includes a dielectric chamber. The chamber contains or incorporates a solid surface that is to be treated with non-thermal plasma. The dielectric chamber can be substantially sealed and confine an atmosphere therein. An atmosphere control system is provided for controlling the atmosphere within the chamber. At least one or two electrodes are located outside of the dielectric chamber. When actuated by an appropriate source of plasma generating electrical power the electrodes cause the generation of a solid surface modifying non-thermal plasma in a plasma zone within the dielectric chamber. A transport system is provided for moving the electrode and the dielectric chamber relative to one another. A plasma zone is confined within the dielectric chamber adjacent to the electrodes, and remains substantially stationary relative to the electrodes. The dielectric chamber carries the solid surface through the plasma zone. The solid surface remains substantially stationary relative to the dielectric chamber.

The present invention relates to a thin-film solar cell and a fabrication method thereof, the solar cell having a structure that a glass substrate, a transparent conductive oxide, a multi-junction solar cell layer and an electrode layer are stacked, wherein a first solar cell layer and a second solar cell layer, which are in a multi-junction, are electrically connected with each other in parallel, and one or more unit cells connected in parallel are grouped to be electrically connected with each other in series. According to the present invention, a thin-film solar cell having a unit cell in a structure that two solar cell layers having different characteristics are connected with each other in parallel, and having a structure that several unit cells are connected with each other in series, can achieve higher output and efficiency than a thin-film solar cell having a structure that several solar cell layers are connected in series.

Facilitating the purchase and sale of private data between anonymous entities based on the use of encryption and a centralized on-line entity to exchange the private data in a secure environment. The seeker of private data, such as consumer information, transmits an encrypted query to the centralized exchange entity. The query submission includes legal representations stating the legally permissible purpose for seeking the information. The centralized exchange entity compares the encrypted query to an encrypted data index collected from at least one data provider, to determine if the query matches any private data held by a data provider. The comparison is conducted within a secure, search component to ensure the privacy of all data and all parties to the transaction. The exchange entity facilitates the anonymous exchange between the data purchaser and the data provider. A payment invoice can be generated and electronically presented by maintainer. The payment may be electronically debited from the designated account of a data purchaser and remitted to a data provider. In addition, a portion of such funds may be retained by the centralized exchange entity.

An automatic transmission ratio shift and shift feel control system and method for a powertrain having an engine, multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an output shaft torque sensor producing a signal representing the magnitude of current output torque, an electronic controller for controlling the target output torque based on the current output torque, increasing the torque capacity of the oncoming friction element and decreasing the torque capacity of the offgoing friction element after a gear ratio change is initiated. During the inertia phase of the ratio change, the controller controls the engine speed to follow a predetermined rate of change of input speed. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine torque control and closed loop engine speed control at various phases of the gear shift, to improve shift feel. Various engine parameters, including throttle position, ignition timing, engine air-fuel ratio, and engine airflow, control engine torque and speed, are used to control input torque or input speed, depending upon the shift phase.

A method implemented by computer for optimizing the cruising trajectory of an aircraft comprises the steps consisting in receiving the parameters of a reference trajectory, the trajectory comprising one or more plateaus and the transitions between these plateaus, the transitions being ascending or descending; and determining, in response to a request received in the course of the flight, at least one candidate alternative trajectory; and determining one or more indicators associated with the candidate alternative trajectory such as determined. Developments comprise the optional display of at least one indicator, indicators associated with the fuel consumption, with a difference in flight time or with the operational cost of the flight of the aircraft, the use of ratios of indicators, the inhibition of descending transitions, particular plateau length transitions as well as economical modes of transition. System aspects are described, comprising avionic or non-avionic means.

A buyer (110) wishes to use a payment instrument as part of an online commerce transaction with a seller (120) and it is desired to authenticate that the buyer (110) has authority to use the payment instrument. A separate authentication service (130) determines whether the buyer (110) has access to certain secret information without revealing the secret information to the seller (120). Access to the secret information would verify that the buyer (110) has authority to use the payment instrument. The authentication service (130) informs the seller (120) whether the buyer (110) is authorized to use the payment instrument.

A system and method for controlling a matrix of light emitting diodes (LED) connected to an input line comprises a power converter for connecting to the matrix of LEDs and to the input line therebetween and for receiving from the input line an input current and an input voltage characterized by a shape and a frequency and for providing a direct current (D.C.) output for powering up the LEDs, yielding an operating current through the LEDs. The power converter includes a first current sensor for sensing the input current and a second current sensor for sensing the operating current. The system further comprises a controller for connecting to both the input line and to the power converter. The controller includes a voltage sensor for sensing the input voltage and a pre-regulator i) for receiving the operating current, the input current and the input voltage, ii) for biasing the operating current towards a target current value, and iii) for regulating the power converter to cause the input current to follow the shape and frequency of the input voltage, yielding a unity power factor and minimizing the input current harmonic distortion. The present method and system allows maximizing the energy savings, controlling current flowing in the diodes so as to obtain the maximum flux of light with the minimum energy and also allows meeting all safety, EMI, reliability and robustness requirements.

According to the present invention a pump is driven by one or more wheels of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle during braking. The inertial energy of the vehicle powers the pump during braking of the vehicle, and the pump pumps a hydraulic liquid into an hydraulic accumulator that stores the fluid at its elevated pressure. When additional power is required by the vehicle, the liquid is released into a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the exhaust gas of the engine to the liquid causing at least a portion of the liquid to become gaseous. The heated fluid is then fed into an expander that generates shaft power by expanding the pressurized and heated gaseous and / or liquid fluid mixture. The preferred embodiment of the present invention operates under the Rankine cycle or steam engine cycle where the liquid compression function is performed using power from regenerative braking, and the liquid heating and vaporization function is performed using exhaust gas waste heat. The present invention shows potential for more than tripling the regenerative braking power of hydraulic hybrid vehicles, thereby providing a large improvement in vehicle fuel economy.

A filter coalescer element for oil based industrial fuels includes a rigid, porous support tube, and a hydrophobic drainage layer covering the outer surface of the same. A single phase, dual function combination water coalescer and particle filter pleat block is positioned in the support tube, and is formed from a multilayer material having a first porous support layer, a synthetic microfiber layer, a synthetic fiber media layer and a second porous support layer. As the fluid passes through the pleat block, solid particles are physically filtered therefrom, and water is coalesced into droplets which pass from the pleats directly through the support tube and directly into the drainage layer, where the droplets grow into a size sufficient that they fall under gravity to the bottom of the element for collection.

Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.