51results about How to "Minimizing overall energy required" patented technology

A resistive foil heater for a portable inhaler. A reservoir of vapor material, usually a fluid, has transport by the foil to directly heat the material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the material to the gas phase. The foil may have a dimpled plate shape, or box shape, a capillary or parallel plate shape.

A sash for windows and doors equipped with an anti-dewing hot wire is provided. A double-layered glass, which is included an indoor sheet of glass and an outdoor sheet of glass spaced from each other by a spacer and filled with a desiccant material is fixedly installed on a sash frame. The frame, which is formed with a hollow tube with a reception groove in one surface and the double-layered glass sealed with sealant, comprises the hot wire, for generating heat by means of supplied power, attached along an edge of an inner surface of the indoor sheet of glass, a through hole for passing an electric wire electrically connected to the hot wire, formed through a designated portion of the spacer located on the lower portions of the indoor and outdoor sheets of glass of the double-layered glass, and a controller, which is connected to the electric wire for controlling the output of a power supply unit for supplying a driving voltage to the hot wire according to a user's manipulation signal, located in the hollow of a lower frame member of the sash frame. The sash effectively prevents the edge and inner surface of the indoor sheet of glass from dewing, and improves thermal insulation effects.

The present invention is based on the realization that the carbon dioxide component of industrial gas streams also containing steam can be processed so to utilize either as latent and / or sensible heat the heat available from the steam component to assist in separating carbon dioxide from the remainder of the gas stream. For example, flue gases produced by power stations burning brown coal, black coal or natural gas inherently contain a useful amount of energy that can be harnessed according to the present invention. According to particular preferred forms of the invention, nitrogen and sulphur constituent such as SOx and NOx, H2S and other nitrogen containing compounds may also be removed from the gas stream through direct contact with the absorbing medium and used to produce by-products such as fertiliser material.

The present invention provides a fluorescence-based modeling method that is capable of capturing the dynamic changes of different membrane foulant fractions that occur in fluid filtration operations. Principal component analysis is utilized to de-convolute spectral information captured within fluorescence EEMs into principal component scores that are related to different known foulant groups. The principal component scores are then used as states within a system of differential equations representing approximate mass balances of the main foulant groups to obtain a dynamic forecasting of membrane fouling. Based on the fouling dynamics forecasted by this modeling method, an optimization strategy can be developed for estimating the optimal membrane back-washing scenario for minimizing energy consumption while maximizing clean fluid production.

Treated carbon-containing fly ash with reduced surfactant-adsorbing capacity is prepared by processing involving contacting the fly ash with ionized gas prepared from a humid gas feed, such as humid air. Treated fly ash with reduced ammonia content is prepared by processing involving contacting the fly ash with ionized gas prepared from a humid gas feed, such as humid air, or exposing the fly ash to microwave radiation or ultraviolet radiation.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling urinary incontinence. An implantable stimulator is utilised to apply stimulation to a sphincter or neosphincter about the urethra, in order to maintain coaptation of the urethra and urinary continence. Feedback is utilised in order to vary the level of stimulation applied to the sphincter in order to enable control over the sphincter. Control may be implemented by a user setting levels, by biofeedback, by a clinician.

Systems and methods of autonomously driving a vehicle to one or more locations, or repositioning the vehicle, to achieve optimal solar exposure are provided. Operating conditions of the vehicle, environmental conditions, as well as road conditions may be considered when determining whether or not to move, relocate, or reposition the vehicle to achieve optimal solar exposure. The optimal solar exposure is that which allows a power storage device of the vehicle to be charged to a desired state of charge. Additional considerations, such as the time needed to travel to a new location(s) and return from the location(s) in time for a next use of the vehicle, may be taken into account. Any energy expenditures that may result from traveling to / from the new location(s) may also be considered.

An automatic fluid sampler includes a substantially watertight housing and a structure for drawing fluid from outside the housing, wherein the fluid drawing structure is powered by stored potential energy within the housing. A method of automatic fluid sampling employs such samplers, and a fluid sampling system includes a plurality of interconnected samplers.

An electrode assembly is provided. The electrode assembly includes a proximal end that is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical instrument including a housing defining a longitudinal axis therethrough and an electrosurgical energy source. A distal end includes a cutting electrode having a loop configuration configured to cut tissue. The distal end includes a return electrode operably disposed adjacent the cutting electrode. A dielectric shield is operably disposed between the cutting electrode and return electrode. The dielectric shield extending distally past the cutting electrode to hinder current flow to the return electrode when the dielectric shield, cutting electrode and return electrode are submersed in a conductive solution and the cutting electrode is energized, thereby concentrating current density at the cutting electrode.

An access control system having an energy-saving optical presence sensor system is provided. The access control system includes a relatively lower operating power object presence sensor system for optically sensing the presence of a token as well in addition to a relatively higher operating power token reader for reading the token. The token reader remains unpowered until a token is detected by the object presence sensor system, which is preferably always powered. Once an object is detected by the object presence sensor system, power is supplied to the token reader and the token is read. After the token has been read, power ceases to be applied to the token reader, although the object presence sensor remains powered.

Apparatus and methods for selectively separating a volatile constituent of a particle from a gas stream for analysis. Particles are separated from bulk flow by inertia and impacted in a cavity containing a small but stable vortex or eddy. Heat is applied to volatilize constituents of the particles. The gas entrained within the vortex, which exchanges only slowly with the bulk flow, is withdrawn for analysis. In this way, a high volume flow containing particles of interest is reduced to a low volume flow containing a vapor concentrate. Advantageously, the apparatus may be operated at very low pressure drops in fully continuous, semi-continuous or batch mode according to the requirements of the downstream analytical unit. The apparatus finds use in active surveillance, such as in use of aerosols to detect explosives or chemical residues on persons, vehicles or luggage in real time.

Operations in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum are controlled by sensing infrared radiation on an outer surface of a cell chamber to determine an actual temperature. When the actual temperature is greater than a target temperature, a crust hole is repaired or the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is increased. When the actual temperature is less than a target temperature, the actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the cell is reduced.

The drawing press according to the invention includes a support structure for supporting a metal sheet holder which is part of a tool and supported on the press frame via the support structure. The metal sheet holder is assigned a plunger with a die tool, whereas the plunger is moved by means of a plunger drive which includes a blocking position. The blocking position is obtained, for example, by a drive which, in the locking position does not transmit any movement of the drive output to the driving servomotor. This can be achieved, for example, by an eccentric drive in the stretched position thereof. For performing the actual drawing stroke, the stamping tool is vertically movably supported. A carriage is raised or lowered by the press table by means of a table drive. As table drive, preferably a servomotor with a non-linear drive, such as an eccentric drive is used.

The present invention relates to a rotary steerable drilling apparatus which separates the drill string from the bottom hole assembly thereby allowing the biasing means to push the bit in a given direction without having to lift the drill string along with the bottom hole assembly.

Operations in a cell for electrolytic production of aluminum are controlled by establishing a standard rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to a molten electrolyte covered by a crust; establishing a target temperature for a duct carrying offgas from a chamber containing the molten electrolyte; measuring an actual temperature in the duct; and, in response to the actual temperature measurement in the duct, performing at least one of (1) when the actual temperature is greater than the target temperature, inspecting the crust for a crust hole and then repairing any observed crust hole, and (2) varying an actual rate of addition of aluminum fluoride to the electrolyte by increasing the actual rate above the standard rate when the actual temperature is greater than the target temperature and by reducing the actual rate below the standard rate when the actual temperature is less than the target temperature. Controlling operations in accordance with the invention improves cell energy efficiency.

An electric fence including a web of galvanized, high-tensile strength steel wires coupled to and between a pair of posts, the web including a plurality of substantially horizontally extending wires arranged substantially parallel to one another, and a plurality of substantially vertically extending wires arranged substantially parallel to one another and extending to and between each of the horizontally extending wires to form a plurality of wire rectangles, each rectangle having a desired size.

A system and method for treating unmarketable fly ash and improve its properties as an additive for concrete is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a gas stream containing ionized air, and an amount of fly ash containing carbon having all adsorption capacity. The fly ash is then exposed to the gas stream to expose the carbon to the ionized air to promote the attachment of the ions to the carbon to reduce the adsorption capacity of the carbon.

In a process for producing a particulate polysaccharide derivative by dry-grinding a moist polysaccharide derivative, one or more of the properties selected from median diameter, median length, bulk density and dissolution rate is controlled by controlling the temperature of the polysaccharide derivative prior to dry-grinding. Advantageously one or more of the properties selected from median diameter, median length, bulk density and dissolution rate of the particles after dry-grinding is adjusted to a first value by a first temperature of the polysaccharide derivative prior to dry-grinding and is adjusted to a second value by a second temperature.

A charging device for an electric vehicle, which charging device can be protected against unauthorized access in a particularly reliable manner. The charging device for an electric vehicle has a bolt for locking a connection between the charging device and a further charging device. If the charging device is mechanically connected to a further charging device for charging purposes, this mechanical connection is then locked by a corresponding end of the bolt being moved into a retaining opening in the further charging device. A retaining opening of this kind can, for example, be damaged by a broken web which serves for locking such that locking is no longer possible. Therefore, a device is provided which can prevent movement of the bolt in the direction of a locking position when the retaining opening is damaged in this way. A locking arrangement which is damaged in the above manner therefore fundamentally does not remain unnoticed. Charging therefore preferably requires sufficiently undamaged, correct locking of the two charging devices involved.

A system and method for treating unmarketable fly ash and improve its properties as an additive for concrete is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a gas stream containing ionized air through a plasma reactor and exposing an amount of fly ash containing carbon to the ionized air while in the reactor. The exposure of the carbon to the ionized air promotes the attachment of the ions to the carbon to reduce the adsorption capacity of the carbon.

A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, an automatic transmission. The drive train also having a clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a clutch or a torque converter between the electric motor and the automatic transmission. This arrangement enabling the internal combustion engine to be started by engaging the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, when the drive train is powered exclusively by the electric motor. The braking power, generated during an upshift in response to a drop in the rotational speed of the drive train components, is used to start the internal combustion engine, such that the energy required from the electric motor for starting the combustion engine is minimized.

A resistive foil heater for a portable inhaler. A reservoir of vapor material, usually a fluid, has transport by the foil to directly heat the material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the material to the gas phase. The foil may have a dimpled plate shape, or box shape, a capillary or parallel plate shape.

An electric fence including a web of galvanized, high-tensile strength steel wires coupled to and between a pair of posts, the web including a plurality of substantially horizontally extending wires arranged substantially parallel to one another, and a plurality of substantially vertically extending wires arranged substantially parallel to one another and extending to and between each of the horizontally extending wires to form a plurality of wire rectangles, each rectangle having a desired size. The construction and arrangement of the web enables the web to be energized using less energy than conventional fencing.

A control method and apparatus for startup of turbocompressors to avoid overpowering a driver of the turbocompressor. In a first embodiment, the control system monitors input signals from transmitters of various control inputs. When the input signals exceed threshold values, the control system begins to close the antisurge valve. In a second embodiment, the antisurge valve begins to close after a predetermined time measured from the time startup is initiated. In both embodiments, the antisurge valve continues to ramp closed until the compressor has reached its operating zone, or until the compressor's operating point reaches a surge control line, at which point the antisurge valve is manipulated to keep the compressor from surging.

The invention relates to a method of transmitting a data unit over a plurality of transmission paths of a wireless communication system that is adapted to minimize bandwidth usage and energy consumption while maintaining transmission robustness. A method of transmitting K data blocks of a data unit comprises the steps of encoding the data unit into an encoded data unit comprising N encoded blocks, with N>K, using an error correction code having a minimum distance d; and transmitting the N blocks of the encoded data unit over a set of NP transmission paths, where NP≧2, wherein at least N−d+1 different encoded blocks are transmitted over at least one subset of NP−M transmission paths, where M is representative of the number of transmission paths that can be blocked without preventing the receiver from recovering the K data blocks of the data unit.